Automation, systems and robotics recruitment focuses on hiring engineers and technical specialists who design, implement and maintain industrial automation systems across manufacturing plants, production lines and operational facilities.
This includes factory automation, conveyor and material handling systems, control systems, PLC and SCADA environments, industrial robotics, machine vision, and the integration of hardware and software into modern manufacturing operations.
Demand for industrial automation and robotics talent across the UK and Europe continues to outpace supply. Manufacturers are investing heavily in automation to improve productivity, increase throughput, reduce downtime and address long-term labour shortages.
Organisations increasingly seek engineers with hands-on experience in factory environments, production systems and equipment integration, rather than purely office-based design roles.
Competition is strongest for senior automation engineers, robotics specialists and systems leads who have delivered live manufacturing projects and understand real-world operational constraints.
Automation Engineer
Controls Engineer
PLC Engineer
SCADA Engineer
BMS Engineer
Robotics Engineer
Robot Programmer
Robotics Software Engineer
Autonomous Systems Engineer
Systems Engineer
Systems Integrator
Industrial Software Engineer
OT/IT Integration Engineer
Automation Manager
Engineering Manager
Head of Automation
Technical Director
our insights
Most experienced industrial automation and robotics professionals across the UK and Europe are already employed within manufacturing plants, OEMs and system integrators, and are rarely active on job boards.
Many candidates come from production environments such as automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics and FMCG, and bring strong practical experience in commissioning, maintenance and continuous improvement.
Successful hiring strategies focus on proactive search, technical credibility and an understanding of how automation operates in real factory settings.
Transferable skills are common, with engineers moving between sectors such as automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, logistics, energy and food manufacturing.
Successful hiring strategies focus on proactive search, technical credibility and long-term relationship building.
our insights
Automation recruitment covers the hiring of engineers and technical specialists for factory and manufacturing environments, including production line automation, conveyor systems, industrial robotics, PLC and SCADA systems, and material handling.
Industries such as automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, electronics, packaging, logistics and heavy manufacturing commonly hire automation and robotics engineers to design, operate and maintain automated production systems.
No. Automation recruitment in manufacturing focuses on physical systems and machinery, such as robots, control systems and production equipment. Software or IT automation refers to business process or digital automation and is a separate discipline.
High-demand skills include PLC and SCADA programming, robotics integration, electrical controls, machine vision, safety systems, commissioning and troubleshooting within live manufacturing environments.
Yes. Many automation and robotics roles require on-site presence, especially during installation, commissioning and optimisation of production systems within factories and manufacturing plants.
Hiring experienced automation engineers is often challenging due to limited supply, long notice periods and high competition between manufacturers and system integrators.
Yes. We support recruitment for both system integrators delivering automation projects and end-user manufacturers operating and maintaining automated production systems.
Yes. We support confidential recruitment for senior engineering and leadership positions, including automation managers, technical leads and head of engineering roles.
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