Controls & Automation Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Fort William; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Fort William is seeking a Controls & Automation Engineer to optimize and maintain control systems. You'll minimize downtime, lead troubleshooting, and ensure compliance with safety standards. The ideal candidate will have an HND in relevant engineering fields and experience with PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems. This role offers day shifts, a supportive culture, and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Career progression opportunities

Better work/life balance with day shifts

Supportive safety-led culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience with PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems, including programming.
• Strong knowledge in Electrical & Instrumentation and practical control systems experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Minimise downtime by ensuring rapid recovery from control system failures.
• Lead complex troubleshooting of site-wide control processes.
• Plan, manage, and deliver controls and automation projects across site assets.
• Ensure compliance with HSEQ standards and engineering regulations.
• Provide support during breakdowns to restore systems quickly.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI systems

SCADA systems

Electrical Engineering

Instrumentation

Education

HND or above in Electrical, Instrumentation, or Control Engineering

Job description

Job Description We're Hiring: Controls & Automation Engineer

Location: Fort William, PH33
Shifts: Day Shifts (Monday-Friday)
Work Type: Full-time | Permanent
Industry: Metal | Heavy Industry
Engineering Discipline: Control Systems, Automation, Electrical

Are you ready to bring your controls expertise to one of Scotland's most iconic industrial sites? We're on the lookout for a Controls & Automation Engineer to join our Fort William based client and play a key role in optimising, maintaining, and advancing the control systems that power our 24/7 smelter and hydro-scheme operations.

Role Purpose

This high-impact role exists to:

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  Minimise downtime by ensuring rapid recovery from control system failures.

  
  




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  Lead complex troubleshooting of site-wide control processes.

  
  




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  Drive the delivery of critical maintenance and upgrade projects.

  
  




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  Mentor and guide technicians and engineers in automation best practices.

  
  




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  Continuously improve the reliability and performance of control systems and equipment.

  
  

️ Key Responsibilities

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  Plan, manage, and deliver controls and automation projects across site assets.

  
  




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  Maintain and update all drawings, documentation, and system schematics.

  
  




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  Lead multiple concurrent projects while supporting daily operational needs.

  
  




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  Ensure full compliance with HSEQ standards and engineering regulations.

  
  




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  Provide hands-on support during breakdowns to restore systems quickly and safely.

  
  




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  Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships, including contractors.

  
  




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  Champion control system safety, integrity, and performance across the site.

  
  




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  Support the development of apprentices and junior engineers.

  
  

What You'll Need

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  HND or above in Electrical, Instrumentation, or Control Engineering.

  
  




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  Proven experience with PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems - including programming.

  
  




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  Strong E&I knowledge and practical control systems experience.

  
  




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  Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver in a fast-paced, industrial setting.

  
  




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  Commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and team development.

  
  

What We Offer

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  A key role in a major engineering operation with significance.

  
  




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  Day shifts only - offering better work/life balance.

  
  




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  Career progression and skill development in a high-performing team.

  
  




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  A supportive, safety-led culture focused on operational excellence.

  
  

Apply now or contact Jordan Hindhaugh on 01455290331.