Controls Engineer (Industrial Automation)

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Limited; Bedford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established manufacturer based in Bedford is seeking a Controls Engineer to oversee electrical control systems and lead software development for automated machinery projects. The role includes significant technical autonomy, international travel for commissioning, and involvement in innovative product development. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in industrial automation and experience with PLC/HMI programming. Competitive salary and a dynamic work environment offered.

Benefits

International travel

Technical leadership

Varied projects

Qualifications

• Experienced Controls Engineer with a strong background in industrial automation.
• Skilled in PLC / HMI programming and drive systems.
• Commutable to Bedford.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical control systems for automated machinery.
• Lead PLC, HMI, and drive system programming.
• Oversee software development and standardisation across all equipment.
• Take a key role in machine testing, optimisation, and commissioning.
• Provide high-level technical support and application guidance to customers.
• Travel internationally for commissioning.

Skills

PLC / HMI programming

Electrical control systems design

Drive systems (servo & variable speed)

Software development

Job description

Job Description

Controls Engineer (Industrial Automation)

£55,000 - £60,000 + International Travel + Technical Leadership + Varied Projects

Bedford

Are you an experienced Controls Engineer with a background in industrial automation or similar, looking for full project ownership, involvement across the complete project life cycle, and the opportunity to work on high‑quality special‑purpose machinery for a well‑established manufacturer?

This company designs and builds advanced converting machinery supplied across the UK, Europe and the USA. With project cycles typically lasting 4‑9 months, you'll quickly see the results of your work and play a key role in delivering innovative automated equipment. Due to continued growth, they are looking for a skilled Controls Engineer capable of leading software development, supporting complex machine control, and contributing to ongoing product innovation.

In this hands‑on, senior role, you will take ownership of control system design, PLC / HMI programming, drive configuration, testing and commissioning. You'll work closely with a small, highly experienced engineering team and travel internationally (Europe and the USA) for commissioning and customer support.

This role is ideal for a Controls Engineer who wants technical autonomy, varied engineering challenges, and the opportunity to shape control software across a full product range.

The Role

• Design and develop electrical control systems for automated machinery
• Lead PLC, HMI and drive system programming
• Oversee software development and standardisation across all equipment
• Take a key role in machine testing, optimisation and commissioning
• Provide high‑level technical support and application guidance to customers
• International travel for commissioning (Europe & USA)
• Contribute to continuous improvement and new product development

The Person

• Controls Engineer with a strong background in industrial automation or similar
• PLC / HMI programming and drive systems (servo & variable speed)
• Commutable to Bedford

Reference: BBBH22840B

Keywords: Controls Engineer, Senior Controls, Automation, PLC Programming, Electrical Engineering, Special Purpose Machinery, Machine Build, Servo Drives, Variable Speed Drives, Commissioning, HMI Development, Industrial Automation, Bedford, Software Lead, Europe, USA

If you're interested in this role, please apply to forward an up‑to‑date copy of your CV.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates. The salary advertised is a guideline for this position. The offered remuneration will be dependent on the extent of your experience, qualifications, and skill set.