Controls Technician

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

Job summary

KellyOCG is seeking a Controls Technician for a leading global manufacturer in Darlington. The role focuses on maintaining and optimizing automated equipment, diagnosing control system faults, and supporting continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

You will work with maintenance, engineering, production and IT teams, read electrical schematics and PLC documents, and contribute to safety, quality and throughput through hands-on troubleshooting and system integration.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent experience.
• Experience in manufacturing/automation/maintenance environment.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, industrial control systems, and industrial networking.
• Able to read electrical diagrams, schematics, and technical docs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve automated manufacturing systems to maximize uptime and performance.
• Diagnose equipment and control system failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Interpret electrical schematics, PLC docs, manuals and drawings.
• Support maintenance activities, modifications, testing, and commissioning of equipment.
• Update controls documentation, procedures, and records.
• Serve as a technical resource for maintenance and production teams.
• Drive continuous improvement focusing on safety, quality, efficiency.
• Support automation projects and integration of new equipment.
• Optimize performance using PLCs, robotics, HMIs, vision systems, and networks.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external contractors.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Decision making

Safety focus

Education

High school diploma

Tools

PLC systems

SCADA

MES interfaces

Industrial networks

Robotics

Vision systems

AMRs

OT/IT 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.

Confidential Search:

To protect the identity of our client, company details will be shared with qualified candidates during the recruitment process.