Graduate Automation Engineer

Location: Stone, Staffordshire, United Kingdom Job ID: R0143900 Date Posted: 2026-11-05 Company Name: HITACHI ENERGY UK LIMITED Profession (Job Category): Administration & Facilities Job Schedule: Full time Remote: No Job Description: The Graduate Automation Engineer position is foundational and intended for individuals at the beginning of their careers who wish to impact the modernisation, optimisation, and safety of electrical operations through substation automation solutions. This role is crucial in creating and implementing solutions in the energy sector. How you'll make an impact Supporting Design and Development: You will assist in conceptualising, designing, and developing substation automation systems. This includes working on both hardware and software components to ensure seamless integration and robust performance. Deployment of Automation Solutions: The role involves hands-on participation in deploying automation technologies in real-world settings, ensuring that solutions are not only theoretically sound but also practical and effective in the field. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: As automation spans multiple engineering domains, you will work closely with experts in electrical engineering, networking, computer science, and cybersecurity. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that solutions are secure, efficient, and compliant with industry standards. Project Lifecycle Involvement: From initial concept through to testing and commissioning, you will gain exposure to the full lifecycle of substation automation projects. This end-to-end involvement provides a comprehensive understanding of how substation automation solutions are brought to life. Technical Exposure SCADA Systems: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are at the heart of electrical substation automation. You will learn how to design, configure, and maintain these systems to monitor and control industrial processes. RTU/PLC Programming: Remote Control Unit and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are essential for substation automation solutions. You will develop skills in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and optimisation. Industrial Networking: Modern automation relies on robust networking to connect devices and systems. You will work with industrial communication protocols and network architectures. OT Cybersecurity: Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity is increasingly important as industrial systems become more connected. You will learn about frameworks and best practices to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Teamwork: Success in this role depends on effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. You will contribute to integrating hardware and software, optimising system performance, and ensuring that solutions meet both technical and regulatory requirements. Your Background Degree within Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Communication Engineering or similar. Passion for Engineering: A genuine interest in engineering, design, and development is essential. Curiosity and Inquisitiveness: The role is suited for those who are eager to learn, explore new technologies, and solve complex problems. Teamwork: An intrinsic interest in people and achieving success through teamwork is highly valued. Accessibility and reasonable accommodation Qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process. This is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response. Use of Al and automated tools in recruitment As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice. Background Screening and Security Checks As part of the hiring process, Hitachi Energy conducts pre-employment background checks that may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and other relevant information, in accordance with applicable laws. For certain roles—particularly those involving access to sensitive information, financial responsibilities, client data, regulated environments, or security-sensitive functions—additional or more comprehensive background or security screenings may be required. These may include, but are not limited to, enhanced criminal history checks, credit history reviews (where legally permissible), sanctions screening, or other due diligence measures aligned with the responsibilities of the position. The scope and depth of any background or security review will be determined based on the nature of the role and business necessity, and will always be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Candidates will be notified and, where required, asked to provide consent prior to the initiation of any such checks.