Controls System Engineer

Sapien Engineering; Saltash; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave + service days

Westfield Healthcare

Country club membership

Enhanced sick pay

Team social events

Job summary

Sapien Engineering in the United Kingdom seeks a Controls System Engineer to design, develop and commission control systems for next‑gen composite moulding technology, with on‑site work and international client support.

You will create software design concepts, drawings and specs, research new solutions, and support projects from feasibility through handover. Travel within the UK and overseas will be required, with a collaborative, hands‑on approach.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree or equivalent; 1+ year in a control systems role.
• PLC experience and Siemens TIA Portal preferred.
• Strong technical design skills and problem solving.
• Clear communicator with supplier and client liaison ability.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical and control systems for composite moulding processes.
• Develop concepts and produce drawings/specs with appropriate software.
• Research new solutions to enhance equipment and processes.
• Support full project lifecycle from feasibility to handover.
• Provide training and technical support to client engineers and operators.
• Collaborate on sales enquiries, quotations and technical problem solving.
• Maintain H&S compliance and documentation throughout.

Skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Organisation

Teamwork

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

PLC programming

Job description

Due to continued growth, a leading Composite Manufacturing company is seeking a Controls System Engineer to join the team.

You’ll play a key role in developing the software that controls, monitors, regulates and automates the next generation of composite manufacturing technology. From creating software design concepts to supporting commissioning on-site, this is a role that blends creativity, problem‑solving, and hands‑on engineering.

The role will be instrumental in designing automated machinery, equipment, and processes for the closed moulding composite process. The role will also provide technical assistance to other projects and clients globally.

What you’ll be doing:

• Designing electrical and control systems for composite moulding processes.
• Developing design concepts and producing drawings and specifications using appropriate software.
• Researching new solutions, technologies, and techniques to enhance our equipment and processes.
• Supporting the full project lifecycle, from feasibility studies and BOMs through to build, commissioning, and client handover.
• Providing training and technical support to client engineers and operators, both in the UK and internationally.
• Collaborating with colleagues on sales enquiries, quotations, and technical problem‑solving.
• Maintaining compliance with health and safety standards and ensuring accurate documentation throughout.

Skills & Experience

• An engineering degree (or equivalent experience – at least 1 year in a relevant Control systems role).
• Proficiency with electronic and electrical software.). Experience with Programmable logic controller (plc) experience and/or Siemens Tia Portal Software experience preferable.
• Strong technical understanding with the ability to create accurate, innovative, and practical design solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, able to explain technical information clearly and build strong relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and clients.
• Organised and detail-driven, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Confidence with Microsoft Office and databases.

Personal Qualities

• Takes ownership and pride in producing high-quality work.
• A “completer-finisher” mindset, spotting details others might miss.
• Curious, questioning, and not afraid to challenge ideas constructively.
• Flexible and adaptable, equally comfortable working independently or as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel in the UK and internationally when required (passport and driving licence essential).
• Eager to keep learning, staying up to date with new technologies, techniques, and trends.

Benefits

• We go beyond the basics to create a workplace that rewards hard work, supports wellbeing, and helps you build a lasting career.
• Enhanced Holidays – 30 days annual leave to start, plus an extra day for each year of service (up to 5 additional days).
• Westfield Healthcare – cover that contributes towards dental, osteopathy, chiropody and more, plus retail discounts.
• China Fleet Country Club Membership – free access to gym, pool, racquet sports, fitness classes and leisure facilities.
• Enhanced Sick Pay – peace of mind if you’re unwell, with full sick pay available at management discretion.
• Social Events – from team-building days to pub quizzes, we believe in celebrating successes together.