At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop PLC and HMI software for bespoke automation systems.
- Company: Established engineering firm specialising in bespoke automation and machinery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, accelerated overtime pay, and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Join a hands-on team and work on exciting projects across various industries.
- Qualifications: Experience with Siemens S7/TIA Portal and Allen-Bradley PLCs required.
- Other info: Office-based role with travel for commissioning and factory acceptance tests.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
A well-established, privately held engineering company specialising in bespoke automation and special-purpose machinery is recruiting a Controls Engineer to join a small, experienced controls team. The company delivers end-to-end automation (mechanical, electrical, controls, software and commissioning) across multiple industries and values hands-on problem solving, clear documentation and high quality commissioning.
What you'll do:
- Design, develop and commission PLC and HMI software from scratch for bespoke machines and automated systems.
- Lead motion control and servo programming tasks: select axes, tune loops and implement coordinated multi-axis motion profiles.
- Work primarily with Siemens S7 / TIA Portal and Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000/RSLogix) environments.
- Integrate PLC control with drives, servos, HMIs, I/O racks and field networks (Profinet, EtherNet/IP, etc.).
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical and robotics engineers to create robust integrated solutions.
- Attend factory acceptance tests and perform on-site commissioning and customer handovers (UK travel required).
- Produce and maintain documentation: I/O lists, functional descriptions, wiring interfaces and commissioning notes.
- Provide technical support and troubleshooting during installation and post-install warranty period.
Essential experience & skills:
- Strong, demonstrable experience programming Siemens S7 / TIA Portal and Allen-Bradley PLCs; able to build control systems from first principles.
- Proven experience in motion control and servo programming (designing trajectories, tuning, homing, backlash compensation, following error management).
- Excellent fault-finding, logical thinking and ladder/structured/textual programming skills.
- Experience with HMIs (WinCC/FactoryTalk or similar) and panel design.
- Comfortable with on-site commissioning and client-facing activities.
- Good documentation skills and an organised approach to software versioning and backups.
- Team player with strong verbal/written communication.
Desirable (not essential):
- Exposure to industrial robots (ABB / KUKA / Fanuc / Universal Robots) or robot integration projects.
- Background in special-purpose machinery, machine tending, assembly lines or packaging equipment.
- Familiarity with industrial networks (Profinet, EtherNet/IP) and drive brands (Siemens drives, Allen-Bradley Kinetix, Bosch Rexroth, SEW, Yaskawa, etc.).
- Electrical wiring/termination experience and reading schematics.
What's on offer:
- Competitive salary: £55k-£60k (dependent on experience).
- Accelerated overtime pay for extra hours (above standard working hours).
- Varied, technically interesting projects across multiple industries.
- Hands-on role with a senior engineering team and clear career progression.
- Predominantly office-based with planned travel for commissioning and FATs.
Controls Engineer in Stockport employer: MoveATech Limited
Contact Detail:
MoveATech Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls Engineer in Stockport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, meetups, or even online webinars. Connecting with fellow engineers and potential employers can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Siemens S7 or Allen-Bradley PLCs. A visual representation of your work can make you stand out in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on motion control and servo programming. Be ready to discuss your problem-solving approach and how you tackle challenges in real-time.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented Controls Engineers. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Controls Engineer in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Controls Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Siemens S7 and Allen-Bradley PLCs, as well as any motion control projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Documentation Skills: Since clear documentation is key in our work, include examples of your documentation practices in your application. Whether it's I/O lists or commissioning notes, we love to see how organised you are!
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 hands-on problem-solving skills can contribute to our team. 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 hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at MoveATech Limited
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Siemens S7 / TIA Portal and Allen-Bradley programming skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've designed and commissioned PLC and HMI software, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your hands-on problem-solving abilities. Think of situations where you had to troubleshoot during installation or post-install warranty periods, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since this role involves collaboration with various engineering teams, practice articulating your ideas clearly. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked with mechanical, electrical, and robotics engineers in the past to create integrated solutions.
✨Document Everything
Demonstrate your organisational skills by discussing how you maintain documentation like I/O lists and commissioning notes. Bring examples if possible, as this will show your attention to detail and commitment to quality.