Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

Erith Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Controls Engineer, tackling daily engineering challenges in our automated fulfilment centre.
  • Company: Ocado Technology empowers grocery retailers with innovative cloud, robotics, AI, and IoT solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 264 hours of annual leave, private medical insurance, and discounts at Ocado.com.
  • Why this job: Be part of a cutting-edge team, solving real-time control issues in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Hands-on experience with automation hardware, PLC systems, and strong analytical skills required.
  • Other info: Flexible shift patterns support our 24/7 operations, perfect for those seeking diverse work hours.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are Ocado Technology and we empower global grocery retailers with cutting-edge cloud, robotics, AI, and IoT. Our Ocado Smart Platform (OSP) powers highly automated Customer Fulfilment Centres (CFCs), enabling efficient, single-pick online grocery delivery

About the Role

We have a rare opportunity for a Controls Engineer to join our team at our operational Customer Fulfilment Centre in Erith. You will undertake the day to day reactive and planned engineering activities and improvement works at the CFC. The main task is providing front line support to the Ocado Automation Control team to ensure that control issues, including PLC code related issues within our live operational systems are investigated and resolved as quickly as possible.

Responsibilities include:

  • Where a hardware fault is identified, activate a pre-defined workaround or make temporary modifications to PLC code to allow the operation to continue
  • Work with the Automation Control team to diagnose and deploy the required code fixes
  • Provide front line issues investigation of live production control systems (hardware and software) including the use of relevant diagnostic tools such as Profibus / Can Bus networks, Bar Code Readers
  • Carry out planned maintenance across the site
  • Analyse data and find solutions to improve MHE performance

You will work a shift pattern to support our 24/7 operation, consisting of 12 hour shifts across days, nights and weekends.

About you

  • Good technical & experienced hands-on ability relating to automation hardware and software
  • A good understanding of DC motor controls and PLC control system architecture and field control devices
  • Online code monitoring, modification and development with Siemens S7 300/400 PLC’s
  • Experience with SCADA and Siemens HMI systems
  • Electrical/Electronic knowledge to component level
  • Experience in a warehouse, distribution, production or FMCG environment
  • Understanding of Control System Communication Protocols such as WCS and WMS systems
  • Good communication, organisation and planning skills
  • Sound analytical skills, able to look at data and solve problems with full customer focus and determination to deliver results under time critical situations

What we offer you

We believe in supporting our people with meaningful, flexible benefits that prioritise well-being and work-life balance. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect:

  • Time to recharge:

264 hours annual leave (rising after 5 years), plus the option to buy more

Private Medical Insurance from your first month, wellbeing support through specialist apps and EAP, plus Income Protection and Life Assurance.

22 weeks paid maternity/primary carer leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave (after qualifying period).

Pension with employer matching up to 7%, share schemes (Sharesave & BAYE), and interest-free loans for train tickets.

Cycle to Work Scheme

15% off at Ocado.com with free delivery (starting in your first month).

Ocado Group is an equal opportunities employer and as such makes every effort to ensure that all potential employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, age, or disability or union membership status.

#LI-OT #LI-ONSITE #LI-MG1

Stay in the loop

Can\’t find what you\’re looking for or not ready for a move? Join our Talent Community to stay up to date with Ocado Group news and events, you’ll also be the first to know about new opportunities – before they are posted.

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Controls Engineer employer: Ocado Technology Group

At Ocado Technology, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our state-of-the-art Customer Fulfilment Centre in Erith. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our generous benefits package, including extensive annual leave, private medical insurance, and flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. We foster a culture of growth and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional development and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology in a collaborative team setting.
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Contact Detail:

Ocado Technology Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Controls Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies and systems mentioned in the job description, such as Siemens S7 PLCs and SCADA systems. Having hands-on experience or relevant projects to discuss can really set you apart during the interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current employees or professionals in the field of automation and controls engineering. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for technical questions by brushing up on your knowledge of control system communication protocols and troubleshooting techniques. Being able to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-time scenarios will impress the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your ability to work under pressure and your commitment to customer focus. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully resolved urgent issues, as this aligns well with the responsibilities of the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Controls Engineer

PLC Programming and Troubleshooting
Siemens S7 300/400 Experience
SCADA System Knowledge
HMI System Proficiency
DC Motor Control Understanding
Automation Hardware and Software Skills
Control System Communication Protocols
Data Analysis and Problem Solving
Diagnostic Tool Usage (e.g., Profibus, Can Bus)
Electrical/Electronic Knowledge to Component Level
Experience in Warehouse or FMCG Environments
Strong Communication Skills
Organisational and Planning Skills
Ability to Work Under Time Critical Situations
Hands-on Engineering Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Controls Engineer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that match what Ocado Technology is looking for.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your hands-on experience with automation hardware and software, particularly with PLC systems like Siemens S7 300/400. Mention any specific projects or roles where you successfully resolved control issues or improved system performance.

Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrate your analytical skills by providing examples of how you've solved complex problems in previous roles. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, especially in time-critical situations.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only summarises your qualifications but also conveys your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you are specifically interested in working at Ocado Technology and how you align with their mission to empower global grocery retailers.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ocado Technology Group

✨Showcase Your Technical Skills

Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with automation hardware and software during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've worked with PLCs, especially Siemens S7 300/400, and how you tackled any challenges.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities

Prepare examples of how you've diagnosed and resolved control issues in live production environments. Discuss the tools you used, such as Profibus or Can Bus networks, and how your analytical skills helped improve system performance.

✨Understand the Company’s Operations

Familiarise yourself with Ocado Technology's operations and the Ocado Smart Platform. Understanding their automated Customer Fulfilment Centres will help you relate your experience to their specific needs and show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Communicate Effectively

Since good communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to explain complex technical concepts in a way that is easy to understand, demonstrating your ability to work collaboratively with the Automation Control team.

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