Controls Engineer

Hernshead Recruitment; Felbridge; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Hernshead Recruitment is partnering with a leading automation solutions provider in the automotive sector to hire a Controls Engineer. You will design, develop and implement control systems for automated equipment and production lines, from design and development through to testing and on-site commissioning.

The role focuses on Siemens PLC programming, integration with mechanical and electrical teams, testing and troubleshooting, and documenting software specifications.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Controls Engineer in automation or automotive.
• Strong knowledge of Siemens PLC programming and integration.
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement control systems for automated equipment and production lines.
• Program and configure Siemens PLCs.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams for system integration.
• Test, troubleshoot and debug control systems.
• Support commissioning on-site and start-up activities.
• Prepare technical documentation and system reports.

Tools

Siemens STEP 7 / TIA Portal

HMI/SCADA software

Job description

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