Lead Controls Engineer: PLC & HMI Solutions Leader

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

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.