Automation Technician - Lakeland Dairies Newtownards, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (On-site) Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited (The Group) is the second largest dairy processor on the island of Ireland. The business is complex and ambitious with a milk supply pool of 2 billion litres of milk, drawn from over 3,200 family farms across 16 counties. With the most modern dairy manufacturing facilities in 8 locations on a cross-border basis, the Group supplies to a broad customer base including some of the worlds foremost blue chip companies across the dairy food ingredients, foodservice and consumer food channels on a domestic Ireland, UK, European and global basis. Internationally we export some 240 different products to over 100 countries worldwide. The Groups Agribusiness Division (Lakeland Agri) operates a state-of-the-art Animal Feed Manufacturing Facility and is a leading and innovative provider of the highest quality feeds and agricultural inputs to dairy, beef, and sheep farmers across the north and south of Ireland. Applications are invited for the position of Automation Technician that will be based at our Newtownards site. The Role Forming part of a new and exciting team, the successful applicant for this key technical role will be responsible for providing day-to-day operational support to our onsite engineering team for any automation related issues. Our new Automation Technician will play a key role in site calibration management and the maintenance of process instrumentation as well as delivering on improvement projects and supporting in the delivery of key performance targets for machine efficiency in line with site standard operating procedures. This hands-on, rewarding opportunity will have key responsibilities including (Not limited to): Implementation and actioning of required automation related improvement projects, including capital projects, small projects and obsolescence management. Provide operational support to the onsite engineering team with automation issues arising from unplanned and planned downtime, including root cause analysis and prevention. Responsibility for Automation component of Electrical Preventative Maintenance procedures. Management of instrumentation calibration; ensuring completion and audit compliance. Identifying machine improvements in conjunction with original equipment manufacturers recommendations, co-ordinate design modifications and complete installation work. Provide and facilitate automation upskilling of the existing maintenance team. The Person Our team are seeking a technical minded individual that possesses a recognised time served Level 3 Mechatronic apprenticeship (or electrical engineering equivalent), substantial experience of working with PLCs industrial control systems and who has knowledge of Siemens platforms and the ability to read electrical schematics. Furthermore, experience in fault diagnosis on complex machinery, fieldbus systems and possessing a systematic approach to problem solving are other key components the successful candidate will require. An HNC/HND in electrical engineering and/or experience of managing contractors would be advantageous. If you have the necessary skills and attributes to meet this exciting opportunity in a dynamic, high volume and fast-moving business, we would be delighted to hear from you. Application Process: To apply or for further information, please send a copy of your CV by email to Glen Young (.) Closing date is midday on Monday 3rd February 2025. Please note shortlisted applicants will be required to take an onsite technical assessment as part of the selection process Lakeland Dairies Ltd is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every employee feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us at Benefits: bonus pension free parking cycle to work scheme