Lead Engineer (Automation) reference: 1192057901

Unlock Your Potential as a Lead Automation Engineer with Bilfinger UK

Are you an experienced Automation Engineer ready to take on a leadership role that blends technical mastery with strategic project delivery across diverse, critical industries? Bilfinger UK, a powerhouse in engineering and maintenance, is seeking a Lead Engineer (Automation) to join their dynamic team in Chesterfield. This opportunity is not just a job; it's a strategic move for your career, offering unparalleled exposure and growth within a leading global organization.

Advantages for Aspiring Leaders

• Broad Industry Impact: Bilfinger UK operates across a staggering array of sectors, including Nuclear, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage, Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, Energy/Renewables, Data Centres, and Utilities. As a Lead Engineer, you'll contribute to vital infrastructure, gaining invaluable experience that spans multiple critical industries. This diversity ensures your work remains engaging and your skill set continuously expands, providing robust career resilience and varied challenges.
• Pioneering Technology & Innovation: Step into an environment where cutting-edge automation technologies are the norm. You'll be working with industry-leading platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider, AVEVA, and Ignition. The scope includes advanced solutions like PLC, HMI, SCADA, MES, Batch, Functional Safety, OT Cyber Security, and Industry 4.0. This role is a prime opportunity to be at the forefront of industrial automation development and implementation.
• Significant Leadership & Ownership: This position places you at the helm of project technical delivery. You'll be responsible for motivating and supervising project engineering teams, taking full ownership of successful technical outcomes, and managing scope, budget, and timelines. Beyond technical oversight, you'll act as a key client interface, deputising for the Project Manager when required, and guiding projects from initial concept through to site commissioning.
• Robust Career Development: Bilfinger UK is committed to fostering talent. This role offers clear pathways for professional growth, including active participation in training planning, mentoring junior engineers, and supporting you on your journey towards Chartered Engineer status or professional registration. You'll also have opportunities to prototype new technologies and drive standardization.
• Part of a Reputable Global Player: Joining Bilfinger UK means becoming part of an organization with extensive experience, a large, highly competent workforce of over 4,500 employees, and a strong commitment to safety, compliance, and quality. You'll benefit from a structured environment that values excellence and continuous improvement, offering stability and professional prestige.

Key Considerations for Candidates

• Holistic Project Lifecycle Expertise: Success in this role demands comprehensive experience across the entire project lifecycle – from system specification and detailed design to development, testing, and on-site commissioning. A strong hands-on background in PLC and SCADA systems, coupled with an appreciation for control panels, electrical installation, and instrumentation, is essential for guiding your team effectively.
• Strong Leadership & Collaborative Skills: While technical prowess is paramount, your ability to motivate a team, allocate tasks effectively, monitor progress, and provide clear guidance is crucial. You'll work hand-in-hand with Project Managers, requiring excellent communication, a proactive approach, and a collaborative spirit to ensure smooth project progression.
• Adaptability & Continuous Learning: The desirable skills list is broad, encompassing emerging technologies like MQTT, IoT, OT Cyber Security, virtualised platforms, and various programming languages. This indicates a culture of innovation and a need for engineers who are eager to learn, adapt quickly to new challenges, and contribute to cutting-edge solutions.
• Problem-Solving & Strategic Thinking: Identifying project opportunities and variations, supporting risk management, driving standardisation, and creating reusable modules are key activities. Candidates should demonstrate a proactive, strategic mindset towards identifying efficiencies, mitigating challenges, and contributing to overall project delivery strategy.

Guiding Your Career Path

This Lead Engineer (Automation) role is perfectly suited for an ambitious professional who has honed their technical skills and is ready to step up into a position with significant responsibility and influence. It offers a unique platform to not only deepen your technical expertise in a multitude of systems and industries but also to cultivate vital leadership, project management, and client-facing skills. If you aspire to lead complex automation projects, mentor a talented team, and shape the future of industrial technology across diverse and critical sectors, this opportunity with Bilfinger UK presents a compelling and rewarding career trajectory.