Controls Engineer

Ntwrx; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established automation systems integrator is seeking a Controls Engineer to join their team in Leicester. The role involves designing and developing control systems for automated machinery, including PLC programming and HMI development. Candidates should have significant experience in machine automation, proven competency in electrical design, and excellent communication skills. The position provides competitive salary, performance bonuses, professional development support, and hybrid working options where applicable.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Pension scheme

Professional development support

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• 3-7+ years experience in machine automation or controls engineering.
• Proven experience with PLC programming and commissioning industrial machinery.
• Familiarity with robot integration and machine safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems for automated machinery.
• Commission machines through FAT and SAT with customers.
• Collaborate with project teams to deliver automation projects.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI / SCADA development

Electrical design and documentation

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Electrical / Electronic Engineering or related discipline

Tools

E-plan or other electrical CAD tools

Siemens PLC

Omron PLC

Mitsubishi PLC

Job description

Job Title

Controls Engineer

Automation

Location

Leicester with occasional UK travel for site commissioning

About the Company

Our client is a well-established automation systems integrator specialising in bespoke robotic and production automation solutions. They operate across key sectors including automotive, medical devices, and packaging. With more than four decades of expertise, they design, build, and commission custom automated machinery, integrating robot arms, vision systems, and sophisticated control systems to deliver high-performance automation to clients globally.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Controls Engineer to join the multi-disciplinary engineering team. You will design, develop, and commission control systems for automated machinery, including robotics, safety systems, and PLC/HMI software. Your role will cover the full lifecycle of machines from concept, through build, to factory and site acceptance testing, and into customer handover.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems for special-purpose machinery: PLC programming, HMI development, safety system implementation.
• Create detailed electrical documentation: circuit diagrams, cable schedules, bills of materials.
• Select and specify control system hardware (PLCs, I/O modules, drives, safety relays, etc.).
• Integrate various robotic systems (e.g., 6-axis, SCARA, Cartesian) into machines and coordinate their control architecture.
• Commission machines: perform factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT) with customers.
• Ensure design compliance with relevant machinery safety standards and directives.
• Collaborate with mechanical, design, and project teams to deliver automation projects on time and budget.
• Produce and maintain engineering documentation, including control system specifications, user manuals, and commissioning reports.
• Provide technical support to customers during installation, commissioning, and post-commissioning phases.
• Mentor / supervise electrical / technician staff during machine build and commissioning where required.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree (or equivalent) in Electrical / Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related discipline.
• Significant practical experience (e.g. 3-7+ years) in machine automation / controls engineering.
• Proven PLC programming experience: ideally with platforms such as Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, or similar.
• Experience with HMI / SCADA development.
• Good understanding of machine safety systems, safety standards, and risk assessment.
• Experience in commissioning industrial machinery, including FAT and SAT.
• Familiarity with robot integration (robot control, I/O, motion coordination) is highly desirable.
• Competency in electrical design and documentation (circuit diagrams, cable schedules).
• Strong problem-solving skills and practical, hands‑on commissioning experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact with customers, project teams, and suppliers.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites across the UK as needed.

Desirable / Nice‑to‑have

• Experience using E-plan (or other electrical CAD tools).
• Previous experience working in the automotive, medical device, or packaging automation sectors.
• Knowledge of regulated systems (e.g., GAMP 5) for medical automation.
• Experience with safety‑rated PLCs and safety controllers.
• Experience with vision systems / machine vision integration.
• Previous supervisory or mentoring experience for junior engineers or technicians.

Benefits

• Competitive salary (market‑rate based on experience).
• Performance bonus / project‑based incentives.
• Pension scheme.
• Professional development support (training, courses, conferences).
• Opportunity to work on technically challenging, custom automation projects.
• Hybrid working (if applicable) or flexible working hours where project demands allow.

Personal Attributes

• Self‑motivated and proactive can‑do attitude.
• Excellent organisational skills, with ability to manage multiple projects.
• Strong team orientation, but also able to work independently.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Customer‑focused mindset; ability to represent the company positively in client‑facing situations.