At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation projects from concept to production, ensuring robust control systems.
- Company: Fast-growing manufacturing business focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, 25 days holiday, and health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on production capability and product quality in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years PLC programming experience and strong problem-solving skills.
- Other info: Join a team that values ownership, technical growth, and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: North London
Type: Full-time
We are a fast-growing, mission-driven manufacturing business designing, building, and scaling complex products in-house. Our operations rely on modern automation, rapid new product introduction (NPI), and a strong culture of continuous improvement to support ongoing growth. This is an environment for engineers who want real ownership, technical depth, and the opportunity to influence how manufacturing systems are designed, built, and evolved.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced Controls & Automation Engineer to join our Operations Engineering team. This role is central to delivering automation capability across the factory and spans the full lifecycle of control systems — from early concept and system architecture through to commissioning, production handover, and ongoing optimisation. You will work across NPI, capital projects, and continuous improvement, collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and production teams to deliver scalable, robust solutions.
What you’ll be doing
- Own and deliver controls and automation projects end-to-end, from requirements capture through to commissioning and production handover
- Specify, design, program, test, and document PLC-based control systems for new equipment, production lines, and NPI activities
- Support new product introduction by developing and adapting automation solutions to meet evolving product and process requirements
- Lead and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, improving safety, reliability, performance, and maintainability of existing systems
- Provide advanced hands-on support during planned upgrades, commissioning activities, and critical production issues
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure automation solutions are practical, scalable, and aligned with manufacturing needs
- Help shape automation standards, best practices, and system architectures as the factory continues to scale
What we’re looking for
Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply if this role aligns with how you want to work and grow.
Essential experience
- 3+ years of experience programming PLC systems (IEC 61131-3) in a manufacturing or industrial environment
- Strong understanding of electrical schematics, panel design, wiring practices, and electrical safety
- Proven ability to specify, design, and document complete control system solutions, often from high-level manufacturing or NPI requirements
- Experience working in fast-paced production environments, including supporting live systems during upgrades or downtime
- Confident problem-solver with a hands-on, pragmatic engineering approach
Desirable / bonus experience
- Programming with Siemens TIA Portal, particularly S7-1500 PLCs
- Experience delivering multi-axis motion control systems
- Strong understanding of closed-loop motion control, including linear and rotary servo motors
- Hands-on experience wiring DC control circuits and low-voltage AC power systems to recognised standards
- Knowledge of electrical legislation, machinery safety standards, and functional safety principles
- Experience using CAD tools for mechanical or electromechanical design (e.g. SolidWorks)
Why join us
- High ownership role with responsibility across NPI, project delivery, and continuous improvement
- Visible impact — your work directly affects production capability, scalability, and product quality
- Fast decision-making environment with minimal bureaucracy
- Strong commitment to technical and personal development
- Competitive salary plus equity/share options, aligning you with the long-term success of the business
Benefits
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Competitive salary and equity participation
- On-site food and refreshments
- Health and wellbeing benefits, including healthcare support and cycle-to-work schemes
- Regular team events and employee referral incentive
Automation and Controls Engineer in City of London employer: CT19
Contact Detail:
CT19 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation and Controls Engineer in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects, especially those involving PLC programming and automation solutions. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions related to controls and automation. Practice explaining your thought process when solving problems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on approach and confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission-driven team.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation and Controls Engineer in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your PLC programming experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about automation and controls engineering. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in past roles, and let us know why you want to join our mission-driven team.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t just list your skills—show us how you've used them! Describe situations where you've solved complex problems or improved processes. We love engineers who can think on their feet and make a real impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CT19
✨Know Your PLCs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your PLC programming skills, especially with IEC 61131-3. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've designed and implemented control systems, as this will show your hands-on experience and technical depth.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in fast-paced production environments. Highlight any instances where you provided advanced support during upgrades or critical production issues, as this demonstrates your ability to think on your feet.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the company's mission and how automation plays a role in their growth. Be prepared to discuss how your work can influence manufacturing systems and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Since this role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, practice articulating how you've successfully collaborated with mechanical, electrical, and production teams in the past. Emphasise your ability to align automation solutions with manufacturing needs.