Career Area
Manufacturing
Job Title
Controls Engineer - Manufacturing Automation
Salary
£42,000–£57,000 depending on skills demonstrated
Contract
Fixed Term until 31st December 2027
Location
Desford, Leicestershire
The Opportunity
As a Controls Engineer within manufacturing automation, you will operate within a highly skilled Manufacturing Engineering team, supporting the specification, integration and rollout of PLC‑based control solutions across production. You will collaborate on capital investment and continuous improvement initiatives to embed robust, standards‑compliant control systems that enable safe, efficient and high‑quality manufacturing operations.
Responsibilities
Identify and support the implementation of automation and robotics solutions, including PLC‑based control systems, applying automation principles to improve manufacturing safety, quality, efficiency and cost.
Configure, standardise and support Siemens and Mitsubishi PLC and HMI systems, enabling effective diagnosis of production issues and acting as an escalation point for complex controls challenges.
Support the introduction of new manufacturing technologies and equipment by contributing to controls‑related specifications and supporting installation, FAT, SAT and commissioning activities in line with manufacturing and engineering standards.
Apply lean manufacturing principles and improvement tools to support technology, efficiency and quality initiatives, promoting standardised workflows and continuous improvement practices within production environments.
Work collaboratively with engineering, manufacturing, facilities and suppliers to support the delivery of automation and improvement activities through to effective production handover.
Ensure controls and automation solutions align with manufacturing safety, regulatory and engineering requirements, supporting structured problem solving, safe operation and reliable handover to manufacturing teams.
Coach and mentor others in applying standardised processes and workflows, while providing controls support for manufacturing technology implementations and acting as the escalation point for complex controls issues.
What You Can Demonstrate
Level Basic Understanding
Collaborative Automation: Using an understanding of automation and robotics to support manufacturing activities, recognising benefits and limitations to help introduce solutions such as material handling, inspection or assembly automation safely and effectively.
Level Working Knowledge
Engineering – Manufacturing (MFG): Using manufacturing engineering principles to specify, install, commission and support equipment and control systems, ensuring they meet engineering, safety and quality standards and perform reliably in production.
Lean Manufacturing: Driving efficiency and waste reduction by using lean manufacturing principles and basic improvement tools to support continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.
Manufacturing Processes: Operating within defined manufacturing processes to support production planning, execution and monitoring, helping integrate new technologies and process changes smoothly into live operations.
What You May Have
Supporting assembly, test and finishing operations by understanding how processes, equipment and control systems interact to deliver safe, consistent and efficient production.
Contributing to the integration and operation of industrial automation technologies, including PLC‑controlled systems, robotics, AGV or AMR solutions, with a focus on safe and effective use in manufacturing environments.
Using structured problem‑solving techniques such as 8D, 5‑Why or Fishbone analysis to identify root causes, support corrective actions and prevent the recurrence of manufacturing or quality issues.
Interpreting technical documentation, drawings and system data to support engineering and manufacturing activities, including working within PLM systems such as Siemens Teamcenter where required.
Benefits
27 days annual leave + bank holidays, opportunity to buy additional holiday, 10% bonus, contributory pension scheme – Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution up to 10%, contributory share scheme – Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution, Employee Support Networks – join groups that offer support, connection, and a sense of community, optional flexible benefits including access to private health and dental care plans, EV car lease, etc.
Travel: Up to 5% UK travel may be required, including visits to other facilities as needed. This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Contact Details:
Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation Recruitment Team
