Controls Engineer

Automation Experts; Ringway; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Pension

Private medical

Private healthcare benefits

Life assurance

Performance-related bonus

Job summary

Automation Experts in the United Kingdom seeks a Controls Engineer to design and maintain PLC-based control systems for high-value scientific equipment. The role covers PC-based software, HMI development, and extensive testing across hardware and software interfaces.

You will program with Ladder Logic and Structured Text, plus VB.NET and C#, ensuring robust interlocks and effective documentation. Occasional travel to client sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Experience working with PLC-based control systems.
• Strong understanding of electronics and electrical interfaces.
• Experience with Ladder Logic and/or Structured Text.
• Experience developing graphical user interfaces / HMI applications.
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving across hardware and software.
• Experience with bespoke automation or scientific equipment.
• Structured approach to testing, validation and documentation.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain PLC control systems for bespoke scientific equipment.
• Develop PC-based software and touchscreen HMI applications.
• Programme using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, VB.NET and C#.
• Design and implement hardware and software interlocks to ensure safe operation.
• Carry out fault finding and diagnose complex electrical, electronic and software issues.
• Support FAT and SAT activities in-house and at customer sites.
• Provide technical support for system upgrades and new developments.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation and records.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on new product development.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment, processes and workflows.
• Support customer handover, installation and queries.
• Travel to UK and overseas sites up to 10%.

Skills

PLC control

Electronics

HMI development

Fault finding

Ladder Logic

Structured Text

VB.NET

C#

Communication

Travel

Tools

Ladder Logic

Structured Text

VB.NET

C#

HMI software

Job description

Controls Engineer

£35,000 - £55,000 + Bonus, Pension, Private Medical, Additional Benefits

Cheshire.Ref: 25662

Want to work on high-value scientific and research equipment where PLCs, electronics and software come together?

Working on high-precision equipment used across a range areas, this is a varied, hands‑on role combining PLC systems, HMI development, electronics, testing and technical support.

Controls Engineer - The Role:

• Develop and maintain PLC control systems for bespoke scientific equipment
• Develop PC‑based software and touchscreen HMI applications
• Programme using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, VB.NET and C#
• Design and implement hardware and software interlocks to ensure safe system operation
• Carry out fault finding and diagnose complex electrical, electronic and software issues
• Support FAT and SAT activities both in‑house and at customer sites
• Provide technical support for system upgrades, future developments and existing products
• Produce and maintain accurate technical documentation and engineering records
• Work closely with engineering and technical teams on new product development
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment, processes and engineering workflows
• Support customer handover, installation and technical queries where required
• Travel to UK and overseas customer sites, typically up to 10%

Controls Engineer - What We're Looking For:

• Experience working with PLC‑based control systems
• Strong practical and theoretical understanding of electronics and electrical interfaces
• Experience with Ladder Logic and/or Structured Text
• Experience developing graphical user interfaces / HMI applications
• Strong fault‑finding and problem‑solving abilities across hardware and software
• Experience working with bespoke automation, scientific equipment or complex machinery
• Structured and methodical approach to testing, validation and documentation
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams
• Self‑motivated, organised and able to manage competing priorities
• Full UK driving licence and passport, with willingness to travel internationally
• Experience supporting installation and commissioning of specialist equipment

Controls Engineer - Why Join?

• Work on high‑value scientific and engineering systems used in cutting‑edge research
• Develop your skills across PLCs, software, electronics and HMI technology
• Varied role combining development, testing, fault finding and customer support
• Flexitime and early finish on Fridays
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + birthday day off
• Matched 5% employee/company pension
• Private healthcare benefits and life assurance
• Performance‑related bonus
• E‑learning and ongoing development opportunities
• Opportunity to contribute directly to future product development and innovation

Based in Cheshire, this role is commutable from Manchester, Warrington, Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Stockport and surrounding areas.

If you're an experienced Controls or Software Engineer looking for a varied role combining PLC programming, HMI, electronics, testing and specialist scientific equipment, this could be an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a technically advanced engineering environment.

For further information call John Anderson on:(phone number removed)or (phone number removed). Email: