Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Birmingham
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Refrigeration Engineer - South Birmingham
Posted 4 days ago by CITY FACILITIES MANAGEMENT U K LTD
The Refrigeration Engineer role in South Birmingham involves maintaining and repairing refrigeration systems for a major...
- Rate £53,319 per year
- Category Undetermined
- Work type Undetermined
- Location Birmingham, West Midlands
Lead Observability & Data Architect/Engineer (SC/DV Cleared)
Posted 5 days ago by GIOS Technology Limited
The role of Lead Observability & Data Architect/Engineer (SC/DV Cleared) involves designing and scaling critical monitor...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Undetermined
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Hybrid - London/Reading/Birmingham/Manchester/Glasgow/Liverpool/Newcastle , UK
Candidate Engagement Manager - 12 Month Fixed-term Contract
Posted 5 days ago by EY
The Candidate Experience & Engagement Manager at EY is responsible for leading the strategic design and delivery of a te...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Undetermined
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Birmingham, England, United Kingdom
Senior Dev Ops Engineer
Posted 6 days ago by Morson Edge
The Senior DevOps Engineer will lead the design, build, and deployment of cloud-based environments while promoting DevOp...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location UK; London; Birmingham; Manchester; Glasgow; Liverpool; Leeds; Edinburgh; Bristol; Cardiff; Nottingham
Test Analyst - Live Poker
Posted 7 days ago by Fruition Group
The Test Analyst - Live Poker role is a fully remote contract position focused on ensuring the accuracy and consistency...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location UK; London; Birmingham; Manchester; Glasgow; Liverpool; Leeds; Edinburgh; Bristol; Cardiff; Nottingham
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About Our Automation Engineer Contract Roles in Birmingham
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 Birmingham?
HSBC's UK headquarters, alongside substantial operations from other major banks and insurers, anchors Birmingham's position as the UK's second largest commercial centre for contractor demand. HS2 and wider infrastructure investment across the West Midlands have added a layer of construction, engineering, and programme delivery work that is expected to persist for several years. Central government departments with Birmingham offices, including HMRC and the Home Office, contribute a steady volume of digital, project, and operational delivery roles. The city offers a broad spread of contracting disciplines rather than concentrating in one sector, which makes it resilient to downturns in any single industry. Disciplines tied to infrastructure and construction can command premiums where specialist experience is scarce, even as rates for more general roles sit comfortably below the capital.
How much do automation engineer contractors usually earn in Birmingham?
Contract rates for automation engineer roles in Birmingham typically range from £400 to £750 per day, depending on the scope of the role, required expertise, and the delivery expectations of the engagement.
How many automation engineer vacancies in Birmingham are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 150 automation engineer contract roles across the site, with Birmingham representing a strong share. Data reviewed up to June 2026.