Graduate Controls & Automation Engineer

Nicholas Associates Group Limited; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates Group Limited in Sheffield is seeking a Controls & Automation Graduate to support maintenance and improvement of industrial control systems, including PLC, HMI and SCADA, with focus on reliability and performance.

The role offers structured training in a highly skilled Projects team and a clear development path for graduates with a degree in Electrical, Electronic, or Controls & Automation Engineering.

Qualifications

• A degree, HNC/HND or equivalent in Electrical, Electronic, Controls & Automation Engineering, or related discipline.
• Knowledge of PLC systems, especially Allen-Bradley and Siemens.
• Understanding of HMI and SCADA systems, such as Wonderware/Aveva.
• Basic understanding of industrial control systems, electrical panels and automation hardware.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and field devices (sensors, transmitters, valves, motors, VSDs, actuators).
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings, schematics, P&IDs and technical docs.
• Strong analytical, fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of machinery safety and safe systems of work.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for PLC, HMI, SCADA and industrial control systems to maximise equipment reliability.
• Assist with fault finding, diagnostics, maintenance, modification and commissioning of automation systems and associated electrical equipment.
• Support development, testing, implementation and optimisation of control system software for plant equipment.
• Maintain control system documentation, backups, change records and drawings.
• Support automation improvement projects, machine upgrades and commissioning while ensuring safety and standards compliance.
• Provide technical support to Operations and Maintenance teams.

Skills

PLC knowledge

HMI/SCADA understanding

Fault finding

Analytical skills

Communication

Interpret electrical drawings

Education

Degree/HNC/HND in Electrical, Electronic, Controls & Automation Engineering or related

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Wonderware/Aveva

Job description

Nicholas Associates Group Limited in Sheffield is seeking a Controls & Automation Graduate to support maintenance and improvement of industrial control systems, including PLC, HMI and SCADA, with focus on reliability and performance.

The role offers structured training in a highly skilled Projects team and a clear development path for graduates with a degree in Electrical, Electronic, or Controls & Automation Engineering.