Senior Control Systems Engineer I - Automation / PLC

Abbott; Oxford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott is seeking a Controls Engineer to join the Witney Operations Group. You will apply innovative control-system solutions to support high‑volume manufacturing of electrodes and biosensors used in diabetes care.

You'll work across motion-control automation projects, interpret PLC codes, debug issues, and contribute to continuous improvement. A background in electrical/electronic/control engineering (HNC or higher) and practical PLC/HMI experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in automation projects and developing solutions to complex automation needs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply controls solutions for motion control equipment.

Skills

PLC programming

Motion control systems

HMI development

Siemens S7

TIA Portal

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

Structured programming

Education

HNC or higher in Electrical/Electronic/Control Engineering

Tools

Oracle database

Job description

Bring your passion, ideas, and purpose to life in a company that can help you shape your career as you shape the future of healthcare.

World Leader in Blood Glucose Monitoring, Abbott Diabetes Care designs, develops and manufactures glucose monitoring systems for use in both home and hospital settings.

We have a Centre of Excellence in Witney for the manufacture of electrodes and biosensors used by patients and healthcare professionals for the day-to-day management of diabetes. The Operations group is the largest team in the Witney facility, producing high volumes of test strips and biosensors each year to the stringent quality standards demanded by European and US authorities and our internal quality systems.

We have an opportunity for a Controls Engineer to join our Operations Group, working across all aspects of the manufacturing area of the business.

The role of the Controls Engineer is to provide an innovative approach to problem solving and stay abreast of current development in control systems technology to ensure the most effective solutions are applied to problems. Collaborating with engineering colleagues, you will be working on systems for motion control equipment, interpret PLC codes, debug issues and aid continuous improvement activities.

To be successful, you will need experience of working on automation projects and developing solutions to complex automation needs. You will be qualified to HNC level or higher in an Electrical, Electronic or Control Engineering discipline, however proven industry experience backed up by a recognised engineering apprenticeship will be considered. You need a track record of fault finding and modification to PLC, HMI, Motion Control for automated machinery, with exposure of Siemens S7/TIA Portal and Allen Bradley Studio 5000 being essential. Experience using Structured language in both platforms would be desirable. Furthermore, experience working with Oracle database knowledge would be advantageous. You will also need to be able to demonstrate a track record of accomplishing your objectives, working proactively, and managing your own time effectively. As we operate in a highly regulated industry, you must be able to demonstrate the ability to follow procedures and create accurate documents.

This is a fantastic opportunity to become a valued member of a highly skilled Engineering team working with brand new state-of-the-art automation in a fast-growing area of our business. Engineering skill is key to us, with members working in areas including projects, process, production, systems, software, R&D, and machine vision.

Abbott has health/wellness and financial benefits that help provide security for you and your family. As you'd expect from an innovative global health care company, we offer a competitive range of benefits including excellent salaries, a class-leading defined contribution pension scheme, private healthcare, life assurance, subsidised canteen and a flexible benefits scheme. Here at Witney, we also like to help our employees live life to the fullest, and therefore we offer a range of optional initiatives for you to get involved in, including yoga, country-wide challenges, and more!