Controls Engineer (Highly Technical Manufacturing) - to £65k - ID45697

Do you love designing elegant control systems for complex, real-world challenges? Are you looking to apply your expertise to next-generation, high-precision technology? Ready to take the technical lead on innovations used by major global manufacturers?

Our client, a growing high-tech engineering company based in the Oxfordshire area, is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to drive development across a suite of precision instrumentation and motion control systems. This is a chance to lead technically challenging projects at the cutting edge of automation, measurement, and systems integration, all in a collaborative and fast-paced R&D environment.

You’ll join a multidisciplinary team working on solutions that push the boundaries of speed and precision, supporting technologies used in advanced manufacturing and research worldwide.

• Lead the design, development, and optimisation of precision control systems used in highly specialised equipment.
• Take ownership of system performance - from concept through to validation and troubleshooting.
• Work at the sub-nanometre scale, helping to solve complex control and noise challenges.
• Act as the technical authority for controls across multiple modules and system stages.
• Collaborate with electronics, software, and mechanical teams in a hands-on, innovation-focused environment.
• Influence future system architecture through continuous learning, analysis, and design evolution.
• Contribute to the company’s reputation for technical excellence and cutting-edge product development.

You might come from a background in engineering, physics, mechatronics or applied systems, with a proven track record in developing complex control systems. Whether your experience comes from high-end manufacturing, automation, scientific instrumentation, or another precision field, we’re open to transferable skills.

You’ll be comfortable leading technical discussions, validating performance through testing, and translating complex theory into practical design.

We’re especially keen to hear from people with:

• Strong understanding of control theory, feedback and feedforward loops
• Experience acting as a technical lead on controls or automation systems
• A hands-on approach to experimental setup, testing, and troubleshooting
• Solid communication skills, able to work with diverse stakeholders
• Proven experience (5+ years) in relevant engineering roles

Desirable experience includes:

• Knowledge of digital filtering, ideally in FPGAs
• Familiarity with piezo systems and control challenges like hysteresis
• Exposure to metrology, motion systems, or instrumentation
• Experience guiding systems through EMC or regulatory testing
• Understanding of PLC programming or automation controls

£60,000-£65,000 salary
Annual bonus
EMI Share Scheme
Flexible working hours
25 days’ holiday + bank holidays
Pension scheme
An exciting, supportive environment where your technical leadership is truly valued

Inclusion & Diversity Statement: We and our client are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and diverse working environment. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe you have skills or experience that align with the role, we’d still love to hear from you.

Excited by the opportunity to shape high-precision systems of the future? Apply now to learn more about this unique Senior Controls Engineer opportunity.