Automation Engineering Apprentice - London

Summary

Ever wondered what it's like to orchestrate a symphony of robots? Picture yourself at the controls of one of the world's most sophisticated automated networks - where thousands of robots work in perfect harmony, artificial intelligence makes split-second decisions, and breakthrough technology comes to life.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Training course

Control systems engineer (degree) (level 6)

Hours

In year 1 you will work Monday - Friday from 8.00am to 5.00pm, in years 2-4 you will likely be working a Monday to Friday day shift pattern however there may be the requirement to work some night and weekend shifts. Shifts TBC.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 6 September 2027

Duration

4 years

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Our fulfilment centres are like living, breathing cities of automation: hundreds of autonomous robots collaborating to fulfil customer orders, AI and machine-learning systems making real-time decisions, conveyor systems spanning miles, robotic arms handling packages with incredible precision, and automated storage and retrieval systems redefining what efficiency looks like. As an Automation Apprentice within our Reliability Maintenance Engineering (RME) team, you'll be hands-on with technology most people only read about, working alongside industry pioneers. This isn't just maintenance - it's being part of a team that innovates, improves, and reimagines automation technology every single day, with the chance to see your own ideas come to life in real-world applications.

Are you the person who took things apart to see how they worked? Maybe you built a PC, fixed everyone's tech, loved robotics club or Lego Technic, tinkered with a car or bike, or found physics, electronics or design and technology just clicked. Or maybe you've spent a few years in a hands-on role and want to step up into cutting-edge automation. You don't need to be an engineer already - what matters is curiosity about how things work, a logical, problem-solving mind, and the patience to figure out why something's gone wrong and put it right. If that sounds like you, this could be the start of something extraordinary.

A day in the life can involve:

• Supporting maintenance and fault-finding on automated systems and robotics
• Using diagnostic tools to keep conveyors and sortation equipment running smoothly
• Planning preventative maintenance and safety checks
• Collaborating with engineers to develop new process improvements and energy-efficient solutions

Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience across:

• Advanced robotics systems, controls, and industrial automation programming
• Smart sensor technology and IoT integration
• Predictive maintenance and performance optimisation through data analytics
• Safety systems for human-robot collaboration
• Machine learning applications and wider Industry 4.0 technologies

Here at Amazon, it's in our nature to learn and be curious. Within this apprenticeship, you'll learn by doing, putting newfound knowledge into practice every day. Our first-class coaching, tailored development opportunities, and challenging, rewarding work will empower you to reach new heights. If you're a curious learner eager to grow, this is your chance to unlock your full potential and build the future you envision.

This role supports our 24/7 operation, so you'll work shifts covering days, nights and weekends - patterns that reflect the real-world schedules of the engineers who keep Amazon operating around the clock.

You'll join a diverse and passionate team of engineers dedicated to driving results and pushing creative boundaries. We value different perspectives and experiences, and we're dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our employee-led affinity groups - including communities for women in tech, LGBTQ+ employees, and underrepresented minorities - foster a culture of inclusion that empowers us to be proud of our differences. These groups provide community, mentorship, and a platform for your voice to be heard. We're committed to building a workforce that reflects the customers and communities we serve.

We're continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth's Best Employer. That's why you'll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a well-rounded professional.

Where you'll work

DIG1 Amazon
Stockingswater Lane
Enfield
EN3 7PZ

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

SIEMENS PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY

Training course

Control systems engineer (degree) (level 6)

What you'll learn

• Translate conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems.
• Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and fishbone diagrams.
• Select the best method for collating and conveying complex information using a range of data sources and supporting documentation.
• Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
• Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and or developmental or test evidence.
• Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost and performance criteria. Apply techniques and processes for project or programme management including escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
• Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements including supporting safety risk assessments and mitigating any risks identified within the control systems environment.
• Identify resources required to complete control system projects, project tasks or programmes of work, with consideration to factors such as cost, quality, safety, security, environmental impact as applicable to the activity.
• Create a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
• Demonstrate leadership when undertaking control system engineering activities such as system design, integration, operational simulation, installation, testing, pre commissioning, commissioning and maintenance of control systems.
• Ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use.
• Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities such as improving safety, quality, technology solutions, operational processes, training and development, equipment performance or cost key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Perform checks on control systems documentation to ensure it meets organisational compliance and traceability requirements. Report any non-conformances using the appropriate processes and procedures.
• Interpret key performance indicators and utilise improvement techniques or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as lean or six sigma.
• Translate conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems.
• Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and fishbone diagrams.
• Select the best method for collating and conveying complex information using a range of data sources and supporting documentation.
• Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
• Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and or developmental or test evidence.
• Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost and performance criteria. Apply techniques and processes for project or programme management including escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
• Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements including supporting safety risk assessments and mitigating any risks identified within the control systems environment.
• Identify resources required to complete control system projects, project tasks or programmes of work, with consideration to factors such as cost, quality, safety, security, environmental impact as applicable to the activity.
• Create a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
• Demonstrate leadership when undertaking control system engineering activities such as system design, integration, operational simulation, installation, testing, pre commissioning, commissioning and maintenance of control systems.
• Ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use.
• Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities such as improving safety, quality, technology solutions, operational processes, training and development, equipment performance or cost key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Perform checks on control systems documentation to ensure it meets organisational compliance and traceability requirements. Report any non-conformances using the appropriate processes and procedures.
• Interpret key performance indicators and utilise improvement techniques or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as lean or six sigma.

Training schedule

• Within this 48-month programme, you'll work towards the Level 6 Control Technical Support Apprenticeship, combining practical, on-the-job experience with industry-recognised study.
• Your first 12 months will be a full-time residential programme, based either at one of our external training provider facilities or at our own world-class Amazon training centres - reflecting our significant investment in developing state-of-the-art facilities for the next generation of engineers.
• If you live outside a commutable distance, accommodation will be provided during term time for these first 12 months, and travel expenses will be supported.
• In later years, your on-the-job training will work towards a BSc in Controls and Automation Engineering and an HNC/D in Electrical/Controls Engineering.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

5 GCSEs including Maths and English (grade 4-9 (A-C) or above)

A Level in:

3 A levels or equivalent in STEM subject (grade C/4 or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working

Other requirements

Applicants must be able to commit to spending the first academic year at a full-time residential training centre based either at one of our external training provider facilities or at our own world-class Amazon training centres. If you live outside of a commutable distance from the training centre, accommodation will be provided during term time for these first 12 months, and travel expenses will be supported.