Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

Employment Type: Permanent
Reporting to: Engineering Manager
Sector: Industrial Automation / Special Purpose Machinery

The Role

An established engineering business is looking for a Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to lead the development and standardisation of machine control systems across complex automated machinery.
The role combines hands-on engineering with technical leadership, covering PLC software, motion control, automation, functional safety and machine connectivity. A key focus will be supporting the transition from Allen-Bradley to Siemens, while developing engineering standards and mentoring other engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and develop controls and software architecture standards.
• Lead the transition from Allen-Bradley to Siemens platforms.
• Design and develop PLC software using Siemens TIA Portal and S7-1500 PLCs.
• Configure and commission SINAMICS drives, Siemens safety systems and WinCC HMIs.
• Develop servo and multi-axis motion-control applications, including interpolation and synchronisation.
• Develop HMI/SCADA solutions, machine diagnostics and predictive maintenance functionality.
• Lead controls development for complex machinery and automated handling systems.
• Integrate conveyors, robotics, gantries and third-party automation equipment.
• Support machinery risk assessments, validation and CE/UKCA compliance.
• Ensure designs meet relevant functional safety, international standards and cybersecurity requirements.
• Support machine commissioning, FAT and SAT activities.
• Provide technical support for complex troubleshooting, modifications and upgrades.
• Mentor junior controls and electrical engineers and support continuous improvement.

Technical Experience

The successful candidate should have strong experience within controls engineering, industrial automation or special purpose machinery, including:

• Significant PLC programming experience.
• Strong Siemens TIA Portal experience.
• S7-1500 PLCs.
• SINAMICS drives.
• Siemens safety systems.
• WinCC HMI/SCADA development.
• Servo systems and multi-axis motion control.
• Automated handling and material-handling systems.
• Experience with conveyors, robotics and/or gantries.
• Complex machinery or special purpose machinery projects.
• Industrial communications including Profinet, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA and Modbus.
• Practical understanding of machine safety legislation.
• CE/UKCA compliance experience.
• Understanding of functional safety principles and standards.
• Machinery risk assessments and validation.
• Industrial cybersecurity awareness.
• Allen-Bradley experience would be beneficial, particularly alongside Siemens migration projects.

Leadership & Personal Skills

• Experience mentoring and supporting other engineers.
• Ability to influence technical direction and engineering standards.
• Strong problem-solving and stakeholder-management skills.
• Comfortable communicating with customers, suppliers and senior management.
• Able to work collaboratively across mechanical, electrical, service and project teams.

Health & Safety

You will be expected to comply with all relevant health, safety and company procedures, ensuring machinery and engineering activities are undertaken safely and in accordance with applicable standards.