At a Glance
- Tasks: Diagnose faults, optimise systems, and drive automation improvements in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Magnet, a leading kitchen provider with a rich history and innovative spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, flexible holidays, and health support.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in manufacturing while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in electrical fault finding and knowledge of PLC systems required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Salary: £45‑55,000, 10% company bonus + private medical insurance.
Location: Darlington.
Reporting to: Head of Engineering.
We’re looking for a practical, solutions‑focused Controls Engineer to help keep our manufacturing operations running smoothly and efficiently. You’ll be hands‑on with fault finding, automation, and continuous improvement, working with modern control and CNC technologies in a fast‑paced production environment.
What’s in it for you?
- Generous discounts: Up to 80% off our kitchen products
- Flexible holidays: Buy up to five additional days through our holiday purchase scheme
- Health & wellbeing support: 24/7 access to a virtual GP and employee assistance programme
- Lifestyle perks: Cycle to work scheme and discounts with 200+ high‑street brands
- Refer a Friend scheme
- A supportive, collaborative environment where your ideas are welcomed and encouraged
What You’ll Be Doing
- Diagnose and resolve electrical and electronic faults to minimise downtime
- Maintain, modify, and optimise PLC and HMI systems
- Programme and commission inverters (VSDs) and associated control systems
- Support and improve automation systems, including robotics and CNC woodworking machinery
- Interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings to support fault finding and improvements
- Support the installation, commissioning, and validation of new equipment
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, reliability, and performance
- Work closely with engineering and production teams to deliver robust, sustainable solutions
- Ensure all work meets health, safety, and regulatory standards
- Mentor engineers and apprentices, supporting the development of skills and knowledge across the team
Who We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in electrical and electronic fault finding within a manufacturing environment
- Strong working knowledge of PLC and HMI systems, including programming and diagnostics
- Experience with inverter (VSD) programming and commissioning
- Exposure to industrial automation and robotics
- Experience with CNC woodworking machinery (e.g. HOMAG, BIESSE, IMA, or SCM) is advantageous but not essential
- Ability to read and interpret electrical diagrams and technical documentation
- Experience with Siemens or Allen‑Bradley PLC platforms
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Clear communication skills and the confidence to work independently or as part of a team
Values
- Care – building strong relationships, working collaboratively, and supporting others to succeed
- Inspire – communicating clearly, taking ownership, and contributing ideas that move us forward
- Deliver – staying focused on results and continuously improving reliability, performance, and ways of working
About Magnet
Magnet was founded by Tom Duxbury in 1918, as a joinery business in Bingley, Yorkshire. Over the past century, it has evolved into one of the UK’s leading specialist kitchen providers, known for award‑winning designs and UK‑based manufacturing. Our people and their commitment to quality remain at the heart of everything we do.
Ready to make an impact? If you’re a Controls Engineer looking for a role where your skills really make a difference, we’d love to hear from you. We’re committed to an inclusive recruitment process. If you need any reasonable adjustments during your application or interview, please let us know—we’re happy to help.
Controls Engineer employer: Magnet
At Magnet, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative environment where your ideas are valued. Located in Darlington, our team enjoys generous benefits such as flexible holidays, health and wellbeing support, and significant discounts on our kitchen products, all while working with cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. We are dedicated to fostering employee growth through mentorship and continuous improvement initiatives, making this an ideal place for a Controls Engineer to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to controls engineering. Think about how your experience with PLCs and fault finding can solve real problems in their manufacturing process.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for continuous improvement! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven efficiency or solved complex issues in past roles. This will demonstrate that you're the right fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Controls Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Controls Engineer role. Highlight your experience with PLC and HMI systems, as well as any relevant automation or CNC machinery skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your skills can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but engaging—show us your personality!
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and come up with practical solutions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Magnet
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLC and HMI systems, especially if you have experience with Siemens or Allen-Bradley platforms. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've diagnosed faults or optimised systems, as this will show your hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled electrical and electronic faults in a manufacturing setting. Think about times when you implemented continuous improvement initiatives and be ready to explain the impact of your solutions on safety and performance.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since clear communication is key in this role, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to interpret electrical schematics during the interview, so being able to articulate your thought process will demonstrate your analytical skills.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This position requires working closely with engineering and production teams, so highlight your experience in collaborative environments. Share instances where you mentored others or contributed ideas that led to successful outcomes, showing that you can inspire and support your colleagues.
