Controls Engineer

Job TitleControls EngineerAutomationLocationLeicester with occasional UK travel for site commissioningAbout the CompanyOur client is a well-established automation systems integrator specialising in bespoke robotic and production automation solutions. They operate across key sectors including automotive, medical devices, and packaging. With more than four decades of expertise, they design, build, and commission custom automated machinery, integrating robot arms, vision systems, and sophisticated control systems to deliver high-performance automation to clients globally.Role OverviewWe are looking for a Controls Engineer to join the multi-disciplinary engineering team. You will design, develop, and commission control systems for automated machinery, including robotics, safety systems, and PLC/HMI software. Your role will cover the full lifecycle of machines from concept, through build, to factory and site acceptance testing, and into customer handover.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop control systems for special-purpose machinery: PLC programming, HMI development, safety system implementation.Create detailed electrical documentation: circuit diagrams, cable schedules, bills of materials.Select and specify control system hardware (PLCs, I/O modules, drives, safety relays, etc.).Integrate various robotic systems (e.g., 6-axis, SCARA, Cartesian) into machines and coordinate their control architecture.Commission machines: perform factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT) with customers.Ensure design compliance with relevant machinery safety standards and directives.Collaborate with mechanical, design, and project teams to deliver automation projects on time and budget.Produce and maintain engineering documentation, including control system specifications, user manuals, and commissioning reports.Provide technical support to customers during installation, commissioning, and post-commissioning phases.Mentor / supervise electrical / technician staff during machine build and commissioning where required.Essential Skills & ExperienceDegree (or equivalent) in Electrical / Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related discipline.Significant practical experience (e.g. 3-7+ years) in machine automation / controls engineering.Proven PLC programming experience: ideally with platforms such as Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, or similar.Experience with HMI / SCADA development.Good understanding of machine safety systems, safety standards, and risk assessment.Experience in commissioning industrial machinery, including FAT and SAT.Familiarity with robot integration (robot control, I/O, motion coordination) is highly desirable.Competency in electrical design and documentation (circuit diagrams, cable schedules).Strong problem-solving skills and practical, hands‑on commissioning experience.Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact with customers, project teams, and suppliers.Willingness to travel to customer sites across the UK as needed.Desirable / Nice‑to‑haveExperience using E-plan (or other electrical CAD tools).Previous experience working in the automotive, medical device, or packaging automation sectors.Knowledge of regulated systems (e.g., GAMP 5) for medical automation.Experience with safety‑rated PLCs and safety controllers.Experience with vision systems / machine vision integration.Previous supervisory or mentoring experience for junior engineers or technicians.BenefitsCompetitive salary (market‑rate based on experience).Performance bonus / project‑based incentives.Pension scheme.Professional development support (training, courses, conferences).Opportunity to work on technically challenging, custom automation projects.Hybrid working (if applicable) or flexible working hours where project demands allow.Personal AttributesSelf‑motivated and proactive can‑do attitude.Excellent organisational skills, with ability to manage multiple projects.Strong team orientation, but also able to work independently.Attention to detail and commitment to quality.Customer‑focused mindset; ability to represent the company positively in client‑facing situations. #J-18808-Ljbffr