Controls & Automation Graduate

Nicholas Associates Group Limited; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates Group Limited in Sheffield is seeking a Controls & Automation Graduate to support maintenance and improvement of industrial control systems, including PLC, HMI and SCADA, with focus on reliability and performance.

The role offers structured training in a highly skilled Projects team and a clear development path for graduates with a degree in Electrical, Electronic, or Controls & Automation Engineering.

Qualifications

• A degree, HNC/HND or equivalent in Electrical, Electronic, Controls & Automation Engineering, or related discipline.
• Knowledge of PLC systems, especially Allen-Bradley and Siemens.
• Understanding of HMI and SCADA systems, such as Wonderware/Aveva.
• Basic understanding of industrial control systems, electrical panels and automation hardware.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and field devices (sensors, transmitters, valves, motors, VSDs, actuators).
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings, schematics, P&IDs and technical docs.
• Strong analytical, fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of machinery safety and safe systems of work.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for PLC, HMI, SCADA and industrial control systems to maximise equipment reliability.
• Assist with fault finding, diagnostics, maintenance, modification and commissioning of automation systems and associated electrical equipment.
• Support development, testing, implementation and optimisation of control system software for plant equipment.
• Maintain control system documentation, backups, change records and drawings.
• Support automation improvement projects, machine upgrades and commissioning while ensuring safety and standards compliance.
• Provide technical support to Operations and Maintenance teams.

Skills

PLC knowledge

HMI/SCADA understanding

Fault finding

Analytical skills

Communication

Interpret electrical drawings

Education

Degree/HNC/HND in Electrical, Electronic, Controls & Automation Engineering or related

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Wonderware/Aveva

Job description

Controls & Automation Graduate

Location: Sheffield
Salary up to £35K

This role offers training and development to support the maintenance and improvement of industrial control and automation systems. You'll help ensure the reliability and performance of PLC, HMI and SCADA systems through technical support, fault finding, programming and commissioning activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for PLC, HMI, SCADA and industrial control systems to maximise equipment reliability and plant availability.
• Assist with fault finding, diagnostics, maintenance, modification and commissioning of automation systems and associated electrical control equipment.
• Support the development, testing, implementation and optimisation of control system software for both new and existing plant equipment.
• Maintain control system documentation, software backups, change records and technical drawings in accordance with company standards.
• Support automation improvement projects, machine upgrades and commissioning activities while ensuring compliance with engineering standards and machine safety requirements.
• Provide technical support to Operations and Maintenance teams.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely and in accordance with company procedures, statutory legislation and engineering best practice.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by management.

About You

We are looking for someone who has:

• A degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Electrical, Electronic, Controls & Automation Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of PLC systems, particularly Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms.
• An understanding of HMI and SCADA systems, such as Wonderware/Aveva.
• A basic understanding of industrial control systems, electrical panels, industrial communications and automation hardware.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and field devices, including sensors, transmitters, valves, motors, variable speed drives and actuators.
• The ability to interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, P&IDs and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• An understanding of machinery safety, safe systems of work and engineering standards.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, IT, contractors and suppliers.
• A self-motivated and organised approach, with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.

What We Offer

• Structured training and development within a highly skilled Projects team.
• Exposure to a wide range of industrial automation and control technologies.
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing organisation.

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.