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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver control systems for bespoke machinery and automation projects.
- Company: Join a stable company that builds complex machinery for global pharmaceutical manufacturers.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, 25 days holiday, and comprehensive health support.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team with a strong focus on innovation and employee retention.
- Qualifications: Experience with Siemens and Allen Bradley software, plus electrical design skills are essential.
- Other info: Willingness to travel for site visits is required; no visa sponsorship available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Controls Engineer with a balanced background in both software/controls engineering and electrical design to join our growing team. This hybrid role is ideal for someone who enjoys delivering complete automation solutions, from initial design through to commissioning. The company designs and builds complex, bespoke machinery used by pharmaceutical manufacturers and research organisations around the world. This is a stable, well-run business with a high staff retention rate — the average time people stay is over 10 years. The engineering team is multi-disciplinary and works together across full project lifecycles.
- Hybrid working (home on Wednesdays and Fridays)
- Flexible hours, with a 1pm finish on Fridays
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + 3-day Christmas shutdown
- Income protection & EAP (includes GP access, mental health and wellbeing support)
- Legal & General pension (4% employer / 4% employee)
- Death in service (4x salary)
- RAC breakdown cover
The Role
You will be responsible for designing, programming, and delivering control systems for bespoke machinery and automation projects. The role will be split 50:50 between:
- Control Systems Design & Software: PLC/HMI programming, commissioning, and system integration.
- Electrical Design Engineering: Creating electrical schematics, panel layouts, and documentation using EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop PLC and HMI software (Siemens and Allen Bradley)
- Produce complete electrical design packages (layouts, schematics, BOMs, panel wiring diagrams)
- Generate documentation including FDS, cable schedules, I/O lists, and instrument schedules
- Work closely with mechanical, software, and project teams to ensure smooth integration
- Participate in FAT/SAT, commissioning, and support activities
- Support the project lifecycle from concept through to commissioning and handover
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience with Siemens (TIA Portal) and Allen Bradley (RSLogix/Studio5000) software platforms
- Strong experience in electrical design using EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical
- Understanding of control systems, panel design, and safety circuits
- Experience writing technical documentation (FDS, cable schedules, test documents)
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Willingness to travel for site visits and commissioning (UK & occasional overseas)
Desirable
- Experience in industrial automation, machinery, or process equipment industries
- Familiarity with SCADA systems, servo/motion control
- Experience with safety systems (SIL, risk assessments, etc.)
If you’re a Controls Engineer looking for a technically varied role with a mix of software, electrical design, and real-world engineering – we want to hear from you.
Controls Engineer employer: Cressida Consulting
Contact Detail:
Cressida Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific software platforms mentioned in the job description, particularly Siemens TIA Portal and Allen Bradley RSLogix/Studio5000. Having hands-on experience or relevant projects to discuss can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industrial automation field. Attend industry events or join online forums where you can connect with current Controls Engineers. This can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with electrical design tools like EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical. Be ready to share specific examples of projects where you created electrical schematics or panel layouts, as this is a key responsibility of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving skills by preparing examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the complexities of control systems and project lifecycles effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Controls Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with PLC and HMI programming, particularly with Siemens and Allen Bradley platforms. Include specific projects where you've designed control systems or electrical schematics.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your relevant skills in electrical design using EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical, and how you can contribute to their bespoke machinery projects.
Showcase Technical Documentation Skills: Emphasise your experience in writing technical documentation such as Functional Design Specifications (FDS), cable schedules, and test documents. This is crucial for the role and will demonstrate your attention to detail.
Highlight Team Collaboration: Since the role involves working closely with multi-disciplinary teams, provide examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated with mechanical, software, and project teams to deliver projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cressida Consulting
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with Siemens and Allen Bradley software platforms. Bring examples of past projects where you developed PLC and HMI software, as well as any electrical design packages you've created using EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
During the interview, highlight specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will showcase your strong communication and problem-solving skills, which are essential for this position.
✨Understand the Company’s Projects
Research the types of bespoke machinery and automation solutions the company designs. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to ask insightful questions and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Team Collaboration Questions
Since the role involves working closely with multi-disciplinary teams, be ready to discuss your experience collaborating with mechanical, software, and project teams. Share examples of how you ensured smooth integration during project lifecycles.
