Controls & Automation Graduate

Nicholas Associates Graduate Placements; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates Group is seeking a Controls & Automation Graduate in Sheffield to support the maintenance and improvement of PLC, HMI and SCADA systems. You’ll provide technical support, fault finding, programming and commissioning activities to ensure reliability and performance of automation systems.

You will join a dedicated Projects team, receive structured training, and develop essential automation engineering skills with real-world project exposure.

Qualifications

• A degree, HNC/HND or equivalent in Electrical, Electronic, Controls & Automation Engineering.
• Knowledge of PLC systems, particularly Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms.
• Understanding of HMI/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.
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, P&IDs and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• 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.

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.

Skills

PLC knowledge

HMI/SCADA systems

Fault diagnosis

Electrical drawings

Instrumentation & sensors

Machinery safety

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

Electrical/Electronic/Controls & Automation Eng degree or HNC/HND

Tools

Wonderware/Aveva

PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)

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

• 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