Lead Electrical and Controls Engineer

Lantmännen Unibake; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bakery manufacturer in Milton Keynes is looking for a skilled Lead Electrical and Controls Engineer. This role involves taking ownership of electrical systems and automation across a 24/7 bakery manufacturing site. Key responsibilities include acting as the site’s Electrical Duty Holder, leading PLC projects, and coaching engineers in electrical fault-finding. The ideal candidate will have strong electrical knowledge, preferably with 18th Edition certification, and proven experience in automation in a manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in automation and controls within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong electrical knowledge, ideally with 18th Edition certification.
• Ability to write and troubleshoot PLC and HMI code.
• Ability to write and troubleshoot PLC/HMI code.
• 18th Edition certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Act as the site’s Electrical Duty Holder, ensuring compliance with requirements.
• Lead troubleshooting and continuous improvement of electrical systems.
• Design, program, and fault-find PLCs, HMIs, AC drives, and servo controls.
• Coaching and mentoring engineers in electrical fault-finding and controls.
• Managing technical documentation and standardising control components across the site.

Skills

Electrical knowledge

PLC programming

HMI troubleshooting

Problem-solving skills

Troubleshooting

Mentoring

Education

Time-served apprenticeship with HNC or equivalent

Degree in Electrical Engineering (desirable)

Tools

PLC

HMIs

AC drives

Servo controls

Job description

Lead innovation and reliability in a fast-paced bakery manufacturing environment

We’re looking for a skilled and driven Lead Electrical and Controls Engineer to join our Engineering team in Milton Keynes. This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of electrical systems and automation across a 24/7 bakery manufacturing site, acting as the site’s Electrical Duty Holder and technical lead for controls and automation. In this role, you’ll be responsible for maintaining electrical installations to the highest standards, leading PLC and automation projects, and developing the technical capabilities of the wider engineering team. You’ll play a key part in ensuring our production lines run safely, efficiently, and with minimal downtime.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Acting as the site’s Electrical Duty Holder, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements.
• Leading troubleshooting and continuous improvement of electrical and control systems.
• Designing, programming, and fault-finding PLCs, HMIs, AC drives, and servo controls.
• Coaching and mentoring engineers in electrical fault-finding and controls.
• Managing technical documentation and standardising control components across the site.

What We’re Looking For

• Time-served apprenticeship with HNC or equivalent (Degree desirable).
• Strong electrical knowledge, ideally with 18th Edition certification.
• Proven experience in automation and controls within a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to write and troubleshoot PLC and HMI code.
• A proactive, self-starting mindset with strong problem-solving skills.

If you’re ready to lead from the front and make a real impact in a dynamic production setting, we’d love to hear from you.