Project Engineer (controls & automation)

Job Description

Job Description:

Project Engineer (controls & automation)

Location: Plymouth, UK or Slough, UK (on-site full-time)

Salary: £55,000 - £63,000 (depending on the experience), annual bonus, benefits

This role plays a key part in the development and delivery of capital investments across sites in the cluster, in accordance with Mars Asset Change Management processes and Mars Engineering & Technology Standards. The role provides technical expertise and leadership to multi-disciplinary teams delivering a portfolio of engineering projects, which may include controls, automation, electrical, digital manufacturing, process, packaging, utilities, and broader facilities or infrastructure scopes.

What are we looking for?

Technical & Professional Knowledge

• 3-5 years of engineering/technical experience

• Strong technical background in automation, controls, electrical systems, or digital manufacturing, with the ability to work across adjacent disciplines.

• Experience with PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, electrical systems or manufacturing digital solutions (MES, data integration, analytics) is highly desirable.

• Understanding of machinery safety standards (ISO), regulatory requirements, electrical codes & standards, e.g., ISO type-C safety standards for AGVs, Robots & Packaging equipment.

• Working knowledge of safety, food safety, and regulatory requirements in manufacturing environments.

• Understanding of relevant business processes (EWP, financials, procurement, vendor management).

Experience

• Delivery of capital projects with significant technology, automation, or electrical content within live manufacturing environments.

• Budget management and cost control.

• Management of system integrators, electrical contractors, and technology vendors.

• Ability to apply known technologies independently while working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

• Budget management & Procurement awareness.

• Applying known technologies independently.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Deliver the projects based on the Mars Project Management (EWP) curriculum, from providing technical scoping with internal customers and business stakeholders, through design, to project closure.

• Expected to deliver all projects in a timely manner, within the business scope, budget, and quality.

• Lead or significantly contribute to projects with a strong automation, controls, electrical, or digital manufacturing content (e.g., PLC/HMI upgrades, MES, data integration, network infrastructure, LV electrical systems, automation of manual processes).

• Depending on complexity and CAB budget, this position could lead the technical functional pillar or be the overall engineering project leader, leading, engaging & motivating multi-disciplinary teams.

• Responsible for the integration of human safety, Q&FS , and environment CSFs into technical solutions, as well as all other relevant legal obligations, during installation and execution of the asset project. This is achieved by applying the PRP (Project Review Process), TRM (Technical Risk Management) & Mars Inc. Construction Playbook requirements.

• Develop, supervise, and direct contractors, system integrators, OEMs, and vendors delivering automation, electrical, and digital scopes.

• Manages the project capital and expenses budgets and timely Invoicing In accordance with Mars policies.

• Apply global and regional engineering standards and local legal requirements, particularly relating to electrical safety, machinery safety, and control systems.

• As a functional expert, provide guidance and technical input to sites and other functions in automation, controls, electrical or digital technologies.

• Maintain awareness of industry trends in automation, digital manufacturing, data, robotics, and smart factory solutions.

• Participate in relevant Regional Communities of Practice and support the deployment and continuous improvement of engineering and automation standards across the cluster.

• Through liaison with the sites in the cluster, provides input to the relevant Regional forums on global standards to review and improve, support implementation of standards in the cluster.

• Solid reporting line to the Regional Engineering Manager, and may have a dotted line to the overall project manager/steering team depending on role in the project.

• Strong collaboration within all levels of Engineering (global, regional, local) and other functional leaders in a project (CVS, Product, Portfolio, IT, Cyber Security, etc.).

• This role may require, depending on the projects in the cluster, a level of mobility that can represent an average of 50% throughout the year. This can include weeks/periods with a higher travel percentage, for example, during the CVS phase, but also weeks/periods with a lower to zero travel impact.

• Minimum travel will be required for such activities as personal development, team meetings & technology share. The project work will depend on the Centre of gravity of the CAB spend, therefore it is to be expected that travel may include overnight stays, the number of which will be defined by the project.

• Work across Factories within the cluster.

• Project lead /Engineering Pillar lead of multiple teams and cross-functional teams.

• Site Plant Team, REG Dirs, GTEs & OEMs as key stakeholders.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.

• Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here.

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