JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Controls Engineer
Location: Hybrid role (office visits and travel to customer sites required)
Reporting To: Engineering & Delivery Lead
Direct Reports: None
Key Working Relationships
Control Engineers
Software Engineers
Customer Support Team
Project Engineers
Project Managers
Suppliers & Subcontractors
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Controls Engineer is responsible for the specification, design, and delivery of complete control systems for industrial automation projects.
This includes:
Electrical design
PLC and HMI software development
Commissioning and fault findingThe role also involves participating in a 24-hour support rota for installed systems. Support is primarily remote, with occasional on-site attendance when required.
The engineer is accountable for delivering control system elements of projects:
On time
Within budget
To agreed specifications
Meeting or exceeding customer expectations
MAIN JOB TASKS, ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Design and develop PLC-based control systems for automation solutions
Develop PLC and HMI software (e.g. Siemens, Rockwell or equivalent platforms)
Design electrical control panels and installations, including calculations
Test, fault-find, and commission systems on customer sites
Support and oversee on-site installation activities
Prepare technical documentation, including:
User Requirement Specifications (URS)
Functional Design Specifications (FDS)
HMI/SCADA specifications
Electrical specifications
Contribute to internal standards for:
PLC software
HMI systems
System architecture
Electrical hardware
Deliver customer training and system handovers
Coordinate with external partners to deliver high-quality solutions
Support sales activities with technical input for proposals
Provide customer support via a rota system:
24/7 availability during assigned periods
Primarily remote, with occasional site visits
Ensure smooth handover to support teams, including:
As-built" drawings
Final software documentation
SECONDARY TASKS AND ACTIVITIES
Assist with installation, maintenance, and repair work as needed
Collaborate with project teams to ensure solutions are fit for purpose and commercially viable
Support early-life project phases, including:
Training delivery
Troubleshooting documentation
Issue and defect management
Build effective working relationships across teams
Promote a "right first time" and team-oriented culture
Manage risks and identify opportunities to improve project margins
Ensure compliance with legal, safety, and quality standards
Promote continuous improvement across all work areas
Maintain a safe and organised working environment
Support development and documentation of company procedures
Use internal IT and business systems (ERP/CRM) as required to perform the role
Report and act on safety concerns immediately
Assist with process and procedure improvements
Undertake additional tasks or projects as required