At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop PLC and HMI software for innovative machinery.
- Company: Join a close-knit engineering team at a leading Nottingham machine builder.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, paid overtime, and remote work options.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and international travel.
- Why this job: Become a controls expert and influence exciting projects with real impact.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in controls engineering with PLC and HMI programming experience.
Echelon Engineers is partnered with an established Nottingham machine builder that designs and manufactures specialist process machinery for customers in the UK and overseas.
They are looking for a Controls Engineer to take ownership of PLC and HMI software across their standard machines and bespoke customer lines.
This is a small, close-knit engineering team, so you will have real influence.
The role is designed to grow into the controls subject matter expert for the business, with scope to move to senior level and build a team as the company expands.
You will also be heavily involved in a strong R&D roadmap.
The role
- Design, develop, test and commission PLC and HMI software for standard and custom machines
- Write project documentation including FDS, SRS, test documents and operator manuals
- Integrate drives, temperature control, sensors and safety systems, and interface with customers’ upstream and downstream equipment
- Carry out FATs in Nottingham, then install and commission on site
- Provide remote and on-site technical support, including upgrades and retrofits
- Maintain the standard software libraries and follow version control and change management procedures
- Support new product development and the move to safety PLCs
Around 70% of your time will be in Nottingham. Travel is around 30%, UK and international, usually 1 to 2 weeks per trip.
About you
- At least 2 years of controls engineering experience, ideally with a machine builder or in special purpose machinery
- PLC and HMI programming, ideally Siemens TIA Portal (Rockwell Studio 5000 also considered)
- Experience with variable speed drives, servo or conveyor motion control
- Industrial networks such as PROFINET, PROFIBUS, Ether Net/IP or Modbus TCP
- Good understanding of pneumatic systems
- Awareness of machine safety (PUWER, BS EN ISO 13849); safety PLC experience is a strong advantage
- Hands-on commissioning and fault finding
- HNC, HND, degree or equivalent experience in electrical, control or software engineering
- Full UK driving licence and valid passport
- Nice to have
- Background in thermal or process equipment such as ovens or heating systems
- PID and temperature control
- Python, C#, SQL, OPC UA or MQTT
- Version control tools such as Git
- Some electrical design ability
- What’s on offer
- £45,000 to £55,000 depending on experience
- Paid overtime, guaranteed when travelling
- Flexible start and finish times
- 1:30pm finish on Fridays
- Discretionary one day a week working from home, subject to workload
- Clear progression as the business grows
- To apply, send your CV or contact Qas at Echelon Engineers for a confidential conversation
Controls Engineer in West Bridgford employer: ECHELON ENGINEERS
Echelon Engineers offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for Manufacturing Engineers in Lincolnshire, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our culture. Employees benefit from comprehensive training programmes, career advancement opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls Engineer in West Bridgford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Controls Engineer role you’re after at ECHELON ENGINEERS.
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✨Engage with Online Communities
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✨Apply Through Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Controls Engineer in West Bridgford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Controls Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at ECHELON ENGINEERS a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to ECHELON ENGINEERS specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at ECHELON ENGINEERS
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with ECHELON ENGINEERS, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like ECHELON ENGINEERS want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
