Multi-Skilled Automation Contractor – Logistics & Manufacturing

Location: West Midlands – travel to client sites required
Type: Ad-hoc contract work across multiple clients
Rate: Varies depending on assignment
Engagement: IR35 assessed per assignment

About us

Innovate provides specialist engineering support to distribution centres, fulfilment operations, logistics providers and manufacturing sites. We’re expanding our network of trusted contractors who can respond quickly to breakdowns, peak support, upgrades and installation projects across a range of automated sites.

The role

You’ll join our pool of multi-skilled maintenance and automation engineers, taking on assignments that suit your skills and availability. Work could include fault-finding on a sortation system, supporting peak-season cover, commissioning new conveyor sections or carrying out planned maintenance on automated storage. Assignments range from single-shift call-outs to multi-week projects, including nights and weekends.

What you’ll be doing

• Diagnosing and repairing electrical, mechanical and controls faults on automated material handling equipment
• Maintaining conveyors, sorters (tilt-tray, cross-belt, shoe), spirals, lifts and palletisers
• Supporting AS/RS, shuttle systems, AGVs/AMRs and robotic picking cells
• Working with PLCs, HMIs, drives, sensors, scanners and safety systems
• Carrying out planned and preventative maintenance to client and OEM schedules
• Supporting installations, modifications, commissioning and site acceptance testing
• Helping operations teams keep downtime to a minimum during peak periods
• Following site permit-to-work, LOTO and safety procedures at all times

What we’re looking for

Essential

• Time-served apprenticeship or equivalent, with an NVQ Level 3 / HNC or similar in an electrical, mechanical or controls discipline
• Proven maintenance or field service experience on warehouse automation or material handling equipment
• Strong electrical fault-finding skills, plus solid mechanical ability
• PLC fault-finding experience (Siemens and/or Allen-Bradley)
• Full UK driving licence and own transport
• Right to work in the UK