Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer
Location: Hybrid Role - Regular visits to the Daresbury office and customer sites
Salary: £50-55k plus car allowance, on call bonus & benefits
Reporting To: Engineering and Delivery Director

Our client, a leading provider of automation systems, is seeking a talented and motivated Controls Engineer to join their dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in designing, developing, and delivering cutting-edge control systems for automation solutions, while providing exceptional support to an established client base.

Primary Purpose of the Role
As a Controls Engineer, you will take ownership of the specification, design, and delivery of complete controls systems, including electrical design, PLC and HMI software development, commissioning, and fault finding. You’ll work closely with customers and internal teams to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards, exceeding client expectations. Additionally, you’ll contribute to a 24-hour support rota, offering remote assistance and occasional on-site support when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC-based control systems, including PLC code and HMI systems (typically Siemens and Rockwell).
• Create electrical control panels and installations, including electrical calculations.
• Test, troubleshoot, and commission electrical and control systems at customer sites.
• Supervise and monitor on-site installations of automation systems.
• Prepare essential documentation, such as Functional Design Specifications (FDS), HMI/SCADA specifications, and electrical specifications.
• Support the development of standardised approaches to control systems, including software, hardware, and system architecture.
• Deliver customer training and system handovers.
• Collaborate with external partners to achieve best-in-class electrical solutions.
• Provide frontline customer support as part of a 24/7 rota (excluding personal holidays), primarily via phone with occasional site visits.
• Ensure smooth project handovers to the Customer Support team, including ‘as built’ drawings and software.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Assist with on-site installation, maintenance, and repairs as needed.
• Work with project teams to ensure solutions meet customer needs while maintaining profitability.
• Support customers during the early stages of project go-live, including training and troubleshooting.
• Build strong working relationships to foster a team-oriented, “right first time” culture.
• Actively manage risks and opportunities to improve project margins.
• Promote continuous improvement and adhere to legal, quality, and safety standards.
• Maintain a safe, tidy, and organised workplace.

Key Relationships
You’ll collaborate with Control Engineers, Software Engineers, Project Managers, Suppliers, Sub-Contractors, and the Head of Customer Support Services.
About You

• Proven experience in designing and delivering PLC-based control systems (Siemens and Rockwell experience preferred).
• Strong skills in electrical design, fault finding, and commissioning.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with excellent communication skills.
• Flexible and proactive, with a commitment to delivering high-quality results.
• Willingness to participate in a 24/7 support rota and travel to customer sites when required.
• Familiarity with IT/ERP systems (e.g., Sage 200) and CRM tools (e.g., Hubspot) is a plus.

Why Join Our Client?
This is a fantastic opportunity to work on innovative automation projects, contribute to industry-leading solutions, and grow your career in a supportive and forward-thinking environment. If you’re passionate about smart technology and delivering excellence, we’d love to hear from you.