Sr. Controls Engineer


La Vergne
Permanent
£100,000 - £135,000 GBP a year
Automation and Controls
PR/613831_1791539237
Sr. Controls Engineer

Our client is actively seeking Automation and Controls Engineers across a broad range of experience levels to support the continued growth of their custom automation and systems integration business.

Candidates with strong controls engineering experience may be considered for a Senior Controls Engineer position, while those bringing extensive technical leadership, systems architecture expertise, and a proven history of delivering complex automation projects may be considered at the Staff Engineer level. Rather than hiring for multiple separate openings, the organization is looking to identify high-caliber engineers at various stages of their careers and align responsibilities, title, and compensation with experience and demonstrated capability.

This role offers the opportunity to work throughout the complete project lifecycle, from concept development and system architecture through programming, commissioning, startup, and customer support. Engineers will contribute to the design and implementation of sophisticated automation systems used in advanced manufacturing and industrial environments.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design, develop, and implement control systems for custom automation equipment and integrated manufacturing systems.
  • Create scalable automation architectures and control strategies that meet performance, quality, and safety requirements.
  • Program, test, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems, with a strong focus on Allen-Bradley platforms.
  • Develop intuitive HMI applications and operator interfaces that provide effective monitoring, diagnostics, and control functionality.
  • Integrate robotics, vision systems, motion control technologies, industrial networks, and related automation platforms.
  • Generate and review technical documentation including functional specifications, controls narratives, electrical drawings, and commissioning reports.
  • Participate in startup, commissioning, validation, and customer acceptance activities.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
  • Work directly with customers to define requirements, resolve technical challenges, and support successful project outcomes.
  • Develop machine safety and risk-mitigation solutions in accordance with applicable industry standards and regulations.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues in both development and production environments.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced engineers where appropriate.

Desired Technical Experience:

  • PLC programming (especially Allen Bradley platforms)
  • HMI and operator interface development.
  • Robotics integration and programming.
  • Machine vision applications.
  • Motion control systems.
  • Proficiency in HMI development, SCADA systems, and user interface design.
  • Industrial networking and communication protocols.
  • Industrial control systems and automation architecture.
  • Functional safety and machine risk assessment.
  • Electrical and pneumatic control systems.
  • Manufacturing automation and systems integration.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or a related technical discipline.
  • Minimum of 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or systems integration.
  • Strong background in PLC and HMI development within manufacturing or custom automation environments.
  • Experience supporting projects from design through commissioning.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.
  • Strong troubleshooting, communication, and customer-facing skills.

What's on Offer

  • Minimum Travel
  • Opportunity to work on highly customized automation projects across a variety of industries.
  • Exposure to advanced technologies including robotics, vision systems, motion control, and industrial software.
  • Full project lifecycle involvement from concept through deployment.
  • Clear opportunities for technical growth and progression into senior leadership positions.
  • Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing professional development support.

FAQs

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