Senior Support Controls Engineer

Our client, a world leader within the medical device sector, is currently recruiting for a Senior Support Controls Engineer. This role involves supporting the lens making machinery and controls systems across multiple sites, working closely with Machine Operators, Maintenance, and IT on a daily basis. May involve limited travel for training or vendor visits.

Job Summary: To provide controls expertise to the business, supporting controls related breakdowns, driving continuous improvement initiatives through root cause analysis, and assisting in the development of other engineering support departments through coaching, training, and mentoring. To assist in the development, implementation, documentation, and validation of complex integrated control systems within a highly automated manufacturing environment, ensuring UK Manufacturing keeps up to date with the latest technology. If on shift, this role will involve shift work on a four-on, four-off basis after initial familiarisation on days. If not on shift, may be required to provide Out of Hours call out support.

Essential Functions & Accountabilities:

• Assist in the design, implementation, and validation of complex control systems for machines/new processes including Supervisory and Scada applications.
• Assist in the design and implementation of performance monitoring software including OEE, dashboards.
• Integration of controls system into business systems, including manufacturing execution systems.
• Support and optimise existing control systems.
• Implement and conduct training programmes for applicable support groups.
• Ensure the documentation and software control systems are established and maintained for machine control, Scada & inspection systems.
• Develop and mentor trainees and engineers within the department.
• Lead large projects, managing external vendors, working within regulatory guidelines.
• Assist Engineering department where required.

Travel Requirements: May involve limited travel for training requirements normally UK based. Also possibly very limited UK or foreign travel may be required if supporting Project work to vendor sites.

Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• To have an understanding of, and the interaction with control systems of the following software packages: SQL, VBA, VB6, VB.Net, & C#.
• To have a high level of knowledge and proven track record of Programming packages which include (but not limited to) RSLogix, Contrologix, RSView/FT View, DeviceNet, ControlNet, CoDeSys.
• Ability to relate to people and form relationships quickly.
• Conscientious, with a pleasant friendly manner.
• Ability to work as part of a team or independently.
• To be flexible, and able to assist across multiple projects to strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A strong focus on documentation and regulations.
• Enthusiasm towards the controls/software engineering fields and its principles.
• The following behavioural competencies: Planning and Organization, Communication, Positive Attitude, Problem Solving, Innovation and Quality/Continuous Improvement and Change Orientation.
• Strong preference for a Medical device or pharmaceutical background in manufacturing.
• Ability to keep abreast of new developments within the controls industry.
• Good understanding of Quality Assurance and Quality Control systems, medical device/pharmaceutical, FDA, GAMP, ISO and International regulatory requirements.
• Highly computer literate.

Work Environment: Working within an office environment. The job requires some work to be completed within a clean environment. As a result, the job holder will be gowned-up whilst working in those areas. There is continuous noise in the clean room but this does not require ear protection to be worn. Extensive use of computers and telephones. Reasonable levels of business travel, local, nationally and internationally.

Experience: Ideally a minimum of 5 years experience in a similar engineering role.

Education: Minimum of ONC or equivalent in Electrical/Electronics.