Were supporting a well established engineering and automation business in the search for a Controls & Automation Lead to take ownership of complex, multi-disciplinary automation projects across a diverse customer base.
This is a senior, delivery-focused role where youll act as the technical authority for controls systems-driving design integrity, ensuring successful commissioning, and leading teams through full project lifecycles.
* Permanent, full-time
* Onsite working with travel to customer sites
* £60,000 salary
The Role
Youll be responsible for leading the design, validation, and commissioning of end-to-end controls solutions, spanning both hardware and software systems (plc, robotics, drives, safety, and vision).
Operating across multiple projects simultaneously, youll sit at the centre of engineering delivery-working closely with project managers, design teams, and installation teams to ensure systems are delivered right first time, on time, and to specification.
This role combines hands-on technical leadership with project-level ownership, including specification definition, design approval, and customer-facing engagement.
Key Responsibilities
* Own and define controls specifications, ensuring alignment to customer and regulatory requirements
* Lead design validation and system approval across plcs, hmIs, robotics, safety systems, drives, vision, and scada
* Oversee commissioning strategy, fat planning, and installation validation
* Act as the technical escalation point for controls across multiple concurrent projects
* Support rfq generation, technical reviews, and commercial/technical levelling
* Work closely with engineering and project leads to plan resource, milestones, and delivery strategy
* Drive change control processes for all controls-related activities
* Promote and introduce new technologies, tools, and best practice methodologies
* Support and mentor engineers, contributing to team capability development
What Were Looking For
* 5+ years experience in industrial automation / machine build environments
* Proven experience leading controls teams across multiple projects
* Strong technical background across:
o plc/hmi programming (siemens, rockwell, beckhoff)
o robotics (abb, fanuc, kawasaki)
o safety systems (pilz, siemens safety, rockwell)
o drives & motion systems (siemens, sew, bosch)
o vision systems (cognex, keyence)
* Experience delivering automation systems through full lifecycle (design → build → commission)
* Strong understanding of automation standards, compliance, and machinery safety
* Comfortable operating in a client-facing, technically accountable role
Desirable
* Experience with structured standards (e.g. packml, transline, oem-specific frameworks)
* Exposure to regulated environments (e.g. gamp, 21 cfr part 11)
* Vendor certifications (siemens, rockwell, abb, etc.)
* degree-qualified in engineering (or equivalent experience)
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