Senior Controls Engineer

SC ENGINEERING; Leicester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Challenging projects

Permanent position

Job summary

SC ENGINEERING, based in Leicester, is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead control system projects from concept through commissioning. You will develop PLC software and HMI applications for bespoke automation machinery, and you will commission and optimise machines on-site and in-house.

The role requires hands-on commissioning, strong PLC experience (Omron, Siemens or Allen-Bradley), and the ability to travel across the UK with occasional overseas travel.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' experience within industrial automation or special purpose machinery.
• Strong PLC programming experience using Omron, Siemens or Allen-Bradley.
• Proven experience developing HMI and machine control software.
• Hands-on commissioning experience within an automation environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of control system projects from concept through to commissioning.
• Develop PLC software and HMI applications for bespoke automation machinery.
• Commission and optimise special purpose machines both in-house and on customer sites.
• Develop machine processes to achieve performance and cycle time targets.
• Program and integrate industrial robots, including 6-axis, SCARA and Delta robots.
• Carry out fault finding on electrical, control and machine safety systems.
• Modify and improve existing automation systems.
• Support FAT and SAT tests and travel to sites as needed.
• Ensure electrical and machine safety systems comply with UK and international standards.
• Provide customer training following machine installation.
• Support machine installation, commissioning and aftersales activities.
• Liaise with customers, suppliers and internal engineering teams throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Robot programming

Electrical schematics reading

Machine safety standards

Fault-finding

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Tools

Omron PLC

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Job description

Senior Controls Engineer

Location: Leicester

Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 + Benefits

Job Type: Permanent

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Controls Engineer to join a leading designer and manufacturer of bespoke automation and robotic systems. Working across a variety of high-tech industries, you'll play a key role in delivering innovative special purpose machinery from concept through to commissioning.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing engineering business with a strong order book, excellent long-term stability and a collaborative team environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of control system projects from concept through to commissioning.
• Develop PLC software and HMI applications for bespoke automation machinery.
• Commission and optimise special purpose machines both in-house and on customer sites.
• Develop machine processes to achieve performance and cycle time targets.
• Program and integrate industrial robots, including 6-axis, SCARA and Delta robots.
• Carry out fault finding on electrical, control and machine safety systems.
• Modify and improve existing automation systems.
• Support Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).
• Ensure electrical and machine safety systems comply with UK and international standards.
• Provide customer training following machine installation.
• Support machine installation, commissioning and aftersales activities.
• Liaise with customers, suppliers and internal engineering teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Travel across the UK with occasional overseas travel when required.

About You

• Minimum of 10 years' experience within industrial automation or special purpose machinery.
• Strong PLC programming experience using Omron, Siemens or Allen-Bradley.
• Proven experience developing HMI and machine control software.
• Hands‑on commissioning experience within an automation environment.
• Experience programming industrial robots (6-axis, SCARA or Delta) would be highly advantageous.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and pneumatic circuits.
• Knowledge of machine safety and relevant engineering standards.
• Experience working with injection moulding machinery would be beneficial but not essential.
• Strong fault-finding and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and customer‑facing abilities.
• Self‑motivated, organised and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Flexible to travel and work away from home when project requirements demand.

What's on Offer

• £60,000 - £65,000 basic salary.
• Permanent position with a growing and financially stable engineering business.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge automation and robotics projects.
• Varied role covering design, programming, commissioning and customer support.
• Excellent long‑term career development within a highly respected engineering team