Controls Technician

KellyOCG; North East; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

KellyOCG is seeking a highly skilled Controls Technician for a leading global manufacturer in Darlington. The role focuses on maintaining and optimizing automated equipment, diagnosing complex issues, and driving continuous improvement within a fast-paced production environment.

You will collaborate with maintenance, engineering, production, and IT teams, reading electrical schematics and PLC documentation, and supporting automation projects across the facility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent experience.
• Experience in manufacturing/automation/controls environments.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs and industrial control systems.
• Experience reading electrical diagrams and schematics.
• Hands-on troubleshooting of automated equipment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve automated systems to maximize uptime.
• Diagnose failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics and PLC documentation.
• Support system modifications, testing, and commissioning of equipment.
• Update controls documentation and technical records.
• Provide guidance to maintenance and production teams.

Skills

PLCs

Automation

Troubleshooting

Electrical diagrams

Education

High school diploma

Technical training in controls

Tools

SCADA

MES

Robotics

Industrial networks

Job description

Schedule: Required to work a shift pattern of 6am to 2pm and 2pm to 10pm - with potential of a nightshift also being required

Salary: £45,000 plus based on proven skills and experience

About the Opportunity

A leading global manufacturer is seeking a Controls Technician to join its Maintenance team at a highly automated production facility in Darlington. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on controls professional who enjoys troubleshooting complex manufacturing systems, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and supporting advanced automation technologies in a fast‑paced environment.

Working closely with maintenance, engineering, production, and IT teams, you will play a key role in maintaining and optimizing automated equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations.

What You’ll Do

As a Controls Technician, you will:

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve automated manufacturing systems to maximize uptime and operational performance.
• Diagnose equipment and control system failures, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, PLC documentation, technical manuals, and control system drawings.
• Support maintenance activities, system modifications, testing, and commissioning of manufacturing equipment.
• Manage and update controls documentation, procedures, and technical records.
• Act as a technical resource for maintenance and production teams, providing expertise and guidance when required.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and throughput.
• Support automation and capital projects, including the integration of new equipment into existing production systems.
• Optimize equipment performance through the application of PLCs, robotics, HMIs, vision systems, and industrial networking technologies.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external contractors to deliver innovative manufacturing solutions.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, secondary education certificate, or equivalent experience.
• Experience within a manufacturing, automation, controls, or maintenance environment.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, industrial control systems, and industrial networking.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting automated equipment and manufacturing systems.
• Ability to read and understand electrical diagrams, schematics, and technical documentation.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with:
• PLCs and automation systems
• SCADA and MES interfaces
• Industrial networks and data collection systems
• Robotics and cobots
• Vision systems
• Automated mobile robots (AMRs)
• DC tooling
• OT/IT network infrastructure
• Hands‑on experience supporting connected manufacturing technologies.
• Technical training related to controls, automation, electrical systems, or industrial maintenance.
• Strong problem‑solving and fault‑finding skills.
• Ability to make informed decisions in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join a technologically advanced manufacturing operation.
• Work with cutting‑edge automation and control technologies.
• Contribute directly to operational performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with experienced engineering, maintenance, and production professionals.
• Long‑term career opportunity within a stable manufacturing environment.