Controls Engineer (Automation / PLC's)

Controls & Automation Engineer Location: Type: Full-time

We are a fast-growing, mission-driven manufacturing business designing, building, and scaling complex products in-house. Our operations rely on modern automation, rapid new product introduction (NPI), and a strong culture of continuous improvement to support ongoing growth.

This is an environment for engineers who want real ownership, technical depth, and the opportunity to influence how manufacturing systems are designed, built, and evolved.

We are seeking an experienced Controls & Automation Engineer to join our Operations Engineering team. This role is central to delivering automation capability across the factory and spans the full lifecycle of control systems — from early concept and system architecture through to commissioning, production handover, and ongoing optimisation.

You will work across NPI, capital projects, and continuous improvement , collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and production teams to deliver scalable, robust solutions.

Own and deliver controls and automation projects end-to-end , from requirements capture through to commissioning and production handover

Specify, design, program, test, and document PLC-based control systems for new equipment, production lines, and NPI activities

Support new product introduction by developing and adapting automation solutions to meet evolving product and process requirements

Lead and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives , improving safety, reliability, performance, and maintainability of existing systems

Provide advanced hands-on support during planned upgrades, commissioning activities, and critical production issues

Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure automation solutions are practical, scalable, and aligned with manufacturing needs

Help shape automation standards, best practices, and system architectures as the factory continues to scale

3+ years of experience programming PLC systems (IEC 61131-3) in a manufacturing or industrial environment

• Strong understanding of electrical schematics, panel design, wiring practices, and electrical safety
• Proven ability to specify, design, and document complete control system solutions , often from high-level manufacturing or NPI requirements
• Experience working in fast-paced production environments , including supporting live systems during upgrades or downtime
• Confident problem-solver with a hands-on, pragmatic engineering approach

Desirable / bonus experience

Programming with Siemens TIA Portal , particularly S7-1500 PLCs

Knowledge of electrical legislation, machinery safety standards, and functional safety principles

Experience using CAD tools for mechanical or electromechanical design (e.g. SolidWorks)

High ownership role with responsibility across NPI, project delivery, and continuous improvement

Visible impact — your work directly affects production capability, scalability, and product quality

Fast decision-making environment with minimal bureaucracy

Competitive salary plus equity/share options , aligning you with the long-term success of the business

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

• Competitive salary and equity participation
• On-site food and refreshments
• Health and wellbeing benefits, including healthcare support and cycle-to-work schemes
• Regular team events and employee referral incentive