Controls Engineer

Randstad Inhouse Services; Knowsley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive company in Halewood is seeking an experienced Electrical Controls Engineer to manage electrical controls, enhance plant performance, and promote a Zero Accident culture. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant degree or equivalent experience and expertise in PLC systems such as Siemens Step-7. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and a focus on work-life balance.

Benefits

Annual salary increases

Competitive pension scheme

Access to on-site gym and sauna

Employee Development and Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience managing projects from specification to implementation.
• Strong experience with Siemens Step-7, TIA portal, and other control systems.
• Familiarity with ABB, Fanuc, UR robotics, and electromechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage electrical controls infrastructure and services.
• Promote a Zero Accident culture.
• Develop and approve electrical drawings and PLC programs.

Skills

Project Management

PLC Expertise

Electrical Systems Expertise

Communication & Leadership

Education

Electrical bias engineering degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Siemens Step-7

AutoCAD Electrical

Eplan

Job description

Overview

Electrical Controls Engineer

Location: Halewood

Salary: £40,245.53 - £62,953.73 (inclusive of 35% holiday bonus for 33 days per year; 25 vacation & 8 bank holidays)

Hours: Monday to Thursday 7:00 - 15:30, Friday 7:00 - 12:30

Contract: Permanent

Start Date: ASAP (based on availability)

About Us:

Join a team at the forefront of an exciting transformation at Ford Halewood as we transition into a world leader in electric vehicle powertrains. We're seeking a passionate Electrical Controls Engineer to be a vital part of our core engineering team, ensuring our machinery, infrastructure, and energy systems are running at optimal efficiency. You'll be working on high-impact projects in a fast-paced, advanced automotive manufacturing environment where innovation is key.

What You'll Do

• Lead Projects: Manage electrical and controls projects with budgets ranging up to £1,000,000+ to deliver solutions safely, cost-effectively, and on time.
• Collaboration: Work closely with engineering teams, management, production, and maintenance personnel to deliver services and projects that support advanced automotive manufacturing.
• Drive Innovation: Contribute to our Factory of the Future by identifying and implementing innovative solutions that enhance plant performance and support sustainable energy practices.
• Be a Safety Champion: Promote a culture of safety and Zero Accidents, while integrating Ford+ behaviours and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

What We're Looking For

• Qualifications: An electrical bias engineering degree or equivalent experience in electrical controls engineering.
• Project Management: Proven experience managing projects from specification to implementation, including vendor selection and delivery.
• PLC Expertise: Strong experience with Siemens Step-7, TIA portal, and other control systems.
• Engineering Knowledge: Familiarity with ABB, Fanuc, UR robotics, electromechanical systems, vision systems, and MPN.
• Software Proficiency: Knowledge of AutoCAD Electrical, Eplan, and project management software.
• Electrical Systems Expertise: HV and LV electrical distribution knowledge, and experience working with building management systems.
• Communication & Leadership: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to manage contractors, drive continuous improvement, and work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage electrical controls infrastructure and services, ensuring projects improve plant performance.
• Promote safety and a Zero Accident culture within the team.
• Develop and approve electrical drawings and PLC programs, ensuring compliance with corporate and legal standards.
• Drive cost-effective solutions, managing budgets and cost studies for new projects.
• Support hardware discussions and negotiations with OEMs.
• Lead machine sign-off processes, pre-acceptance, and final acceptance audits.

Why Join Us

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: Enjoy a generous salary with annual increases, and a competitive pension scheme.
• Work-Life Balance: 25 days of vacation (plus public holidays) and a focus on flexibility and well-being.
• Employee Perks: Access to our Employee Development and Assistance Programme, exclusive Ford Privilege Scheme discounts, Cycle to Work Scheme, and on-site gym, sauna, and steam room.
• Growth & Development: Be part of a transformative environment with opportunities to grow your career at one of the world's most innovative automotive companies.

The Company is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for all and is opposed to any form of less favourable treatment or harassment on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sex, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability. This vacancy is advertised in line with the FORD equal opportunities policy.