Controls Engineer

Recruit 12; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the automotive sector is seeking a Controls Engineer to optimize manufacturing processes. The role involves collaboration on automation projects, fault diagnosis, and adherence to health and safety standards in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates will have strong PLC programming skills and a background in electrical engineering.

Qualifications

• Experience with PLC programming, especially Siemens S7 and WinCC.
• HNC or equivalent in Electrical or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Strong understanding of automated manufacturing systems.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement sustainable automation solutions.
• Collaborate to specify and integrate automated solutions.
• Lead fault diagnosis and troubleshooting of control systems.

Skills

PLC programming

Automation solutions

Problem-solving

Team player

Lean principles

Technical communication

Education

HNC in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens S7

WinCC

ABB robotics

Job description

Controls Engineer

Location: Telford, Shropshire
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Shift Pattern: Day and Nights at 33%
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Controls Engineer to join a high-performing team at a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Telford. The site specialises in the production of high-pressure aluminium die-cast components for the automotive sector.

This role will suit an individual with a strong automation and controls background who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is keen to make a tangible impact through process optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and implement sustainable automation and controls solutions across various processes (e.g. HPDC, CNC, heat treatment, assembly).

• Collaborate closely with production, engineering, and NPI teams to specify and integrate automated solutions.

• Lead fault diagnosis, troubleshooting, and delivery of practical control system improvements.

• Support development of user-friendly operator interfaces and automated feedback systems.

• Drive efficiency improvements via OEE data, cycle time reduction, and quality enhancements.

• Maintain controls documentation and manage program backups/version control.

• Support new product launches, trials, and burst build events with technical input.

• Ensure error-proofing (Poka Yoke) solutions to reduce non-conformance risk.

• Champion Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies across the department.

Candidate Requirements:

Essential:

• HNC or equivalent in Electrical or Manufacturing Engineering.

• Experience with PLC programming, especially Siemens S7 and WinCC systems.

• ABB robotics knowledge (IRC5).

• Strong understanding of automated manufacturing systems.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Skilled in reading electrical/mechanical drawings and process documentation.

• Knowledge of Lean principles, OEE, root cause analysis, and Poka Yoke.

• Strong team player with hands-on problem-solving skills.

Desirable:

• Prior experience in a Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment.

• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, or Run at Rate procedures.

• End-of-arm robot tooling design exposure.

• Pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical fault-finding experience.

• Vision system optimisation experience.

Personal Attributes:

• Self-motivated, analytical, and solutions-focused.

• Effective communicator, both written and verbal.

• Adaptable and open to suggestions from colleagues.

• Capable of working in a demanding, fast-paced setting.

• Willingness to travel overseas if required.

• Eligible to work in the UK.

Working Environment:

The role involves working within a live manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold, noise, and industrial equipment. Full Health and Safety training and PPE will be provided.