Controls Engineer

Proactive Global; Winsford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Proactive Global is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to join our automation team, supporting logistics and distribution systems.

You will design, commission and troubleshoot PLC, HMI and SCADA, with Siemens S7 PLCs and TIA Portal, and you will work with conveyors, sortation equipment and motor control systems across site installations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Controls Engineer in logistics, warehousing, or distribution.
• Strong Siemens PLC programming skills with TIA Portal.
• Experience with conveyors, sortation and distribution equipment.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and control documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, modify, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA control systems.
• Program and troubleshoot Siemens PLCs using TIA Portal.
• Support automated logistics systems including conveyors and sorters.
• Produce technical documentation and electrical drawings.
• Work with operations and maintenance teams to deliver reliable automation.
• Provide commissioning support and on-site troubleshooting.

Skills

Siemens S7 PLCs

Siemens TIA Portal

Profinet / Profibus

VSDs and motor control

Fault finding and troubleshooting

Reading electrical schematics

Team collaboration

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

TIA Portal

Job description

Controls Engineer - Logistics & Automation

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to join our engineering team, supporting automated logistics and material handling systems. The successful candidate will have strong Siemens PLC programming experience, particularly with TIA Portal, and a proven background in logistics, distribution, and conveyor-based automation environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, modify, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA control systems.
• Program and troubleshoot Siemens PLCs using TIA Portal.
• Support and optimize automated logistics systems including conveyors, sortation equipment, and distribution systems.
• Configure and commission variable speed drives (VSDs) and motor control systems.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical and control system faults to minimize downtime.
• Participate in system upgrades, continuous improvement projects, and new installations.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation, functional specifications, and electrical drawings.
• Work closely with operations, maintenance, and project teams to deliver reliable automation solutions.
• Provide technical support during commissioning and operational phases.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience as a Controls Engineer within logistics, warehousing, distribution, or material handling environments.
• Strong Siemens PLC programming skills.
• Extensive knowledge of Siemens TIA Portal.
• Experience with automated conveyor systems, sorters, and distribution equipment.
• Experience configuring and commissioning industrial drives and motion control systems.
• Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting skills on automated systems.
• Understanding of industrial communication networks such as Profinet, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, or similar.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control system documentation.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with Siemens HMI and SCADA systems.
• Knowledge of safety PLCs and machine safety standards.
• Experience working within high-speed automated distribution centres.
• Familiarity with commissioning and site acceptance testing (SAT).
• Electrical qualifications or engineering degree in Automation, Controls, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.

Key Technologies

• Siemens S7 PLCs
• Siemens TIA Portal
• Profinet / Profibus
• Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
• Conveyor and Sortation Systems
• HMI / SCADA Systems
• Automated Distribution and Logistics Equipment

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Strong analytical and fault-finding capability.
• Able to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Flexible and willing to support site commissioning activities when required.

Proactive Global is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.