At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and improve automated manufacturing systems for optimal performance.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturing team in Darlington with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on training, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of PLCs and experience in manufacturing automation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a talented Controls Technician to join our team specializing in Manufacturing for our Maintenance Department in Darlington, County Durham, United Kingdom. This is a permanent, on-site position working 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please note that flexibility to work shifts may be required from time to time to support business needs and operational requirements.
In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:
- Maintaining and improving automated manufacturing systems, ensuring high standards of workmanship, reliability, and operational performance across the Darlington Engine Plant.
- Supporting equipment fault finding and failure analysis, diagnosing control system issues and implementing effective corrective actions to minimise downtime.
- Working with technical documentation, electrical diagrams, schematics, and operational manuals to safely perform maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, and system modifications.
- Managing and updating controls-related documentation and quality procedures, while serving as a technical resource and providing guidance to colleagues and cross-functional teams.
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and throughput within manufacturing operations.
- Supporting automation and capital projects, collaborating with contractors and engineering teams to integrate new automated machinery with existing equipment and production systems.
- Applying expertise in PLCs, industrial robotics, vision systems, HMIs, and industrial networks to optimise equipment performance, reliability, and manufacturing processes.
- Collaborating closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to deliver innovative controls solutions, strengthen operational excellence, and support the plant's long-term manufacturing objectives.
To be successful in this role you will need the following:
- Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing control systems, including PLCs, SCADA, MES interfaces, industrial networks, and data collection systems, with the ability to implement process and equipment improvements effectively.
- Experience supporting and troubleshooting connected manufacturing technologies, such as vision systems, servers, robotics, cobots, AMRs, DC tooling, and OT/IT network infrastructure to ensure reliable system performance and data flow.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills, enabling you to build strong partnerships with maintenance, engineering, production teams, contractors, and IT stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, allowing you to diagnose technical issues, make timely and informed decisions, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
Education/ Experience:
- High school diploma, secondary education certificate, or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of PLCs, IT systems, and industrial networking.
- Relevant experience in manufacturing automation, controls, or maintenance environments.
- Specialized technical training and hands-on expertise in troubleshooting and improving automated systems.
The compensation for this role is aligned with a local bargained or unionized agreement.
Controls Technician in Darlington employer: Cummins
Cummins is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our UK Logistics Centre in Daventry, where teamwork and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and continuous improvement, alongside a flexible on-site schedule that promotes work-life balance. Join us to be part of a culture that values compliance, collaboration, and the success of every team member.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls Technician in Darlington
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Cummins!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Controls Technician position at Cummins, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Cummins is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Controls Technician role at Cummins!
We think you need these skills to ace Controls Technician in Darlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Cummins and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cummins
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Cummins.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Cummins, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
