Systems Control Engineer

Paterson Arran; Kirkham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

FBC UK is seeking a proactive Controls and Systems Engineer for our Kirkham bakery. You will maintain, repair, modify and install electrical/electronic systems across site operations, ensuring backups, obsolescence planning, and reliable control system development to drive continuous improvement.

You will manage obsolescence, back up PLC programmes, and support VSD programmes while working with maintenance and production teams to maintain equipment availability and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Qualified to HNC/TEC level in electrical/electronic engineering.
• Minimum 3 years post-apprenticeship experience in process/manufacturing.
• Familiar with I.E.E wiring and Electricity at Work Regulations.
• Experience with PLC controlled systems and VSDs.
• Able to read electrical circuit diagrams and diagnose faults.

Responsibilities

• Manage obsolescence risks and update PLC backups.
• Maintain and repair electrical/electronic systems across site operations.
• Support VSD programmes and obsolescence planning.
• Diagnose faults on plant and machinery and implement fixes.
• Record faults and remedial actions; ensure safety standards.
• Collaborate with Maintenance Manager to improve plant efficiency.

Skills

Electrical engineering

HNC/TEC level

PLC knowledge

VSD control

Circuit diagrams

Diagnostics

Team player

Unsupervised work

Electrical testing

Education

HNC/TEC in electrical engineering

Tools

Electrical test equipment

Job description

Company Description

We are FBC UK, Fox's Burton's Companies! ……And we bake the UK's most incredible biscuits (we might be slightly biased, but we will leave that for you to judge).

Date: Sep 25, 2026
Location:
Kirkham, GB
Place of Work: On-Site

Company Description

We are FBC UK, Fox's Burton's Companies! ……And we bake the UK's most incredible biscuits (we might be slightly biased, but we will leave that for you to judge).
FBC UK was a match made in heaven, with two of the top UK biscuits manufacturers (Burton's Biscuits and Fox's Biscuits) coming together to create one unique, integrated company.
We are home to famous iconic brands, including Maryland, Fox's, Jammie Dodger & Rocky, to name just a few. We are proud manufacturing partners to some of the biggest UK retailers and household names. We bake our incredible biscuits at eight bakeries across the UK, located at Isle of Arran, Livingston, Blackpool, Llantarnam, Edinburgh, Kirkham, Batley & Dorset and our HQ in St Paul's. Together, we employ circa 4,000 amazing colleagues across all our locations.
Whilst we know that we have delicious products we also know that that the key ingredient to our success is our people, and the passion we have for our brands. You could be the jammy to our dodger, party ring to our Fox’s or the choc-chip to our Maryland?! We knead people with innovative ideas, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the commitment to drive FBC UK to success.
We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that feels empowered to build a fulfilling and successful career. By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) we create a supportive environment for people to thrive and strive to have more positive impact.
We understand that having formal and on-the-job learning opportunities is key to our colleagues’ professional and personal growth. We are committed to providing an environment where everyone can learn from each other and grow through a variety of learning experiences.
Our colleagues make our business special. With strong community values, we believe FBC UK is a more prosperous and fun place to work when people feel free to be themselves. We believe in the power of being authentic, entrepreneurial and supporting each other whilst meeting our business goals.

About The Role

The role of the Controls and Systems Engineer at our Kirkham bakery is responsible for maintaining, repairing, modifying and installing electrical and electronic systems across site operations. The position also supports up-to-date system backups, obsolescence planning, and the development of electrical control systems to ensure equipment reliability and continuous improvement.

Main Responsibilities

• To manage the risk and removal of obsolescence
• To ensure we have up to date backups of all PLC programmes
• To ensure we have fully supported programme for VSD’s (Programme and Obsolescence)
• To support the repair of faults and in-efficiencies on plant and machinery.
• To record Control faults, remedial actions and follow up work
• To ensure that company standards, specifications/procedures, hygiene and safety rules are always adhered to.
• To work closely with and assist the Maintenance Manager to ensure compliance, and plant efficiency.
• To work closely with production management and respond to breakdown situations Control related
• To support any controls and systems related issues outside normal working hours to ensure equipment availability
• To provide a call out service outside normal working hours as reasonably requested by engineering management.
• To assist other trades within the engineering function.
• To assist and work with personnel from other departments outside the engineering function and outside contractors.
• To ensure that safe working practices are always maintained.
• To ensure the personal safety, and safety of work activities of any apprentice or contractor working under their supervision is always maintained.
• Carryout any reasonable task or duty as instructed by engineering management, on provision that safety of personnel, plant or machinery is not compromised.

Who We Are Looking For

• Qualified to H.N.C./T.E.C level in electrical/electronic engineering.
• Minimum 3 years post electrical apprenticeship experience within the process/manufacturing or similar engineering industry.
• Working knowledge and experience of current I.E.E electrical wiring regulations and Electricity at Work Regulations.
• Proven ability to use and understand electrical test and measuring equipment.
• Working knowledge of both single and three phase distribution and control systems.
• Ability to read and understand electrical circuit diagrams.
• Good working knowledge and experience of P.L.C controlled systems.
• Good working knowledge and experience of variable speed control drive systems.
• Good working knowledge and experience of process control systems including open and closed loop systems.
• Experience of electrical installation work using cable tray/trunking systems, conduits, SWA and pyro.
• Ability to work and function as a team member.
• Good working knowledge and experience of thyristor control, Integrated circuit and basic electronic control circuits.
• Proven diagnostic skills in a fast moving and demanding environment.
• Good working knowledge and experience of instrumentation systems.
• Experience of process temperature control systems.
• Experience of process flow, measuring and control systems.
• Experience of PC based applications.
• A proven ability to work unsupervised.

Diversity Statement

FBC UK is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all of our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at FBC UK. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative and highly rewarding.