Senior Control and Automation Engineer

Vantage Consulting; Northwich; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vantage Consulting seeks a Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to lead the development and standardisation of machine control systems across complex automated machinery.

The role blends hands-on engineering with technical leadership, covering PLC software, motion control, automation, functional safety and machine connectivity. A key focus is transitioning from Allen-Bradley to Siemens while developing standards and mentoring engineers.

Qualifications

• Significant PLC programming experience.
• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal and S7-1500 PLCs.
• Knowledge of SINAMICS drives and Siemens safety systems.
• Experience with WinCC HMI/SCADA and PM/diagnostics.

Responsibilities

• Define and develop controls and software architecture standards.
• Lead the transition from Allen-Bradley to Siemens platforms.
• Design and develop PLC software using Siemens TIA Portal and S7-1500 PLCs.
• Configure and commission SINAMICS drives, Siemens safety systems and WinCC HMIs.
• Develop servo and multi-axis motion-control applications, including interpolation and synchronisation.
• Develop HMI/SCADA solutions, machine diagnostics and predictive maintenance functionality.
• Lead controls development for complex machinery and automated handling systems.
• Integrate conveyors, robotics, gantries and third-party automation equipment.
• Support machinery risk assessments, validation and CE/UKCA compliance.
• Ensure designs meet functional safety, international standards and cybersecurity requirements.
• Support machine commissioning, FAT and SAT activities.
• Provide technical support for complex troubleshooting, modifications and upgrades.
• Mentor junior controls and electrical engineers and support continuous improvement.

Skills

PLC programming

Mentoring engineers

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

S7-1500 PLCs

SINAMICS drives

WinCC HMI/SCADA

Profinet

Ethernet/IP

Modbus

Job description

Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

Employment Type: Permanent
Reporting to: Engineering Manager
Sector: Industrial Automation / Special Purpose Machinery

The Role

An established engineering business is looking for a Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to lead the development and standardisation of machine control systems across complex automated machinery.
The role combines hands-on engineering with technical leadership, covering PLC software, motion control, automation, functional safety and machine connectivity. A key focus will be supporting the transition from Allen-Bradley to Siemens, while developing engineering standards and mentoring other engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and develop controls and software architecture standards.


• Lead the transition from Allen-Bradley to Siemens platforms.


• Design and develop PLC software using Siemens TIA Portal and S7-1500 PLCs.


• Configure and commission SINAMICS drives, Siemens safety systems and WinCC HMIs.


• Develop servo and multi-axis motion-control applications, including interpolation and synchronisation.


• Develop HMI/SCADA solutions, machine diagnostics and predictive maintenance functionality.


• Lead controls development for complex machinery and automated handling systems.


• Integrate conveyors, robotics, gantries and third-party automation equipment.


• Support machinery risk assessments, validation and CE/UKCA compliance.


• Ensure designs meet relevant functional safety, international standards and cybersecurity requirements.


• Support machine commissioning, FAT and SAT activities.


• Provide technical support for complex troubleshooting, modifications and upgrades.


• Mentor junior controls and electrical engineers and support continuous improvement.

Technical Experience

The successful candidate should have strong experience within controls engineering, industrial automation or special purpose machinery, including:

• Significant PLC programming experience.


• Strong Siemens TIA Portal experience.


• S7-1500 PLCs.


• SINAMICS drives.


• Siemens safety systems.


• WinCC HMI/SCADA development.


• Servo systems and multi-axis motion control.


• Automated handling and material-handling systems.


• Experience with conveyors, robotics and/or gantries.


• Complex machinery or special purpose machinery projects.


• Industrial communications including Profinet, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA and Modbus.


• Practical understanding of machine safety legislation.


• CE/UKCA compliance experience.


• Understanding of functional safety principles and standards.


• Machinery risk assessments and validation.


• Industrial cybersecurity awareness.


• Allen-Bradley experience would be beneficial, particularly alongside Siemens migration projects.

Leadership & Personal Skills

• Experience mentoring and supporting other engineers.


• Ability to influence technical direction and engineering standards.


• Strong problem-solving and stakeholder-management skills.


• Comfortable communicating with customers, suppliers and senior management.


• Able to work collaboratively across mechanical, electrical, service and project teams.

Health & Safety

You will be expected to comply with all relevant health, safety and company procedures, ensuring machinery and engineering activities are undertaken safely and in accordance with applicable standards.