Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Aberdeen
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Lead Engineer - HVDC
Posted 1 week ago by SCOTTISH POWER LIMITED
The Lead Engineer (HVDC) at Hunterston Converter Station is responsible for leading a high-performing operations and mai...
- Rate £79,000 per year
- Category Undetermined
- Work type Undetermined
- Location Scotland; Glasgow; Edinburgh; Aberdeen; Perth; Dundee; Paisley; Inverness; Falkirk; Fife; Stirling
Electronic Engineer - all levels
Posted 1 week ago by Leonardo UK Ltd
The role of Electronic Engineer at Leonardo UK encompasses various levels, from Engineer to Lead, focusing on the develo...
- Rate £84,955 per year
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Scotland; Glasgow; Edinburgh; Aberdeen; Perth; Dundee; Paisley; Inverness; Falkirk; Fife; Stirling
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About Our Automation Engineer Contract Roles in Aberdeen
What does a automation engineer contractor do?
Automation Engineer contractors are engaged to design, build, and maintain automated systems that improve the efficiency, reliability, and scalability of engineering, manufacturing, and software delivery processes. The term covers two distinct but related domains: industrial automation, which involves the design and implementation of automated machinery, control systems, and robotics within manufacturing and process environments, and software test or process automation, which involves building automated testing frameworks and DevOps pipelines within technology delivery programmes. Contractors are typically brought in for defined automation projects, system upgrades, or to provide specialist expertise that a permanent team does not hold.
Technical skills expected vary significantly by domain. Industrial Automation Engineers need expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, robotics integration, and the relevant safety standards for automated machinery, with proficiency in platforms from vendors such as Siemens, Rockwell, or Mitsubishi depending on the client environment. Software and test automation contractors need strong programming skills, typically in Python, Java, or JavaScript, alongside experience with testing frameworks such as Selenium, Playwright, or Cypress, and familiarity with CI/CD tooling. Across both domains, the ability to design automation solutions that are maintainable, well-documented, and capable of being handed over cleanly to permanent teams is consistently valued.
What is the market like for automation engineer contractors?
Automation Engineering contracting is active across both its main domains. Industrial automation demand is being driven by manufacturing investment in productivity improvement, reshoring initiatives, and Industry 4.0 adoption, with particular activity in automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and utilities. Software and test automation demand remains strong within technology and financial services organisations running large agile delivery programmes that require scalable test coverage. Contractors who span both programming ability and process knowledge are in the strongest demand across both segments, as the boundaries between industrial and software automation continue to converge.
What is the contracting market like in Aberdeen?
No other UK city is as thoroughly defined by a single sector as Aberdeen is by oil, gas, and energy. Major operators, service companies, and engineering contractors serving the North Sea sustain concentrated hiring for petroleum, mechanical, electrical, subsea, process, and commissioning engineers, alongside HSE, project controls, and commercial management. The energy transition is reshaping part of this picture, with offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture projects drawing on the same talent pool and contracting infrastructure that supports conventional energy work. Outside energy, contracting activity is relatively thin compared to Edinburgh or Glasgow. Energy sector rates in Aberdeen carry a premium that can match or exceed London, reflecting the specialist nature of the work and the harsh environment allowances common in offshore and remote site engagements.
How much do automation engineer contractors usually earn in Aberdeen?
Contract rates for automation engineer roles in Aberdeen typically range from £360 to £675 per day, depending on the scope of the role, required expertise, and the delivery expectations of the engagement.
How many automation engineer vacancies in Aberdeen are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 150 automation engineer contract roles across the site, with Aberdeen contributing to the market. Data reviewed up to June 2026.