Controls Engineer

IPL Schoeller; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

IPL Schoeller in Wolverhampton is seeking a skilled Controls Engineer to design, implement, and maintain control systems for automated manufacturing and packaging lines. You will work days, Mon-Fri, 07:30–16:00, and will collaborate across engineering and production to drive reliability and efficiency.

The role requires PLC/HMI programming expertise, experience with Siemens/Allen-Bradley/Mitsubishi platforms, and a strong understanding of electrical schematics, safety standards, and continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation, mechatronics or related discipline.
• Experience in controls engineering within FMCG or high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial communication protocols.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience with robotics, motion control, and vision systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and maintain PLC, HMI, systems (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi).
• Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new equipment and automation technologies.
• Ensure all control systems comply with PUWER, CE marking and safety standards.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for faults.
• Maintain documentation of control configurations, changes, and procedures.
• Provide training and support to maintenance and production personnel.
• Contribute to continuous improvement to boost productivity and reduce waste.
• Escalate quality concerns via non-conformances or confidential reporting.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Electrical schematics

Industrial protocols

Root cause analysis

Documentation

Lean manufacturing

Team collaboration

Education

BSc in Electrical Eng

Tools

Siemens

Allen-Bradley

Mitsubishi

Job description

Who We Are

On July 1, 2025, IPL Plastics merged with Schoeller Allibert to form IPL Schoeller (the ‘company’). The Company’s operations are split across North America (11 manufacturing plants) and Europe (16 manufacturing plants).

The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. IPL Schoeller is a leading manufacturer of sustainable rigid packaging solutions across a range of end market segments including returnable transit packaging, consumer and industrial packaging, environmental containers and agricultural packaging. The company employs c.4,100 employees across North America (1,600 employees) and Europe (2,500 employees.)

The Role

Our site in Wolverhampton is looking for a Controls Engineer to work days on a permanent basis.

IPL Schoeller (Wolverhampton)are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Controls Engineer to join our engineering team within the fast-paced FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) industry. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of control systems that support automated manufacturing and packaging operations. This role is critical to ensuring operational efficiency, equipment reliability, and compliance with industry standards.

The Engineer will work Monday to Friday, 07:30am - 16:00pm.

As a Controls Engineer at IPL Wolverhampton:

• Develop, program, and maintain PLC, HMI, systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi).
• Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues to minimize production downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support the integration of new equipment and automation technologies.
• Ensure all control systems comply with relevant health, safety, and regulatory standards (e.g., PUWER, CE marking).
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for recurring control-related faults.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of control system configurations, changes, and procedures.
• Provide technical training and support to maintenance and production personnel.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and reducing waste.
• Escalate any quality concerns or machine issues to relevant staff, done via raising non-conformances or confidential reporting when necessary.

What you will bring to the role:

• Health and Safety Compliance.
• Proactive and Results Focused.
• Openness to Change.
• Drive for Results.

Desirable qualifications and experience:

• Displays safe and considerate working practices.
• Have experience in fast-paced environment: subject to numerous priority changes and short notice activity.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related discipline(preferred).
• Demonstrable experience in a controls engineering role within an FMCG or high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial communication protocols.
• Strong understanding of electrical schematics, instrumentation, and control panel design.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-growing business and meet tight deadlines.
• Possesses understanding of health and safety processes and safe methods of working.
• Experience with robotics, motion control, and vision systems.
• Knowledge of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and data acquisition platforms.
• Certification in Six Sigma, PPM, or similar process improvement frameworks.