Controls Engineer / PLC Engineer / Automation Engineer Location: Chigwell, Essex Salary: Up to £60,000 per annum (depending on experience) Hours: Full-time, permanent (37.5 hours per week, flexible working available) The Opportunity An international engineering and manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to join its growing automation and control systems team in Chigwell. This hands-on role involves the design, programming, and commissioning of PLC-based control systems for complex industrial and mechanical equipment. Youll take projects from concept through to completion, working closely with multi-disciplinary engineers to deliver safe, reliable, and high-performance automation solutions. This position is ideal for a PLC Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, or Automation Engineer with experience in industrial automation, manufacturing, materials handling, or lifting equipment who wants to work within a world-class engineering environment. Key Responsibilities Design, develop, and implement PLC, HMI, and SCADA control systems for automation and industrial machinery Create technical documentation, including I/O lists, wiring diagrams, and functional design specifications Program and configure PLC platforms such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, or Schneider Perform FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and on-site commissioning activities Integrate control systems with mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical components Ensure compliance with relevant electrical, safety, and quality standards Support service and maintenance teams with troubleshooting and upgrades Drive continuous improvement and control system optimisation initiatives About You Degree, HNC, or equivalent qualification in Electrical, Control, or Automation Engineering Proven experience as a Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, or PLC Engineer in an industrial or manufacturing setting Strong knowledge of PLC programming, HMI development, and control panel design Familiar with industrial communication protocols (Profinet, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, etc.) Capable of reading and producing electrical drawings using AutoCAD or EPLAN Strong problem-solving and fault-finding skills Confident communicator with a proactive, collaborative approach Willing to travel occasionally for site commissioning (UK and limited international) Benefits Competitive salary up to £60,000, depending on experience Annual performance bonus Company pension and life assurance 25 days holiday plus bank holidays Health cash plan and employee wellbeing support Ongoing professional training and development Free on-site parking and subsidised canteen Opportunities for internal progression within a global engineering group Why Apply? If youre a Controls Engineer or Automation Engineer looking for a technically challenging and rewarding role, this is your chance to work on large-scale, high-impact projects in a respected international engineering business. Join a company that values innovation, precision, and career development where your skills will help deliver world-class automation and control solutions. Apply now to take the next step in your automation engineering career.