Controls Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Bedford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company near Bedford is seeking a talented Controls Engineer for innovative automation projects. This full-time role involves designing bespoke automation systems and collaborating on technically challenging projects from concept to completion while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in controls/software engineering for automated machinery.
• Ideally experienced in HMI/SCADA development.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC and HMI software for custom automation systems.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and motion control systems.
• Assist in the commissioning and testing of machinery.

Skills

PLC programming

Software engineering

Electrical schematics reading

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Controls Engineer – Special Purpose Machinery / Automation

Location: Bedford, Bedfordshire

Salary: £28,000 – £40,000 + Benefits

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Are you a Controls Engineer looking to work on cutting-edge automation and bespoke machinery projects?

We’re recruiting on behalf of a leading engineering company based near Bedford that designs and manufactures special purpose machinery and automation equipment. They are expanding their team and looking for a talented Controls Engineer to support the development of innovative, custom-built automation systems.

The Role:

As a Controls Engineer, you’ll be involved in the full controls lifecycle – from initial specification and software design through to commissioning and final handover. This is a hands-on role offering variety and the chance to work on technically challenging projects tailored to individual customer needs.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop PLC and HMI software for custom automation systems
• Integrate sensors, actuators, motion control systems, and safety devices
• Create electrical schematics using CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical)
• Assist in the commissioning and testing of machinery, both in-house and on-site
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers throughout the project lifecycle
• Ensure designs meet safety regulations and industry standards

About You:

• Experience in controls/software engineering for automated machinery
• Knowledge of PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, etc.)
• Comfortable reading electrical schematics and working closely with electrical hardware
• Ideally experienced in HMI/SCADA development
• Based near Bedford or able to commute
• Able to work both independently and as part of a project team

What’s on Offer:

• Work on bespoke automation projects from concept to completion
• Be part of a respected and growing engineering business
• Competitive salary between £28,000 – £40,000 (depending on experience)
• Great team culture, ongoing development, and career progression

Interested?

We’d love to hear from local Controls Engineers who are passionate about automation and want to be involved in unique and innovative projects.