Role: Controls Engineer
Reports to: Head of Engineering
Location: Darlington
Hours: 39
Salary: £57,000
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.
This is a role where you can make a real impact by improving reliability, reducing downtime, and supporting the development of others—while working alongside skilled engineering and production teams.
What’s in it for you?
- 10% company bonus
- Private medical insurance
- Subsidised canteen
- Paid volunteer day
- Fantastic company discounts: Up to 80% off our stylish kitchen ranges and products
- Access to Retail Trust
- Flexible holidays: Buy up to five extra days with our holiday purchase scheme
- Wellbeing support: Access to our virtual GP service and employee assistance platform 24/7
- Lifestyle perks: Cycle to work scheme and savings on hundreds of top brands via our benefits app
- A collaborative culture built on care, inclusion, and continuous improvement
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
Why choose Magnet?
At Magnet, we bring over 100 years of heritage, but our focus is firmly on the future.
As the UK’s leading kitchen specialist, our success is driven by the expertise, insight and innovation of our people.
We are a company M.A.D.E. by our values. We Make room for everyone, Aim to be brilliant, Do the right thing, and Explore with curiosity every day. These values shape how we work, support customers, and helps create an environment where everyone can grow, contribute and thrive. If these values resonate with you, we'd love you to be part of our team.
We’re in the middle of an exciting transformation, with a real opportunity to shape how we work, grow and deliver for our customers.
We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
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Controls Engineer employer: Magnet
At Magnet, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative culture that values care, inclusion, and continuous improvement. As a Facilities Lead in Darlington, you'll enjoy benefits such as flexible holidays, wellbeing support, and fantastic company discounts, all while playing a crucial role in our exciting transformation. With opportunities for personal growth and a commitment to innovation, you'll find meaningful and rewarding employment with us.
