Controls & Automation Engineer

Nicholas Associates Group; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates Group is recruiting an experienced Controls & Automation Engineer for a major site in Sheffield, delivering reliable automation performance amid significant capital projects. You will diagnose faults, implement programming improvements, and support commissioning of new plant across the site.

The role involves collaborating with engineering, maintenance, production, contractors and suppliers to improve plant reliability, reduce downtime and drive automation upgrades.

Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with Siemens and/or Allen‑Bradley PLC systems.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA platforms, preferably Wonderware/Aveva.
• Good knowledge of industrial automation, control panels and networks.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, control drawings and P&IDs.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve faults across PLC, HMI, SCADA and industrial control systems.
• Modify, develop and optimise PLC and control‑system software.
• Assist with installation, testing and commissioning of new machinery and automation equipment.
• Support upgrades and improvement projects across the manufacturing site.
• Provide technical support to maintenance and production teams on complex automation issues.

Skills

Siemens PLC fault‑finding

Allen‑Bradley PLC fault‑finding

HMI/SCADA experience

Wonderware Aveva

Electrical control panels & drives

Diagnostics & problem solving

Reading schematics & P&IDs

Education

HNC/HND in Electrical/Controls/Automation Engineering

Tools

Siemens S7 programming software

Rockwell Studio 5000

Job description

• Job Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Nicholas Associates are working with a major industrial manufacturing business in Sheffield to recruit an experienced Controls & Automation Engineer.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a site undergoing significant investment and technological development, with major capital projects transforming its manufacturing and production facilities.

The successful candidate will play a key role in keeping existing automation systems performing reliably while also supporting the introduction, modification and commissioning of new plant and equipment.

The Role

Working as part of the engineering/projects function, you will provide specialist controls and automation support across the site. The position combines hands‑on fault finding and technical support with programming, system improvements and involvement in major engineering projects.

You will work closely with engineering, maintenance, production, contractors and equipment suppliers to improve plant reliability, minimise downtime and deliver automation upgrades.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Diagnose and resolve faults across PLC, HMI, SCADA and industrial control systems.

Modify, develop and optimise PLC and control-system software.

Support the installation, testing and commissioning of new machinery and automation equipment.

Assist with upgrades and improvement projects across the manufacturing site.

Provide technical support to maintenance and production teams when complex automation issues arise.

Work with electrical control panels, drives, instrumentation and associated automation hardware.

Maintain accurate software backups, control-system documentation, drawings and modification records.

Assist with system testing and ensure new developments meet required engineering and safety standards.

Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing plant reliability, availability and performance.

Work safely and in accordance with company procedures, legislation and recognised engineering standards.

What We're Looking For

We are interested in speaking with Controls, Automation, Electrical Controls or PLC Engineers who have strong practical experience within an industrial or manufacturing environment.

You should ideally have:

Hands-on experience programming and fault finding Siemens and/or Allen-Bradley PLC systems.

Experience with HMI and SCADA platforms, ideally including Wonderware/Aveva.

Good knowledge of industrial automation, control panels and industrial communication networks.

Experience working with instrumentation, sensors, transmitters, valves, motors, actuators and variable-speed drives.

The ability to read and understand electrical schematics, control drawings and P&IDs.

Strong diagnostic and problem-solving abilities.

An understanding of machinery safety and safe engineering practices.

The confidence to work with production, maintenance, engineering teams, contractors and external suppliers.

A proactive approach with the ability to prioritise work around operational requirements.

HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Electrical, Electronic, Controls or Automation Engineering, or strong equivalent industrial experience.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.

For more information on this vacancy please contact uson 01143503542.