Automation Engineer

Wood is currently recruiting for an Automation Engineer to support one of our high-profile clients based on site in Ware, Hertfordshire a fixed term staff contract basis.

This is a site-based position, working at the client's operating facility.

“Please note that all employment is subject to completion of mandatory pre-employment screening checks relevant to this role”

The Role

We are seeking to hear from individuals who have engineering experience within Automation and Controls projects, who are driven by solving complex technical challenges for our clients.

As an experienced Automation Engineer, support for the project to conduct automation decommissioning activities that are laid out in a thorough Automation checklist document to guide activities and in line with oversight from Automation team and relevant engineering technical authorities:

What we can offer

• Meaningful and interesting projects delivered to leaders of industry across renewables and emerging energy sectors
• Flexible working arrangements that balance client, team and individual needs offering hybrid and remote working where relevant –
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion; we are an organisation actively committed to diversity and inclusion across our business with employee networks committed to giving all employees a voice
• Competitive salary with regular salary reviews to ensure we are rewarding at the right level in line with the market
• Flexible benefits package; inclusive of 33 days annual leave (including public holidays), generous contributory pension scheme, private medical cover, 4x base salary life insurance; all of these and more that can be adapted to suit your own lifestyle
• Commitment to continued professional development; development plans that are tailored to your individual needs and interests

Wood, and our client, are committed to maintaining the highest standards of Data Security and Protection. Candidates applying for this role will be expected to demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding confidential information at all times.

The key objectives for this role are:

• Identify systems and subsystems with automation or control elements such as PLCs, HMIs, SCADA nodes, and networked instruments that require decommissioning
• Define boundaries and interfaces with systems that remain operational, including shared cabinets, networks, or interlocks
• Determine system dependencies and plan modifications needed to maintain the integrity of adjacent systems
• Participate in the site’s change management process, ensuring automation tasks are risk-assessed and tracked
• Own and execute assigned automation tasks marking changes within records, maintaining full traceability from start to finish
• Verify all prerequisites are met and assess potential impacts on other systems before initiating any modifications
• Confirm device software and configurations against approved backups, take final backups, and archive them in compliance with data integrity policies
• Perform controlled software or configuration changes to decouple equipment, documenting all updates under approved change control
• Execute automation and control system decommissioning pre‑requisites for GxP and non‑GxP equipment, ensuring data integrity and regulatory compliance
• Manage decommissioning of pharmaceutical production equipment, ancillary support systems, and facility plants (excluding HVAC/BMS), along with automated material handling systems
• Coordinate with site engineering teams to verify dependencies, complete backups/configuration checks, and document all activities in line with site procedures

What makes you remarkable?

At Wood, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world’s most critical challenges.

Expected:

• Degree in an appropriate discipline of Engineering or IT or HNC/D in an appropriate discipline
• Previous site experience, working in an operational environment
• Previous experience and competency in Automation and Control Engineering
• Previous experience in writing or modifying software
• Experience of implementing system modifications or modpacks
• A sound understanding of engineering practices, methodologies and economic principles, calculation methods, design details, international codes and standards, procedures, and specifications