At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting automation projects from concept to commissioning using Siemens PLC systems.
- Company: Join a specialist automation business with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, hybrid working, and on-call payments.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement and project ownership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the automation industry while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong Siemens PLC programming skills and experience in logistics or material handling.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Samuel Frank is recruiting for a Senior Controls Engineer to join a specialist automation business based near Runcorn, North Cheshire. The successful Senior Controls Engineer will take ownership of complete control systems, from initial concept and functional design through to PLC programming, commissioning and customer handover.
This position requires someone with strong Siemens PLC programming skills and relevant experience within logistics, material handling, conveyors, sortation or a similar automation environment. The role is hybrid, with approximately one or two days per week in the Daresbury office during design and project development stages. PLC software writing can be completed from home where appropriate.
Key aspects of the Senior Controls Engineer role include:
- Taking automation projects from concept through to commissioning and handover
- Developing PLC software from scratch, primarily using Siemens
- Producing Functional Design Specifications and defining how systems will operate
- Programming and modifying HMI systems
- Completing electrical calculations, network topologies and electrical design specifications
- Reviewing electrical schematics produced by external design partners
- Testing, fault finding and commissioning systems on customer sites
- Working with sales, software and project teams during the early stages of projects
- Supporting and developing other Controls Engineers within the team
Key skills and experience required:
- Strong Siemens PLC programming experience, including writing software from scratch
- Familiarity with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC systems would be advantageous
- Experience within logistics, automated warehousing, conveyors, high-speed sortation or material handling
- Able to develop the control philosophy and FDS for a complete automation system
- Experience integrating PLC systems with barcode readers, RFID, cameras, scanners or warehouse control systems
- Good understanding of electrical control systems and the ability to review electrical schematics
- Comfortable managing projects through the full controls engineering lifecycle
- Strong customer-facing and problem-solving skills
The Senior Controls Engineer will also commission systems at customer sites across the UK. The business typically delivers two or three major projects each year, with commissioning periods generally lasting six to eight weeks, Monday to Friday. There is a paid on-call rota of approximately one week in three or four. Most issues are resolved remotely and PLC-related calls are infrequent. The Controls Engineers are currently averaging one call per week related to software.
The package includes a salary of around £60,000, a £5,000 car allowance and an additional on-call payment, taking the overall package to approximately £67,000. There may be flexibility for someone with particularly strong logistics automation and Siemens experience. The Daresbury office is commutable from Warrington, Runcorn, Widnes, Liverpool, Manchester, Chester, Northwich and surrounding areas.
Engineer - Controls Engineering in Liverpool employer: Samuel Frank
Join a forward-thinking automation business in West Yorkshire, where you'll be part of a dynamic engineering team dedicated to designing and commissioning bespoke machinery. With a state-of-the-art facility, a full order book, and a commitment to employee growth through training and development support, this company offers a competitive benefits package including flexible working arrangements and a company bonus. Embrace the opportunity to work on innovative projects while enjoying a supportive work culture that values long-term employment and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineer - Controls Engineering in Liverpool
✨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 Samuel Frank!
✨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 Engineer - Controls Engineering position at Samuel Frank, 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 Samuel Frank 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 Engineer - Controls Engineering role at Samuel Frank!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineer - Controls Engineering in Liverpool
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 Samuel Frank 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 Samuel Frank
✨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 Samuel Frank.
✨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 Samuel Frank, 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.
