Controls Engineer

Hernshead Recruitment Ltd; Felbridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Controls Engineer position with a leading automation solutions provider in the UK. You will design and implement control systems for automated production lines and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure proper integration and performance.

The role involves PLC programming with Siemens tools, on-site commissioning, testing, and providing post-project support. Candidates should have strong fault-finding skills and be willing to travel to customer sites as required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Controls Engineer within automation or automotive industries.
• Strong knowledge of Siemens PLC programming software.
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems is an advantage.
• Strong problem-solving and fault-finding skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites for commissioning and support.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement control systems for automated equipment and production lines.
• Program and configure PLCs using Siemens tooling.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams for seamless system integration.
• Conduct testing, troubleshooting, and debugging of control systems.
• Support commissioning activities on-site, including start-up and optimisation.
• Prepare technical documentation, including software specs and system reports.
• Provide ongoing technical support to customers during and after project completion.

Skills

Siemens PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Industrial protocols

Fault finding

Travel to sites

Tools

Siemens STEP 7 / TIA Portal

Job description

About this position:

Join a leading automation solutions provider delivering innovative control and automation systems within the automotive industry. This is an exciting opportunity for a Controls Engineer to work on technically challenging automation projects, getting involved across the full project lifecycle from design and development through to testing and on-site commissioning.

Job Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and implement control systems for automated equipment and production lines
• Program and configure PLCs using Siemens
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams to ensure seamless system integration
• Conduct testing, troubleshooting, and debugging of control systems
• Support commissioning activities on-site, including start-up and optimisation
• Prepare technical documentation, including software specifications and system reports
• Provide ongoing technical support to customers during and after project completion

Experience Required:

• Proven experience as a Controls Engineer within the automation or automotive industry
• Strong working knowledge of Siemens PLC programming software
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Ethernet/IP)
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems is an advantage
• Strong problem-solving and fault-finding skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Willingness to travel to customer sites for commissioning and support