Graduate Automation & Controls Engineer

Nicholas Associates Graduate Placements; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates Group is seeking a Controls & Automation Graduate in Sheffield to support the maintenance and improvement of PLC, HMI and SCADA systems. You’ll provide technical support, fault finding, programming and commissioning activities to ensure reliability and performance of automation systems.

You will join a dedicated Projects team, receive structured training, and develop essential automation engineering skills with real-world project exposure.

Qualifications

• A degree, HNC/HND or equivalent in Electrical, Electronic, Controls & Automation Engineering.
• Knowledge of PLC systems, particularly Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms.
• Understanding of HMI/SCADA systems, such as Wonderware/Aveva.
• A basic understanding of industrial control systems, electrical panels, industrial communications and automation hardware.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and field devices, including sensors, transmitters, valves, motors, variable speed drives and actuators.
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, P&IDs and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of machinery safety, safe systems of work and engineering standards.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, IT, contractors and suppliers.
• A self-motivated and organised approach, with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for PLC, HMI, SCADA and industrial control systems to maximise equipment reliability and plant availability.
• Assist with fault finding, diagnostics, maintenance, modification and commissioning of automation systems and associated electrical control equipment.
• Support the development, testing, implementation and optimisation of control system software for both new and existing plant equipment.
• Maintain control system documentation, software backups, change records and technical drawings in accordance with company standards.
• Support automation improvement projects, machine upgrades and commissioning activities while ensuring compliance with engineering standards and machine safety requirements.
• Provide technical support to Operations and Maintenance teams.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely and in accordance with company procedures, statutory legislation and engineering best practice.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by management.

Skills

PLC knowledge

HMI/SCADA systems

Fault diagnosis

Electrical drawings

Instrumentation & sensors

Machinery safety

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

Electrical/Electronic/Controls & Automation Eng degree or HNC/HND

Tools

Wonderware/Aveva

PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)

Job description

Nicholas Associates Group is seeking a Controls & Automation Graduate in Sheffield to support the maintenance and improvement of PLC, HMI and SCADA systems. You’ll provide technical support, fault finding, programming and commissioning activities to ensure reliability and performance of automation systems.

You will join a dedicated Projects team, receive structured training, and develop essential automation engineering skills with real-world project exposure.