Controls Engineer

Automated Industrial Robotics; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Company bonus

Maternity and paternity leave

Pension plan

Training support

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

Automated Industrial Robotics (AIR) in Wakefield is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, develop, test, and maintain control systems for automation across equipment and production lines. You will implement PLC, HMI, and SCADA solutions, create diagrams and docs, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance while collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and software teams.

Travel to customer sites may be required; AIR offers a comprehensive benefits package and professional development

Qualifications

• Design, program, and commission PLC/HMI/SCADA systems.
• Create FDS and technical documentation for control projects.
• Ensure version control and maintain control software backups.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control architectures and wiring layouts.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams.
• Support project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Robotics experience

Vision systems

Industrial protocols

Machinery safety & risk

Education

HNC/HND or Degree in Electrical/Control/Automation

Apprentice trained or 2+ years post-grad

Job description

Location: AIR Wakefield

Overview:

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining control systems and automation solutions used across equipment, machinery, and production processes. The role ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of automated and semi‑automated systems.

Key Responsibilities

Control System Design & Development

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, SCADA based applications.
• Develop control architectures, wiring diagrams, and system layouts.
• Create functional design specifications (FDS) and technical documentation.
• Update control software, documentation, and backups to maintain version control.

Collaboration & Project Delivery

• Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, software).
• Collaborate with suppliers, integrators, and customers.
• Support project timelines, budgets, and deliverables where required.

Testing, Commissioning, Validation & Support

• Troubleshoot and resolve control system faults, software bugs, and communication issues.
• Conduct FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing).
• Ensure systems meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and safety norms.
• Provide ongoing technical support to both internal and external customers.
• Delivery of equipment training packages.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• PLC programming (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff & Schneider) to include complex motion control.
• HMI/SCADA development (FactoryTalk Optix, HMI Unified).
• Experience with robotics (ABB, Fanuc, Staubli)
• Experience with Vision Systems (Cognex, Keyence)
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT, etc.).
• Strong understanding of machinery safety systems to include risk assessment, design & validation.

Personal Skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability.
• Effective communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independent and in cross‑functional teams.
• Strong project and time‑management capabilities.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers.
• Mix of office and production‑floor environments.
• Travel to customer sites or suppliers as required (both domestic & international).

Qualifications & Experience

• HNC/HND or Degree (Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related discipline).
• Apprentice trained or 2+ years post grad. experience.

What we offer:

In AIR, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well‑being and professional development, including flexible work arrangements, company bonus, maternity and paternity leave, pension plan, training support, and various wellness initiatives.

About AIR:

Established 2023, Automated Industrial Robotics Inc from Los Angeles, USA and funded by ARES Management private equity group, AIR is a trusted automation partner empowering our customers to innovate, produce and scale through technology-enabled manufacturing. Our five-hundred-person world‑class team operates across 350,000 sq ft of advanced manufacturing space in six facilities spanning America and Europe. With centralized engineering, technology and support, we deliver transformative automation solutions that increase quality, production and efficiency