Controls Engineer

Holt Engineering; Ferndown; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Holt Engineering in Ferndown is seeking a development-focused Controls Engineer to work alongside a Senior Engineer. You’ll support PLC, HMI, automation, and system integration across a varied product range, starting with legacy troubleshooting before moving into new design work.

A grounding in controls, automation, electronics, electrical engineering or software plus manufacturing experience is preferred. Join a specialist engineering manufacturer that offers training and progression into more

Qualifications

• Some practical exposure to PLCs, HMIs, control systems, automation or electrical/electronic systems.
• Understanding of how control systems behave within machinery or manufactured products.
• Able to interpret technical information and work through problems logically.
• Comfortable learning proprietary software and configuration tools.

Responsibilities

• Support troubleshooting and configuration of existing and legacy control systems.
• Investigate functional issues found during machine build, test or commissioning stages.
• Use engineering/configuration tools to identify control system problems and resolve them.
• Work with a Senior Engineer to understand PLC, HMI, I/O and automation requirements.
• Help adapt control systems so machines function correctly and consistently.
• Contribute to design reviews and continuous improvement within Engineering.
• Assist with PLC/HMI updates, system configuration and user interface improvements.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software and manufacturing teams for product integration.

Skills

PLC/HMI exposure

Automation concepts

Electrical/electronic knowledge

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

HND-level electronics/electrical/automation/controls or related

Tools

Siemens

Schneider

Mitsubishi

Rockwell

Omron

CODESYS

Structured Text

Python

C

C#

HTML

JavaScript

CSS

Job description

Controls Engineer

Ferndown

Controls Engineer salary: £39,500 – £46,750

Please note: only applicants with the full-time, permanent right to work in the UK will be considered.

Controls Engineer Overview:

Development-focused Controls Engineer role working alongside a Senior Engineer

Support PLC, HMI, automation and system integration projects across a varied product range

Start with legacy troubleshooting and configuration before progressing into new design work

Suitable for someone with controls, automation, electrical, electronics or software knowledge

Join a specialist manufacturer where training and progression will be built into the role

This Controls Engineer role is with a specialist engineering manufacturer in Ferndown and is designed for someone who wants to develop further in control systems, automation and product integration. The Controls Engineer will work alongside a Senior Engineer, initially supporting troubleshooting, configuration and legacy system work before gradually taking on more design and development activity. This is not a pure PLC programming role; it is more focused on system integration with a strong PLC/HMI and automation element.

The Controls Engineer role

As Controls Engineer, you’ll support control systems across new, existing and legacy products, helping make sure equipment works correctly through build, test and final customer use. Early work will involve understanding existing systems, learning configuration tools, supporting fault-finding and helping resolve automation or control issues that appear during testing.

Over time, the Controls Engineer will become more involved in new control system design, PLC/HMI projects, automation improvements and the move toward more electrical and commercially available control hardware. The business is happy to train the right person, provided they already have a grounding in controls, automation, electronics, electrical engineering or software, plus some experience working in or around manufacturing.

Day-to-day responsibilities of a Controls Engineer

• Support troubleshooting and configuration of existing and legacy control systems
• Investigate functional issues found during machine build, test or commissioning stages
• Use engineering and configuration tools to identify control system problems and resolve them
• Work with a Senior Engineer to understand PLC, HMI, I/O and automation requirements
• Help adapt control systems so machines function correctly and consistently
• Support the transition from older electronic systems toward more electrical and off-the-shelf control solutions
• Contribute to smaller controls and automation projects before progressing into larger design work
• Assist with PLC/HMI updates, system configuration and user interface improvements
• Work with mechanical, electrical, software and manufacturing teams to support product integration
• Help document control system information, software versions, configuration details and technical changes
• Support suppliers and subcontractors where components, firmware or software need technical clarification
• Contribute to design reviews, project updates and continuous improvement within Engineering

What they’re looking for - Controls Engineer

• Some practical exposure to PLCs, HMIs, control systems, automation or electrical/electronic systems
• Understanding of how control systems behave within machinery, equipment or manufactured products
• HND-level knowledge in electronics, electrical engineering, automation, controls, software engineering or similar, or equivalent experience
• Able to interpret technical information and work through problems logically
• Basic understanding of sensors, motors, drives, I/O, wiring diagrams or control hardware would be useful
• Comfortable learning proprietary software, configuration tools and new engineering systems
• Some manufacturing, engineering or product-based experience
• Interest in developing further into PLC/HMI, automation and control system design
• Methodical approach with good attention to detail
• Good communication skills and willingness to learn from senior engineering support

Desirable - Controls Engineer

• Hands-on PLC or HMI experience, even at a junior or developing level
• Exposure to Siemens, Schneider, Mitsubishi, Rockwell, Omron, CODESYS or similar platforms
• Basic software knowledge such as Structured Text, Python, C, C#, HTML, JavaScript or CSS
• Experience fault-finding machinery, test equipment or automated systems
• Understanding of software revision control or controlled engineering documentation
• Experience in a multi-disciplinary manufacturing or product development environment
• Knowledge of motor controllers, interface hardware, microprocessors or embedded electronics

What’s on offer - Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer salary: £39,500 – £46,750

A development-focused Controls Engineer role with structured support from a Senior Engineer.

The chance to build real experience across PLCs, HMIs, automation, system integration and control system troubleshooting.

A varied engineering environment where the Controls Engineer can start on smaller projects, learn the product range and progress into more design-led automation work.

A good opportunity for someone with the right technical grounding who wants to grow into a stronger, broader Controls Engineer role.