Project and Automation Engineer

Join Our Pack

From a bold idea to revolutionising dog food, Years has grown into a fast-scaling business dedicated to helping dogs live longer, healthier lives.In just three years, we’ve built an incredible startup serving thousands of happy customers, all while striving to achieve our mission: giving dog owners a better, fresher, and healthier way to feed their pets. We provide human-grade, personalised meals tailored to each dog’s needs, delivered straight to their door - no preservatives, no compromises, just real nutrition.

You can find our customers across the UK, with exciting ambitions to scale internationally and continue transforming how people care for their dogs. 

Your Mission

As our Automation & Controls Engineer, you'll be a core part of how Years scales its production capability - designing, building, and commissioning the automation systems that reduce operator load and unlock capacity.

This is a maker's role in every sense: hands-on, technically deep, and built for someone who wants to leave a lasting mark on how a fast-growing food business operates. You'll work across the full engineering lifecycle: from concept and panel build to PLC programming, sensor integration, and commissioning.

You'll be trusted to take projects from whiteboard to working system, collaborating closely with Production and the wider Engineering team to deliver smart, reliable automation that supports long-term growth.If you thrive on solving complex production challenges, love building bespoke solutions, and want to work somewhere your ideas actually get built - this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and install mechanical improvements, rigs, and production aids
• Build and wire control panels including VFDs, relays, contactors, and PLCs
• Programme or modify PLCs and HMIs for automation upgrades
• Install and calibrate sensors, solenoids, motors, and safety devices
• Lead or support capex and process improvement projects from concept to commissioning
• Work with Production to trial and optimise automation upgrades
• Maintain records and provide documentation for installations and improvements
• Install and commission new machinery and line changes
• Ensure compliance with food safety and health & safety standards
• Mentor junior engineers or apprentices on controls and automation work

What You'll Bring

• Controls and automation engineering experience in food, FMCG, or manufacturing
• Skilled in PLC and HMI programming and troubleshooting - Ladder logic, Mitsubishi, Omron
• Experienced in electrical panel design, wiring, and build
• Hands-on with mechanical fabrication - MIG/TIG welding, cutting, assembly
• Understanding of sensor logic, wiring, and systems integration
• Practical problem-solver who turns concepts into working systems
• Self-starter with strong project ownership and follow-through
• Clear communicator - collaborative and great with documentation
• Creative thinker who designs innovative solutions, comfortable working hands-on while thinking strategically
• Flexibility - some occasional evening or weekend work might be required (agreed directly with Line Manager).

What’s In It For You? Years Benefits

• £55,000 - £60,000 PA
• Annual £250.00 Learning & Development budget for courses, books or other self-learn activities
• Access to Spill EAP and Mental Wellbeing support
• Annual £100.00 Wellbeing budget
• Up to 2 weeks working abroad per year (selected roles)
• Monthly recognition through our Yappa of The Month programme
• 1 Volunteer day per year - dog themed or not: it’s your choice!
• Subsidised employee groups - from five a side to padel there’s loads to get involved in or the chance to start up your own group
• Quarterly subsidised team events from Axe throwing, crazy golf to cocktail making
• Exclusive discounts on Years and Years treats for yourself and friends/family
• Lunch & Learn programme - from dog first aid to financial savviness we’ve got sessions planned to cover all kinds of topics
• Casual dress
• Your birthday off or different day if it falls on a non-working day
• Ability to sell any unused holiday back to Years at the end of the Holiday Year (maximum 1 working week)