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- Tasks: Design and deliver control systems for bespoke machine tools and automation solutions.
- Company: Join a leading engineering firm in Ripley, Derbyshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with cross-functional teamwork and dynamic challenges.
- Why this job: Take ownership of innovative projects and make a real impact in automation technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and 5+ years in industrial automation required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Our client (Ripley, Derbyshire) is looking for an Automation Engineer to own the design and delivery of control systems for bespoke machine tools and automation solutions. You’ll work end-to-end—from early concept and architecture through build, commissioning, and customer acceptance—on complex, high-performance systems combining multi-axis motion, robotics, and industrial controls.
This is a hands-on, product-focused role in a team that builds one-off, engineered-to-order solutions. Expect real technical ownership: defining the control architecture, selecting sensors/drives/control components, producing electrical designs for manufacture, and driving reliability and continuous improvement across the installed base and new developments.
You’ll lead control system architecture and electrical system design for new machine tools, accessories, and supporting equipment, ensuring solutions are safe, robust, scalable, and meet customer and project requirements.
- Robotics integration and industrial automation (PLC/HMI/SCADA) in a real machine environment
- Control architecture, component selection, and electrical design released for manufacture
- Commissioning, tuning, debugging, and performance validation through to customer acceptance
- Design and deliver control system architectures for complex multi-axis machines and robotics, including specification and selection of sensors, servo drives, motors, feedback devices, safety components, and industrial control hardware.
- Produce and maintain electrical schematics, panel layouts, I/O lists, and released drawings/BOMs ready for manufacture.
- Drive reliability and maintainability through structured fault finding, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
- Lead safety and compliance activities including risk assessment and functional safety design/validation.
You’ll work cross-functionally with mechanical, software, production, and commercial teams—translating requirements into robust designs, presenting technical decisions at design reviews, and supporting build/commissioning with clear documentation, verification plans, and structured change control.
You’ll take a pragmatic engineering approach to problem-solving—balancing performance, cost, manufacturability, safety, and serviceability to deliver repeatable, high-quality machines.
Minimum 2:1 degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant engineering discipline (Mechatronics, Electrical/Electronic, Controls/Automation, Mechanical).
- 5+ years’ experience delivering industrial automation/controls projects (machine build, special purpose machinery, production equipment, or similar).
- Strong fundamentals in control systems, instrumentation, and electrical design (panel design, I/O, protection, grounding, EMC awareness).
- Electrical CAD experience (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks Electrical, EPLAN, or similar) including released schematics and BOMs.
- Experience defining motion control architectures from concept through commissioning (servo drives, feedback, motion profiles, tuning).
- PLC/HMI development and fault finding (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley, Beckhoff, or similar) plus industrial comms.
- Ability to produce clear technical documentation (specifications, test/commissioning procedures, FAT/SAT evidence, and as-built packs).
- Experience with electro-mechanical systems in a manufacturing environment; practical understanding of panel build/assembly is a plus.
- Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement mindset.
- Own delivery of automation and control system work packages for bespoke machine builds, contributing to estimates, schedules, and technical risk management.
- Define control architecture and produce electrical design outputs (schematics, panel layouts, I/O lists, cable schedules, and BOM) suitable for internal manufacture/assembly.
- Develop and support PLC/HMI/SCADA functionality and diagnostics; integrate with motion control/robotics where applicable.
- Commission, validate, and optimise machines (FAT/SAT), including drive setup, servo tuning, safety validation, and performance proving.
- Work closely with mechanical/software/production teams to resolve integration issues, drive build quality, and maintain configuration control.
- Perform fault diagnosis and root-cause analysis on new and installed systems; provide input into machine manuals and service documentation to ensure alignment with control functionality and safety requirements.
We do not sponsor visas or consider visa-dependent applications.
Electrical Engineer PLC/Automation in Ripley employer: Motion HR
Contact Detail:
Motion HR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Electrical Engineer PLC/Automation in Ripley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to automation and control systems. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical questions related to PLCs, robotics, and electrical design. Practice explaining your past projects and how you tackled challenges—this will help you shine during those crucial conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented engineers like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Electrical Engineer PLC/Automation in Ripley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Engineer role. Highlight your experience with control systems, PLCs, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Projects: Include specific examples of past projects where you’ve designed or delivered automation solutions. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. Explain why you're a great fit for the role and how your background aligns with our needs. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Motion HR
✨Know Your Control Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of control systems, instrumentation, and electrical design. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've defined motion control architectures or worked with PLC/HMI systems. This will show that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex engineering problems in the past. Think about situations where you had to balance performance, cost, and safety. Being able to articulate your thought process will demonstrate your pragmatic engineering approach.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CAD Tools
Since electrical CAD experience is crucial, make sure you're comfortable discussing your proficiency with tools like AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN. Bring along examples of schematics or BOMs you've created to showcase your skills and experience.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
This role involves working cross-functionally, so be prepared to talk about your experience collaborating with mechanical, software, and production teams. Highlight any instances where you’ve successfully translated requirements into robust designs or resolved integration issues.