Controls Engineer: PLC/HMI, Robotics & CNC Expert

Magnet; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10% company bonus

Private medical insurance

Subsidised canteen

Paid volunteer day

Fantastic company discounts: Up to 80%

Access to Retail Trust

Flexible holidays: Holiday purchase

Wellbeing support

Lifestyle perks: Cycle to work

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Magnet is seeking a practical Controls Engineer to keep our manufacturing operations running smoothly. You’ll diagnose faults, maintain PLC and HMI systems, and program inverters, collaborating with engineering and production teams to deliver reliable, efficient automation solutions.

You’ll work in Darlington with modern control technologies, driving continuous improvement, safety, and cost reductions while mentoring apprentices and supporting other engineers across the site.

Qualifications

• Experience in electrical and electronic fault finding within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of PLC and HMI systems, including programming and diagnostics.
• Experience with inverter (VSD) programming and commissioning.
• Exposure to industrial automation and robotics.
• Experience with CNC woodworking machinery (e.g. HOMAG, BIESSE, IMA, or SCM) is advantageous but not essential.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical diagrams and technical documentation.
• Experience with Siemens or Allen-Bradley PLC platforms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Clear communication skills and the confidence to work independently or as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve electrical and electronic faults to minimise downtime.
• Maintain, modify, and optimise PLC and HMI systems.
• Programme and commission inverters (VSDs) and associated control systems.
• Support and improve automation systems, including robotics and CNC woodworking machinery.
• Interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings to support fault finding and improvements.
• Support the installation, commissioning, and validation of new equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, reliability, and performance.
• Work closely with engineering and production teams to deliver robust, sustainable solutions.
• Ensure all work meets health, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Mentor engineers and apprentices, supporting the development of skills and knowledge across the team.

Skills

Electrical fault finding

PLC & HMI programming

Inverter (VSD) programming

Industrial automation

Robotics familiarity

CNC machinery (woodworking)

Electrical diagrams reading

Siemens & Allen-Bradley PLCs

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Job description

Magnet is seeking a practical Controls Engineer to keep our manufacturing operations running smoothly. You’ll diagnose faults, maintain PLC and HMI systems, and program inverters, collaborating with engineering and production teams to deliver reliable, efficient automation solutions.

You’ll work in Darlington with modern control technologies, driving continuous improvement, safety, and cost reductions while mentoring apprentices and supporting other engineers across the site.