Controls System Engineer

Sapien Engineering; Saltash; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Westfield Healthcare

China Fleet Country Club Membership

Enhanced Holidays 30 days

Enhanced Sick Pay

Social Events

Job summary

Sapien Engineering in the UK is seeking a Controls System Engineer to design, develop and Commission control software for the next generation of composite manufacturing equipment. You will work on electrical and control system design for closed moulding processes, delivering concepts from design to on-site commissioning.

The role involves collaborating with colleagues on bids and technical issues, supporting projects worldwide, and traveling within the UK and internationally as required.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree or equivalent with at least 1 year in a control systems role.
• Experience with PLCs; Siemens TIA Portal preferred.
• Strong communication and documentation skills; willing to travel UK/internationally.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical and control systems for composite moulding processes.
• Develop design concepts and produce drawings and specifications.
• 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 inquiries, quotations, and technical problem-solving.
• Ensure health and safety compliance and proper documentation.

Skills

Control systems

PLC programming

Siemens TIA Portal

Electrical design

Communication skills

Project organization

MS Office

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

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.
• 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.