Automation Engineer
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This job is eligible only on a shortage list
Pro only
Salary
Pro sees the advertised pay
£41,700
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 5223 (85% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £41,700, and PREMIER FOODS PLC is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2125 (Production and process engineers, Professional automation engineer role with CI and optimisation focus) or SOC 3113 (Engineering technicians, Support role assisting engineering teams with maintenance). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters Most likely code | £33,400 Clears | £41,700 Clears | £41,700 Clears | £41,700 Clears |
2125 Production and process engineers Also possible | £33,400 Clears | £36,000 Clears | £40,500 Clears | £45,000 Clears |
3113 Engineering technicians Also possible | £33,400 Clears | £34,000 Clears | £38,300 Clears | £42,500 Clears |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Based in Carlton, Barnsley, S71 3HF - The home of Mr Kipling
Salary - Circa £60,000 per annum (including 20% Shift Premium)
Permanent, Full time (Monday - Friday Rotating Days & Afters)
Closing date for applications - 31st May 2026
A full time, permanent opportunity has arisen at our Barnsley site for an Automation Engineer to join the team. You will be a fully engaged team member and will assist the engineering team to maintain site electrical standards and ensure the site remains compliant with electrical regulations.
The successful candidate will:
- Drive CI initiatives with the electrical and automation agenda.
- Support and train engineering teams with maintenance and fault-finding activities.
- Be a custodian of electrical documentation, drawing and software backups to the agreed site standard.
- Liaise with key stakeholders to ensure site is always compliant against electrical standards.
- Work with the maintenance planner to schedule electrical projects.
- Ensure that we hold the correct electrical critical spare parts, and the consignment stock is maintained.
- Supervise engineers and outside contractors.
What we need from you:
- Recognised electrical/automation apprenticeship
- Qualified to a minimum HNC level (or equivalent) electrical/controls discipline.
- Advanced PLC Skills – Allen Bradley (Rockwell Logix)
- Experienced with Allen Bradley servo drives, Inverters and Network controls
- Understanding of control systems and the ability to optimize them
- Experience in food manufacturing is desireable
What we offer in return:
- Salary circa £60,000 per annum
- Up to 7.5% pension contribution
- Life assurance
- Staff discount shop on site
- Free on site parking
- Access to "The Hamper", with discounts at hundreds of nationwide retailers
At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.
We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with PREMIER FOODS PLC, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Metal working production and maintenance fitters (SOC 5223) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~228k in sample- Middle half £30,264–46,176
- Median £37,440
- Going rate £41,700
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–37,530
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at PREMIER FOODS PLCAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. PREMIER FOODS PLC holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 5223 going rate of £41,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.