At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise control systems for CNC machines and robotic cells.
- Company: Join a leading machine tool importer with a rich history since 1958.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly wage, hands-on experience, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with potential travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of automation technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or relevant experience; programming skills are a must.
The predicted salary is between 55.89 - 55.89 £ per hour.
Job Description Job Description
Description
Methods Machine Tools was established in 1958 with three employees and a handful of refurbished machines.
Since then, the company has become one of the largest privately owned machine tool importers in North America.
Job Summary: Job Summary
The Automation Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting the control systems that integrate CNC machine tools with a range of accessories and Fanuc robotic cells.
This hands‑on role involves programming, troubleshooting, and optimizing control systems, such as PLCs, HMIs, and robotic systems.
The ideal candidate will have experience with machine tools and a deep understanding of electrical control systems, control theory, and the ability to improve automation system performance in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Design, program, and implement control systems for automated equipment, including PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, and other automation components.
- Program and modify ladder logic for CNC machines to interface the automated equipment, ensuring seamless interaction between control systems and machinery.
Ensure that automation systems operate smoothly within the broader production environment.
- Troubleshoot and resolve integration issues between the CNC machines and automation equipment, including hardware failures, software bugs, and communication problems.
- Optimize the performance of control systems to improve efficiency, uptime, and system reliability.
- Create and maintain technical documentation for control systems, including system specifications, wiring diagrams, programming manuals, and troubleshooting guides.
Provide detailed reports on system performance, improvements, and project status.
- Conduct system testing, validation, and commissioning of new control systems and automation equipment.
Ensure systems meet performance specifications, safety standards, and operational requirements before going live.
- Work closely with electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, automation technicians, and production teams to implement and support automation projects.
Provide technical training and ongoing support for operators and maintenance staff on control systems.
- Ensure all control systems are designed and implemented in compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.
Participate in risk assessments and implement safety protocols to ensure safe operation of automated systems.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance automation systems, reduce downtime, and improve system efficiency.
Evaluate new technologies and tools to incorporate into control system designs.
- Support machine runoff, debug, and final testing of integrated systems both in-house and at customer sites.
- Ensure automation and accessories function reliably with the CNC machine tool before delivery, addressing any control, timing, or sequencing issues.
- Collaborate closely with the applications engineering team during the design and execution of turnkey automation projects.
- Provide input on control strategies, sequencing, and system layout to ensure smooth integration between machine, accessories, and automation equipment.
Required Skill/Abilities
- Proficiency in control programming (e. g., Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagrams).
- Familiarity with HMI development and SCADA systems.
- Knowledge of electrical systems, sensors, actuators, and communication protocols (e. g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus).
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to document and explain technical concepts.
- Ability to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
- Experience with industrial networking and communication protocols (e. g., OPC, Modbus TCP/IP).
- Familiarity with machine safety standards and best practices, including safety PLCs, hard‑wired safety circuits and risk assessment requirements.
- Certification in automation or control systems (e. g., PLC programming, Six Sigma, or other relevant certifications).
- Familiarity with Fanuc robot programming, CNC machine tools or motion control systems is a plus.
- Familiarity with Solid Works Electrical is a plus.
Minimum Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
- Proven experience in designing, programming, and maintaining control systems (e. g., PLCs, HMIs, SCADA).
- Strong knowledge of industrial control systems and automation technologies.
- Hands‑on experience with PLC programming (e. g., Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider, or other platforms).
- Experience with control system diagnostics, troubleshooting, and system optimization.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- None
Travel Requirements
- Up to 20% of time
Salary
The listed salary range represents our good faith estimate for this position.
Final compensation will be determined based on a candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, and may exceed the posted range for highly qualified candidates.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
- Additional Information
This job description is designed to provide an overview of basic skills, experiences and education required to perform the job and is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, and responsibilities required to perform the essential functions of the job.
In instances where educational degrees are required, the company will take into consideration factors such as additional experience, training, or certifications in lieu of specific educational requirements.
Methods Machine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to , , , , , , , , protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Requirements
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Controls Engineer in Sudbury employer: Energy Jobline ZR
World Wide Technology (WWT) is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Programme Director in London. With a strong focus on employee growth, WWT offers opportunities to lead cutting-edge automation projects while working in a hybrid environment that promotes work-life balance. The company values transparent communication and client-first service, ensuring that employees are empowered to drive meaningful outcomes and develop their skills in a supportive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls Engineer in Sudbury
✨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 Energy Jobline ZR!
✨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 Engineer in Sudbury position at Energy Jobline ZR, 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 Energy Jobline ZR 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 Engineer in Sudbury role at Energy Jobline ZR!
We think you need these skills to ace Controls Engineer in Sudbury
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 Energy Jobline ZR 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 Energy Jobline ZR
✨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 Energy Jobline ZR.
✨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 Energy Jobline ZR, 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.