At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop control systems for automated machinery in the food processing sector.
- Company: Join a leading company in innovative automation solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime pay, company vehicle, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects that shape the future of automation technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in PLC programming and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Lincolnshire (ideally based near Gainsborough)
Reports To: Engineering Manager / Controls Manager
Monday to Friday
Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced Automation Controls Engineer for our client in Gainsborough to support the design, development, commissioning, and ongoing support of automated machinery within the food processing and packaging sector. The role will suit a proactive individual with strong PLC and control systems experience, ideally with exposure to VFFS or similar machinery. This is a hands-on role involving mainly office-based project work and a small amount of on-site trouble-shooting/commissioning, requiring occasional travel and overnight stays.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and implement control systems for automated machinery and production lines.
- Program, test, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
- Support installation and commissioning activities both in-house and at customer sites.
- Fault-find and troubleshoot control systems and automation issues on existing equipment.
- Modify and upgrade existing machine control systems to improve performance and reliability.
- Work closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to deliver integrated automation solutions.
- Produce and maintain technical documentation, including:
- Functional design specifications
- Electrical schematics (in collaboration with electrical design teams)
- Software documentation and version control
- Provide technical support to Field Service Engineers and customers.
- Ensure compliance with relevant safety standards, including machinery safety and CE/UKCA requirements.
Skills & Experience Required
- Strong experience in PLC programming (e.g., Allen Bradley, Siemens, or similar).
- Experience with HMI/SCADA platforms (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk, Proface, etc.).
- Solid understanding of industrial automation systems, including:
- Drives and motion control
- Sensors and instrumentation
- Pneumatics and process control
- Experience working with packaging machinery (VFFS highly advantageous) or food process machinery.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings and control system architecture.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a structured approach to fault finding.
- Understanding of industrial communication networks (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
- Full UK driving licence.
Personal Attributes
- Self-motivated with the ability to manage workload and deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality solutions.
- Good communication skills, both internally and with customers.
- Flexible and willing to travel for commissioning and support work.
- Calm and methodical under pressure during fault-finding scenarios.
Working Conditions & Travel
- Mix of office-based engineering work and occasional on-site commissioning.
- Travel across the UK (and possibly future overseas travel).
- Overnight stays required during commissioning phases.
- Flexibility required around project deadlines and site work.
Desirable (but not essential)
- Experience with VFFS or high-speed packaging machinery.
- Experience with vision systems.
- Functional safety knowledge (e.g., safety PLCs, risk assessments).
- Electrical design experience (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
- Relevant qualifications (HNC/HND/Degree in Electrical, Electronic, or Automation Engineering).
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (depending on experience) expected to be at least £55,000
- Overtime / site allowances
- Company vehicle or travel expenses
- Pension scheme
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Opportunity to work on innovative automation projects within a growing sector
Automation Controls Engineer in Gainsborough employer: Reflect Recruitment Group
Join a forward-thinking company in Gainsborough as an Automation Controls Engineer, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to innovation in the food processing and packaging sector. Enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, offering ongoing training and competitive benefits such as a generous salary, pension scheme, and 25 days of annual leave. With opportunities for hands-on project work and travel, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a growing industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Controls Engineer in Gainsborough
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Reflect Recruitment Group!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Automation Controls Engineer position at Reflect Recruitment Group, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Reflect Recruitment Group is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Automation Controls Engineer role at Reflect Recruitment Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Controls Engineer in Gainsborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Reflect Recruitment Group and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reflect Recruitment Group
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Reflect Recruitment Group.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Reflect Recruitment Group, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
