Head of ControlSoft

ControlSoft Automation Systems Limited; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ControlSoft is seeking an experienced leader to head the technical office team for automation and system integration projects in Belfast. The role ensures the successful design, engineering, documentation, and delivery of automation solutions while meeting standards and client requirements.

You will develop and grow a new customer base, lead engineers across automation, electrical, and mechatronics, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve project success.

Qualifications

• Third level qualification in Automation, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronic, Computer Science or equivalent.
• 7+ years industry experience.
• Experience with Rockwell Studio 5000, FT View, Ignition, Siemens TIA Portal/Step7, OSI PI Historian, VBA.
• Knowledge of 21 CFR Part 11 and GAMP is an advantage.
• Cisco Networking qualification and VMware or equivalent qualification is an advantage.
• Knowledge of Robotics and safety standards is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the automation, mechatronic, and electrical engineers.
• Review, validate, and approve automation system designs, control system architectures, PLC/HMI/SCADA programming, and related documentation.
• Coordinate with project managers, site teams, and procurement to align technical deliverables with project timelines and budgets.
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, and technology vendors to resolve technical issues and ensure system compatibility.
• Validate and review BOMs, hardware/software specifications, and integration strategies.
• Manage design changes, revisions, and client-approved modifications.
• Ensure all designs meet client requirements, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee FATs, SATs, and system commissioning support.
• Implement quality control processes, risk assessments, and cybersecurity considerations in system design.
• Maintain accurate and complete project documentation and provide regular progress reports.

Skills

Leadership

Project coordination

Technical oversight

Compliance & quality

Documentation

Stakeholder management

Cybersecurity awareness

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Third level qualification in Automation, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronic, Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000

FT View

Ignition

Siemens TIA Portal/Step7

OSI PI Historian

VBA

Cisco Networking

VMware

Job description

At ControlSoft, we produce high quality automation solutions that impacts on the execution of real-world machinery and processes. Our automation enables autonomous aqua drones to navigate the seas, robots to assemble complex products, pharmaceuticals to produce life-changing medicines and so much more.

As we are a fast-growing company with great career opportunities, an ideal candidate would want to grow with us and have the vision of building the automation machines and solutions of the future.

We are seeking an experienced person to lead and manage the technical office team for automation and system integration projects. This role ensures the successful design, engineering, documentation, and delivery of automation solutions while maintaining compliance with standards and client requirements. The position requires strong leadership, deep technical expertise in automation, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders to achieve project success. A key function of the role will be to develop and build a new customer base.

This is a full time and permanent position based in Belfast.

Leadership & Management

• Lead, coach, and manage a team of automation, mechatronic and electrical engineers.
• Ensure ControlSoft procedures, workflows, and standards are followed to ensure efficiency and consistency.
• Monitor team performance and provide technical and professional development opportunities.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities.
• Recruitment of new staff as and when required.

Technical Oversight

• Review, validate, and approve automation system designs, control system architectures, PLC/HMI/SCADA programming, and related documentation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and industry best practices.
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support across the project lifecycle.

Project Coordination

• Collaborate with project managers, site teams, and procurement to align technical deliverables with project timelines and budgets.
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, and technology vendors to resolve technical issues and ensure system compatibility.
• Validate and review Bills of Materials (BOMs), hardware/software specifications, and integration strategies.
• Manage design changes, revisions, and client-approved modifications.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure all designs and solutions meet client requirements, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), Site Acceptance Tests (SATs), and system commissioning support.
• Implement quality control processes, risk assessments, and cybersecurity considerations in system design.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain accurate and complete project documentation as per ControlSoft procedures and documentation.
• Provide regular technical progress reports, forecasts, and risk updates to senior management.

Qualifications & Skills

• Third level qualification in Automation, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronic, Computer Science or equivalent
• 7+ Years industry experience
• Industry experience with preference for Rockwell Studio 5000, FT View, Ignition, Siemens TIA Portal/Step7, OSI PI Historian, VBA.
• Knowledge of 21 CFR Part 11 and GAMP an advantage
• Cisco Networking qualification and or VMware or equivalent qualification an advantage
• Knowledge of Robotics and safety standards an advantage
• Thorough knowledge of automation principles and procedures
• Ambitious, confident and professional individual with strong communication and organisational skills