Controls Engineer

IPL Schoeller; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

IPL Schoeller in Wolverhampton is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, program, maintain and improve control systems for automated manufacturing and packaging lines. The role is days, Monday to Friday, 07:30–16:00, permanent.

You will work with Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and Mitsubishi PLCs, develop HMIs, troubleshoot issues, ensure PUWER/CE compliance, document configurations, provide training, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation, mechatronics or related discipline.
• Proven experience as a controls engineer in FMCG or high-volume manufacturing.
• Strong PLC programming, HMI development and electrical schematic skills.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and maintain PLC, HMI systems for automated lines.
• Troubleshoot control system issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for equipment integration.
• Ensure compliance with PUWER and CE marking and health and safety standards.
• Document configurations, changes and procedures comprehensively.
• Provide training and technical support to maintenance and production staff.
• Drive continuous improvement to boost productivity and reduce waste.
• Raise non-conformances or confidential reports for quality issues.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Root cause analysis

Documentation

Training and support

Collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering/Automation/Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Mitsubishi PLC

HMI tooling

Industrial communication protocols

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.