Controls Engineer

ATA Recruitment; Blackburn; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Controls & Automation Engineer for a 3-6 month contract role in the water industry. The position requires strong technical skills in PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems with a focus on developing automation concepts and troubleshooting complex systems. Candidates must have hands-on experience using Siemens TIA Portal. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to high-end global technology projects while operating outside of IR35 regulations.

Benefits

Responsible role to see through development to commission

High-end global technology organization

Outside IR35 project/contract

Qualifications

• Strong experience within the water industry required.
• Highly technical understanding of automation systems.
• Ability to design and program PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop automation concepts and control strategies.
• Produce functional design specifications and software documentation.
• Troubleshoot and debug automation systems.
• Design and program PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems based on client requirements.
• Support internal teams with automation expertise.

Skills

PLC

HMI

SCADA

Automation troubleshooting

Analytical problem-solving

Siemens TIA Portal

Job description

Controls & Automation Engineer

3-6‑month contract

Rate £42.50 - £47.50 p/h DOE (outside IR35)

Locations: Blackburn, Burnley, Bolton, Preston, Bury, Rochdale

Water / Process / Automation / Siemens TIA Portal

I am currently recruiting on behalf of a key client based in the Northwest. They operate in systems and design complex projects across water & process industries. Due to ongoing projects, they are looking for an experienced Controls and Automation Engineer with strong experience within the water industry to join their team on an interim basis. Initially this contract/project is for 3‑6 months.

Responsibilities

• Develop automation concepts and control strategies for a wide range of industrial processes and applications.
• Produce functional design specifications, I/O schedules, and software documentation.
• Troubleshoot and debug automation systems.
• Design and program PLC, HMI and SCADA systems to meet project specifications and client requirements.
• Support the internal panel build and electrical design teams with automation input and technical expertise.

Attributes

• Highly technical, with strong understanding of PLC, HMI, SCADA and industrial communication networks.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving mindset, able to diagnose complex automation issues quickly.
• Strong knowledge and hands‑on experience using Siemens TIA Portal.
• Ability to perform advanced fault‑finding, including logic tracing, signal diagnostics, network analysis and system performance tuning.

Benefits

• Responsible role to see through development to commission.
• High‑end global technology organisation.
• Outside IR35 project/contract.

I am looking to speak to talented Controls Automation Engineers who are looking for a rewarding and highly challenging position. For more information, please contact Dom Firth, Recruitment Consultant at ATA Recruitment.

ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.