Lead Controls Engineer

Meriden Media; Clevedon; On-site; GBP 55,800 - 68,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to 7.5%

Employer pension contribution up to 8%

Life assurance

Health cash plan

Wellbeing programme

Discounted gym memberships

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Free parking & subsidised canteen

Job summary

Meriden Media in Clevedon, UK, seeks an experienced Lead Controls Engineer to lead a team delivering advanced automation and control systems on-site. You will mentor engineers and ensure safe, timely, and compliant project outcomes.

Role requires strong PLC/HMI development skills, leadership experience, and the ability to collaborate across Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Manufacturing teams to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• HND, Degree, or equivalent qualification in Controls Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams or acting as a senior technical lead.
• Strong experience developing industrial PLC and HMI control systems.
• Knowledge of Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Blocks, and Data Structures.
• Experience with software configuration management and technical documentation.
• Ability to read and interpret P&ID drawings and electrical schematics.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Controls Engineers.
• Oversee the design and development of PLC and HMI control software.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to engineering standards.
• Review and approve technical solutions and engineering documentation.
• Work closely with Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Manufacturing teams to deliver integrated control solutions.
• Lead software testing, validation, and continuous improvement activities.
• Provide expert technical support for complex engineering issues.
• Support customer projects and occasional site visits when required.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Project coordination

Problem-solving

Education

HND or Degree in Controls Engineering

Tools

Ladder Logic

Structured Text

Function Blocks

P&ID reading

Job description

Overview

Role: Lead Controls Engineer

Location: Clevedon, North Somerset

Salary: Up to £62,000 per annum + Bonus

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Working Pattern: On-site

Benefits & Package

• Up to 7.5% annual bonus
• Up to 8% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance
• Health cash plan
• Wellbeing programme
• Discounted gym memberships
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Free parking & subsidised canteen

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Lead Controls Engineer to lead a team responsible for the design, development, and delivery of advanced control systems. Reporting to the Controls Engineering Manager, you\'ll provide technical and people leadership, ensuring high-quality control solutions are delivered safely, on time, and to specification. You\'ll also work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to drive innovation, mentor engineers, and continuously improve engineering processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Controls Engineers.
• Oversee the design and development of PLC and HMI control software.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to engineering standards.
• Review and approve technical solutions and engineering documentation.
• Work closely with Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Manufacturing teams to deliver integrated control solutions.
• Lead software testing, validation, and continuous improvement activities.
• Provide expert technical support for complex engineering issues.
• Support customer projects and occasional site visits when required.

About You

We\'re looking for an experienced Controls Engineer with strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering innovative automation solutions.

You\'ll ideally have:

• HND, Degree, or equivalent qualification in Controls Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams or acting as a senior technical lead.
• Strong experience developing industrial PLC and HMI control systems.
• Knowledge of Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Blocks, and Data Structures.
• Experience with software configuration management and technical documentation.
• Ability to read and interpret P&ID drawings and electrical schematics.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple engineering projects.

Desirable experience includes Modbus TCP, EtherCAT, PID control loops, HAZOP, FMEA, and leading multidisciplinary engineering projects.

Location

This is an on-site role based in Clevedon, North Somerset, working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams. Occasional travel to customer sites and other engineering locations may be required.

How to Apply

Click Apply to submit your CV for consideration. If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Kirk at Pertemps, Bristol