Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Bristol
Updating results…
119 Contract jobs sorted by:
Date Posted
Date Posted
Rate
Updating results…
119 Contract jobs
Create a free account to access remote working contract opportunities outside the UK
Sign UpCreate a free account to access remote working contract opportunities outside the UK
Sign UpStress Engineers - Composite Aerostructures - Filton, UK.
Posted 2 days ago by Strongfield Consultants Ltd
The role involves hiring several Stress Engineers to support a new defense aerostructures design program for an aerospac...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Undetermined
- Work type Undetermined
- Location Bristol, Somerset, UK
Stay Updated on Contract Jobs
Never miss another opportunity with our email alerts.
Save your searches to be notified as soon as new jobs are added.
SRE - Site Reliability Engineer - Observability & Performance
Posted 3 days ago by Sanderson Recruitment Plc
The role of SRE - Observability and Performance involves implementing and enhancing observability across Java applicatio...
- Rate £600 per day
- Category Outside
- Work type largely remote
- Location Bristol, UK
SRE - Site Reliability Engineer - Observability & Performance - Bristol (BS1), B...
Posted 3 days ago by Sanderson Recruitment
The role of SRE - Observability and Performance involves implementing and enhancing observability across Java applicatio...
- Rate £600 per day
- Category Outside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Bristol (BS1), BS1
Create a free account to access remote working contract opportunities outside the UK
Sign Up
Counter-UAS Engineering Lead Associate Contractor
Posted 4 days ago by Infinity Systems Engineering LTD
The Counter-UAS Engineering Lead Associate Contractor role involves leading engineering efforts related to counter-unman...
- Rate Negotiable
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Bristol, Somerset, UK
Sort By
Saved Searches
No saved searches yet
Filters
IR35 Status
Working Arrangements
Industry
Sector
Country
Seniority Level
Posted By
Contract Rate
Date Posted
IR35 Status
Working Arrangements
Industry
Sector
Posted By
Country
Seniority Level
Date Posted
Contract Rate
£
—
£
About Our Automation Engineer Contract Roles in Bristol
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 Bristol?
Aerospace, defence, and advanced engineering distinguish Bristol from other cities of comparable size. Major employers in the north fringe and surrounding area generate consistent requirements for systems engineering, safety-critical software, and security-cleared contractors, while the Temple Quarter and harbour area house a thriving technology and digital scene producing roles in product, design, data, and full stack development. Financial services and insurance employers add further breadth. This combination of engineering heritage and a vibrant digital economy gives the city unusual variety in its contracting opportunities. Defence and aerospace roles requiring security clearance command rates that rival the capital, while the broader technology and change market offers strong opportunity at a noticeably lower cost of living.
How much do automation engineer contractors usually earn in Bristol?
Contract rates for automation engineer roles in Bristol 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 Bristol are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 150 automation engineer contract roles across the site, with Bristol showing consistent demand. Data reviewed up to June 2026.