Control Systems Engineer – Special Purpose Machinery
Location: Based in East Yorkshire (Occasional International Travel Required)
Role type: Permanent
Salary: £Competitive Salary
Benefits: Flexi Start - 25 days holiday - Pen 4% + Co 4.5% - DIS x8 SAL - Gym - Eye + Health
My client is a long-established, family-run machine builder and global leader in innovative print finishing and packaging solutions. They design and manufacture special-purpose, high-performance machinery used by customers across Europe, North America, and beyond. As part of their growth and commitment to advanced engineering excellence, we are now looking for a Control Systems Engineer to join the team.
About the Role
As a Control Systems Engineer, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and maintaining the control systems for bespoke machinery. This is not a process industry role — we need someone who thrives in discrete manufacturing and special-purpose machine environments, ideally with experience working for or with machine builders.
In this position, you’ll collaborate with stakeholders across engineering, production, and customer support to ensure seamless machine performance and a smooth user experience. From early concept through to commissioning and support, your impact will be felt throughout the full product lifecycle.
Occasional international travel will be required for machine installation, diagnostics, and customer support across sites and partner facilities.
Key Responsibilities
* Design and develop motion control systems for multi-axis special purpose machinery.
* Program, test, and debug control systems using PLC, HMI, and motion platforms.
* Take ownership of HMI design with a strong focus on usability and intuitive operator experience.
* Collaborate with mechanical and software engineers to ensure systems integrate effectively.
* Contribute to product development and continuous improvement of control system architecture.
* Support machine commissioning and provide occasional on-site technical support internationally.
* Document systems thoroughly and provide clear handover to production and service teams.
Ideal Candidate Profile
We’re looking for someone with:
* Proven experience in a machine-building or special-purpose machinery environment (not process or batch-based industries).
* Strong expertise in motion control systems and multi-axis control.
* Experience with Beckhoff and/or Bosch Rexroth systems is highly desirable.
* Excellent skills in HMI design, with an appreciation of operator interaction and UX principles.
* Hands-on experience integrating PLCs, drives, sensors, safety circuits, and HMIs.
* Familiarity with commissioning, fault diagnosis, and on-site problem-solving.
* Excellent communication and documentation skills.
Why Join?
* Be part of a growing, globally respected machine builder with cutting-edge technology.
* Work in a fast-paced, hands-on engineering environment with a supportive, family-led culture.
* Contribute to world-class innovation in digital print finishing and automation.
* Enjoy a flexible and collaborative workplace where your ideas and ownership are valued.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can make a tangible impact in a thriving machine-building business, we’d love to hear from you.
We understand that the most talented engineers aren’t always just around the corner. That’s why we’re pleased to offer a relocation support package for candidates considering a move to East Yorkshire.
Whether you’re relocating from elsewhere in the UK or abroad, we can provide:
* Financial assistance toward moving costs
* Guidance on housing options and local amenities
* Support in planning your transition to the area and settling in