Senior Controls Engineer

TN United Kingdom; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to develop and engineer high-quality control solutions. This role involves leading projects, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring that systems are designed and tested to meet safety standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with PLC programming and large control systems, along with a solid understanding of functional safety standards. Join a dynamic team that values innovation and quality, where your expertise will directly impact the success of diverse projects across multiple phases.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in controls engineering with large systems.
• Strong knowledge of functional safety standards and certifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects and mentor junior engineers in controls solutions.
• Commission and test systems to ensure performance and satisfaction.

Skills

Control Systems Engineering

PLC Programming

HMI Development

Safety Analysis

Technical Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Technical Theatre

Tools

Beckhoff

Siemens

Allen Bradley

TAIT Navigator

Job description

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The Senior Controls Engineer is responsible for developing and engineering controls solutions for projects, ensuring that TAIT's solutions are engineered to the highest levels of quality and safety. As a senior team member, they are additionally expected to take the lead role on projects, mentor other engineers, and drive department initiatives.

The Controls Engineering team handles control systems across multiple projects throughout all phases. The engineer's involvement begins with design and continues through manufacturing, shop and site commissioning, and customer handover.

Essential Responsibilities / Accountabilities

• Identify architecture and key controls technologies to meet project needs.
• Understand entire automated systems and the interaction between different disciplines (mechanical, controls, AVL, artistic, etc.).
• Write technical documentation for project requirements and internal use.
• Perform safety analyses to meet internal standards and external customer requirements; pursue or maintain TÜV functional safety certification.
• Develop custom PLC projects, HMI screens, and software configurations as needed.
• Research and suggest new products and solutions; build and test prototypes when necessary.
• Assist in project bidding activities, including preparing technical proposals and estimates.
• Lead design reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Ensure smooth handover to fabrication and integration teams.
• Contribute to internal standards and processes.
• Commission and test installed systems to ensure performance and customer satisfaction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technical Theatre.
• 7+ years of related experience.
• Experience with large, distributed control systems.
• Experience with closed-loop motion control.
• Knowledge of functional safety standards (ISO12100, IEC 62061, ISO 13849); FSEng certification preferred.
• Familiarity with Beckhoff, Siemens, and Allen Bradley hardware and software.
• Knowledge of TAIT Navigator software.
• Basic understanding of commercial aspects of projects.
• Expected travel: 15-20%; must be able to acquire a passport for international travel.