Controls Engineer in East Grinstead

Controls Engineer in East Grinstead

East Grinstead Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Jonathan Lee

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and programme innovative automation solutions for diverse industries.
  • Company: Established engineering firm specialising in bespoke automated machinery.
  • Benefits: Career development, collaborative environment, and exposure to cutting-edge technology.
  • Other info: Opportunity for travel and hands-on experience in a dynamic team.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact from design to commissioning on exciting projects.
  • Qualifications: HNC, HND or Degree in Electrical, Controls or Automation Engineering.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Controls Engineer

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced

Controls Engineer to join a well-established engineering business specialising in the design and manufacture of bespoke automated machinery and special-purpose equipment.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will play a key role in the design, programming, commissioning and ongoing development of innovative automation solutions for customers across a variety of industries.

This role offers a combination of office‑based engineering, hands‑on commissioning and occasional customer site work, making it ideal for someone who enjoys seeing projects through from concept to completion.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop PLC software and machine control systems for bespoke automation projects.
  • Produce functional specifications and machine control documentation.
  • Ensure all control systems comply with current safety standards and best engineering practices.
  • Support design reviews, risk assessments and design feasibility studies.
  • Commission, test and fault‑find PLC‑controlled machinery both in‑house and at customer sites.
  • Work closely with mechanical, electrical and project engineering teams throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Assist with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and customer acceptance activities.
  • Provide technical support to installation and commissioning teams.
  • Prepare and maintain technical documentation throughout each project.
  • Liaise directly with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering department.

About You

We're looking for an engineer who has

  • HNC, HND or Degree qualification in Electrical, Controls or Automation Engineering (or equivalent industry experience).
  • Previous experience in a Controls Engineer position within industrial automation or special purpose machinery.
  • Strong PLC programming experience using

Siemens S7 / TIA Portal .

  • Experience with

Ford FAST Programming would be advantageous.

  • Knowledge of

Schneider Electric Unity or PL7 is beneficial but not essential.

  • A sound understanding of machinery, automation systems and mechanical engineering principles.
  • Experience commissioning and fault‑finding automated equipment.
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
  • Experience using CAD packages such as
  • EPLAN or

Auto CAD would be advantageous.

  • Personal Attributes
  • Has excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
  • Communicates effectively with customers and colleagues.
  • Is organised and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Works calmly under pressure and to tight deadlines.
  • Demonstrates excellent attention to detail.
  • Enjoys collaborating within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Is adaptable and willing to travel when required.
  • Has a proactive attitude towards continuous improvement.
  • Travel

This position will involve occasional travel to customer sites throughout the UK, including overnight stays where required.

There may also be opportunities for international travel depending on project requirements.

  • What's on Offer
  • Opportunity to work on technically challenging automation projects.
  • Varied role covering design, programming, commissioning and customer support.
  • Collaborative engineering environment with strong technical expertise.
  • Career development opportunities within a growing engineering business.
  • Exposure to cutting‑edge industrial automation and bespoke machinery projects.

If you're an experienced Controls Engineer looking for a varied role where you can make a real impact from design through to commissioning, we'd love to hear from you.

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Controls Engineer in East Grinstead employer: Jonathan Lee

Mazak is an excellent employer that values its employees by offering a supportive work culture and numerous benefits, including 25 days of holiday, life insurance, and an Aviva pension. Located in Worcester, this fast-paced factory role not only provides opportunities for personal growth and skill development but also fosters a collaborative environment where self-motivated individuals can thrive.

Jonathan Lee

Contact Details:

Jonathan Lee Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Controls Engineer in East Grinstead

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 Jonathan Lee!

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 position at Jonathan Lee, 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 Jonathan Lee 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 role at Jonathan Lee!

We think you need these skills to ace Controls Engineer in East Grinstead

PLC Programming
Siemens S7
TIA Portal
Functional Specification Development
Machine Control Documentation
Safety Standards Compliance
Risk Assessment

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 Jonathan Lee 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 Jonathan Lee

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 Jonathan Lee.

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 Jonathan Lee, 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.