At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop PLC control systems for cutting-edge scientific research equipment.
- Company: Moorfield Nanotechnology, a leader in thin-film deposition and etch systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, 25 days holiday, and health perks.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and travel.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in advanced technology fields.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of electronics, PLC systems, and problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Moorfield Nanotechnology designs and manufactures thin-film deposition and etch systems for academic and industrial R&D. Our platforms run from benchtop to mid-scale, and our customers use them to produce repeatable, defensible results in semiconductor research, energy storage, photovoltaics and advanced materials. Every one of those systems runs on control software. This role owns it.
Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 depending on skills and experience.
THE ROLE
You'll design, develop and maintain the PLC control systems and PC/touchscreen HMI interfaces across our PVD, CVD and Etch platforms. It's hands-on and varied: control system design, software development, HMI work, electronics integration, testing, fault-finding and new product development. You'll report to the Engineering Manager.
Day to day you will:
- Design, develop and maintain software on high-value scientific research systems
- Implement the hardware and software interlocks that keep those systems safe
- Run preliminary testing, and support the Test and Installation Engineers through factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT), in the factory and at customer sites
- Diagnose and resolve complex control system faults, hardware and software, in-house and in the field
- Work with version control and software design verification processes
- Keep engineering records, documentation and procedures accurate, so software and hardware changes stay traceable
- Take validation testing of new products from concept through to market readiness, working across teams
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of electronics and electrical interfaces, analogue and digital
- Experience with PLC-based control systems VB.NET, C#, Ladder Logic and Structured Text
- A proven record of diagnosing and resolving complex technical problems - and the willingness to challenge the wider team to get to the right answer
- A structured, methodical approach to technical processes, documentation and standards, particularly around testing and validation
- Clear written documentation and the interpersonal skills to challenge constructively
- Willingness to travel worldwide (this role is around 10% travel; a valid driving licence and passport are required)
- A degree in a related discipline is desirable. Relevant work experience will be considered in its place.
USEFUL, NOT ESSENTIAL
- Four years or more of relevant industrial experience
- PVD / CVD technology, vacuum systems, semiconductor or related industries
- Previous work as a Software & Electronics or Control Engineer
- Scientific equipment control systems, or bespoke industrial automation
- Designing functional electronic circuit boards; analogue and digital circuit design; PLC and PCB design
- Software version control, and design verification and validation methodologies
HOURS AND BENEFITS
- Monday to Friday with an early finish on Friday, and flexi time available.
- 25 days holiday, plus your birthday off
- Pension: 5% employee matched by 5% company, salary sacrifice, with the NI saving passed back to you (eligible after 3 months)
- Life assurance from day one
- Share Incentive Plan after successful completion of probation
- Bupa - dental, vision, virtual GP and more
- Performance-related bonus
- Access to e-learning platforms
- Two Corporate Social Responsibility days a year
- Drinks and healthy snacks provided
A NOTE ON THE WORK
Testing and fault-finding means being able to sit or stand for long periods.
Controls Engineer in Knutsford employer: Moorfield Nanotechnology
Moorfield Nanotechnology is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets hands-on engineering. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development through e-learning platforms and a supportive culture that values collaboration and creativity. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a flexible work schedule, generous holiday allowance, and unique benefits like a share incentive plan and corporate social responsibility days, making it a rewarding place to advance your career as a Controls Engineer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls Engineer in Knutsford
✨Get Involved in Control Systems Communities
Dive into control systems forums and relevant LinkedIn groups to showcase your expertise. Engage in discussions, answer questions, and share your knowledge—this can help us get noticed by potential employers looking for someone just like you!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Join conferences or workshops specifically tailored to control systems engineering, like the IEEE conference. These events are goldmines for networking with industry leaders and might just lead us to that perfect role at Moorfield Nanotechnology.
✨Get Practical Experience Through Projects
Start or contribute to projects that highlight your control systems skills. Whether it’s a simulated environment or real-world application, having tangible results will give us a huge edge when chatting with Moorfield Nanotechnology.
✨Choose Job Boards Wisely
Focus on niche job boards that specialise in engineering roles. Channels like Engineers.co or similar can help ensure that we’re not only applying to random jobs but targeting positions that align perfectly with our control systems engineering skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Controls Engineer in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:When applying for the Controls Engineer role, make sure to showcase your technical expertise in control systems. Be specific about the software and programming languages you’ve worked with—mention anything from MATLAB to PLC programming. This will help us see your proficiency in the tools that are essential for the job.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the engineering world, numbers speak volumes! Use your CV to quantify your achievements—whether it’s a percentage improvement in system efficiency or successful project completions under budget. This will not only make your application stand out but also showcase your problem-solving capabilities to us.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Don’t hesitate to get personal in your cover letter! Talk about why you’re passionate about control systems engineering and how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role at Moorfield Nanotechnology. We want to see your genuine interest and motivation to contribute to our projects.
Professional Documentation:For a full-time role, ensure that your application documents are professional and well-structured. Include a clear CV format and cover letter that highlights key projects or systems you've worked on. Don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications or training that would make you a valuable addition to us at Moorfield Nanotechnology.
How to prepare for a job interview at Moorfield Nanotechnology
✨Brush Up on Control Systems Concepts
Make sure we're up to speed with control systems theory—think stability analysis, PID tuning, and state-space representation. Revising these fundamentals will help us answer technical questions more confidently and demonstrate our expertise during the interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Simulation Tools
Get hands-on with popular simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink or LabVIEW. A lot of interviews might include technical assessments or practical tasks to gauge our understanding of system modelling and control design using these tools, so being proficient could really set us apart.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
We should expect scenario-based questions where we'll have to solve real-world control system challenges. Practising how to approach problems logically and articulately will help us show our analytical thinking to the interviewer at Moorfield Nanotechnology.
✨Show Your Passion for Engineering
As this role is full-time, it's crucial we convey our genuine enthusiasm for control systems engineering. Sharing personal projects or experiences where we tackled interesting engineering tasks can illustrate our commitment and eagerness to contribute to the team at Moorfield Nanotechnology.
