Engineering and Automation
Engineering and Automation Recruitment
Connecting Mechanical, Electrical, and Automation talent with leading Manufacturing, Utilities, and Infrastructure companies across the UK
We connect manufacturers, utilities and process engineering firms with the Engineers, Automation Specialists, Project Engineers and Maintenance Technicians who keep operations efficient, safe and sustainable. Whether you’re scaling up production, delivering capital projects or modernising legacy equipment we find the engineering talent that makes it happen.
Get in touch
The right Engineering talent is critical
Whether you’re expanding production, upgrading automation systems or strengthening maintenance and reliability teams, we’ll help you access engineers with the technical skills and practical experience to keep your plant running safely, efficiently and profitably.
- Deep candidate networks across EC&I, automation, process, and manufacturing engineering
- Proven experience connecting manufacturers and utilities with engineers who deliver performance and reliability
- Real-time insight on pay benchmarks, skill shortages and local talent availability across the Midlands and the East of England
For Candidates
If you’re an engineer looking for your next step in manufacturing, process or automation we can connect you with companies where your skills truly matter. From EC&I and Automation Engineers to Process and Maintenance Specialists, we understand the industrial engineering career path and can help you find a role that matches your technical expertise and long-term ambitions.
days or less average time to hire with Bristow Holland
Andy is responsible for making sure Bristow Holland delivers results for our clients. Drawing on over 20 years recruitment experience, Andy leads our team of specialist recruiters in combining modern recruitment techniques with old fashioned network building and market knowledge so we can give clients access to the best talent the market has to offer. Since establishing Bristow Holland in 2013 Andy has overseen the building of a team of specialists who are laser focused on delivering the services our clients need to give them the edge in the hunt for the technical skills needed to grow.
Get In ContactWhy work
with us
- Experts in cross-disciplinary engineering teams: electrical, control, instrumentation, and process
- Extensive network of skilled EC&I and automation professionals across manufacturing and utilities
- Beyond LinkedIn: we go deeper to find hidden engineering talent through data, referrals and industry insight
Marketing insights
and trends
-
Rising demand for engineers as manufacturers upgrade control systems and modernise production lines.
-
Process and maintenance engineering roles growing in importance as efficiency, safety, and uptime become critical performance metrics.
-
Companies investing in digitalisation and energy efficiency, driving need for engineers skilled in data, sensors, and industrial connectivity.
-
Competitive salaries and strong retention efforts as the skills gap widens across manufacturing, utilities and process industries.
Always there
for you
At every stage, our team will keep you informed, answer any concerns and support you through any challenges that may arise. Our role is to anticipate obstacles, eliminate them before you know about them or calmly advise how we will handle them with as little stress as possible. And we will always be on hand for ongoing advice.
Hopefully I won’t find myself looking for another job any time soon, but if I did – I’d definitely work with Marc again.
Frequently asked questions
We recruit across the full spectrum of engineering, automation, and process disciplines, including:
Electrical, Control & Instrumentation (EC&I) – EC&I Engineers, Control Systems Engineers, Instrument Technicians, PLC/SCADA Specialists
Automation & Manufacturing – Automation Engineers, Maintenance Engineers, Reliability Engineers, Manufacturing Technicians, Shift Engineers
Process & Project Engineering – Process Engineers, Project Engineers, Design Engineers, Commissioning Engineers, Continuous Improvement Specialists
Leadership & Management – Engineering Managers, Maintenance Managers, Operations Managers, and Plant Directors
The UK’s industrial and manufacturing sectors are undergoing a period of rapid change. Investment in automation, control systems, and process efficiency is accelerating as companies respond to rising energy costs, skills shortages, and sustainability targets.
Across the Midlands and East of England, manufacturers are modernising production lines, upgrading EC&I and automation infrastructure, and recruiting engineers who can integrate new technology while maintaining uptime and safety. Utilities and process plants are also scaling projects under AMP8 and Net Zero programmes, driving demand for experienced electrical, control, and instrumentation engineers.
The result is a highly competitive hiring market, skilled engineers are in short supply and businesses that move quickly to secure talent are gaining a decisive advantage.
Automation investment is accelerating – manufacturers and utilities are upgrading PLC, SCADA, and control systems to boost efficiency and reduce downtime.
Strong demand for multi-skilled engineers – EC&I, process, and maintenance engineers with cross-discipline capability are increasingly sought after.
Focus on sustainability and energy efficiency – businesses are modernising equipment and control systems to meet Net Zero and carbon-reduction goals.
Severe engineering skills shortages – competition for experienced engineers is driving up salaries and increasing demand for proactive recruitment partners.
Keeping your operation running takes skilled engineers and reliable systems.
We connect you with people who design, maintain, and improve the automation and control systems that power modern industry.
Our focus is simple: help manufacturers and utilities find the right engineers, fast.
Why clients choose us:
Specialists in EC&I and automation talent. We understand control, instrumentation, and process engineering in detail.
Strong regional networks. We work with trusted engineers across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire.
Proven recruitment expertise. Bristow Holland has years of success placing technical professionals in complex roles.
Insight-driven approach. We share data on salaries, skills, and local hiring trends to support better planning.
Whether you need project teams, permanent staff, or cover for skill gaps, we help you find reliable engineers quickly to keep your production safe, efficient and moving forward.
Gain insights. Get an edge.
