Senior Controls Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

SC ENGINEERING, based in the UK, is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead control system projects from concept to commissioning. The role covers PLC, HMI development and robot programming across bespoke automation systems.

You will work on-site in Leicester, with travel across the UK and occasional overseas sites, contributing to FAT/SAT and customer training while maintaining safety and standards compliance.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years' experience in industrial automation or SP machinery.
• Strong PLC experience with Omron, Siemens or Allen‑Bradley.
• Proven experience developing HMI and machine control software.
• Hands-on commissioning experience in an automation environment.
• Experience programming industrial robots (6-axis, SCARA or Delta).
• Ability to read electrical schematics and pneumatic circuits.
• Knowledge of machine safety standards and associated regulations.
• Willing to travel domestically and occasionally overseas.

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 in-house and on customer sites.
• Develop machine processes to achieve performance and cycle time targets.
• Program and integrate industrial robots (6-axis, SCARA, Delta).
• Carry out fault finding on electrical, control and machine safety systems.
• Modify and improve existing automation systems and support FAT/SAT.
• Provide customer training after machine installation and join site teams for deployment.
• Travel across the UK with occasional overseas travel when required.

Skills

Omron PLC

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI development

Robot integration

Fault finding

Electrical schematics

Industrial automation

Project coordination

Customer communication

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