At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and solve complex technical challenges in automation and control systems.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturer in high-performance plastic and rubber extrusion lines.
- Benefits: Company vehicle, laptop, medical insurance, pension scheme, and global travel opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with significant career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role with clear progression to Service Centre Manager.
- Qualifications: Experience in industrial electrical engineering and control systems, with strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Our client, a leading manufacturer of high-performance plastic and rubber extrusion lines, is looking for a skilled Controls & Automation Engineer to join their team.
Benefits:
- Company vehicle
- Laptop & phone
- Medical insurance
- Employer matched pension scheme
- Significant career development opportunities
- Opportunity for global travel
Remit:
As Controls & Automation Engineer, you will play a key leadership role in the UK Service Center operations. This is a senior-level position with a clear progression path to becoming Service Centre Manager. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced technician or engineer with controls experience, leadership ambition, and a hands-on bias towards solving complex technical challenges. The successful candidate will contribute to both operational performance and technical innovation across the customer base and product lines, with regular involvement in real-world commissions, diagnostics, and system upgrades.
Responsibilities:
- Lead day-to-day Service Centre operations, ensuring efficient and responsive customer service.
- Provide senior-level technical support for legacy and modern control systems, including Gloucester Engineering equipment and other heritage brands.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex control and electrical issues for customer projects.
- Lead in the specification and implementation of PLCs, HMIs, and automation technologies for system upgrades, retrofits, and overhauls.
- Support the transition from analogue to digital control platforms.
- Contribute to the design and development of new automation and control solutions for extrusion and plastic processing machinery.
- Modify standard control panels and electrical systems to meet customer-specific requirements.
- Deliver expert advice and processing support to customers, both remotely and on-site.
- Produce and maintain electrical CAD drawings for current and future projects.
- Coordinate with internal sales and production teams to ensure timely, high-quality service delivery.
- Promote aftermarket offerings, including spare parts, upgrades, and service agreements.
- Conduct customer visits for commissioning, diagnostics, and technical support.
Experience Requirements:
- Strong experience in industrial electrical engineering and control systems.
- Background in plastics manufacturing environments such as Pipe & Profile, Blown Film, Cast Film, Extrusion Coating, or Foam.
- Proficiency in Ladder Logic, IEC 61131 programming, and HMI/SCADA configuration (e.g., WinCC, Wonderware, Proface, Red Lion).
- Familiarity with PLC platforms such as Siemens, Allen Bradley, and Proface.
- Knowledge of networking protocols, including Ethernet/IP and ProfiNet.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive, hands-on bias toward practical fieldwork and technical delivery.
- Confident communicator with strong customer service orientation.
- Willingness to travel for customer support and commissioning (UK and International).
- Competence with electrical CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical).
Controls & Automation Engineer in Birmingham employer: Sierra 57 Consult
As a Service Engineer Apprentice with our esteemed client, you will be part of a dynamic team in the thriving plastics industry, where innovation meets opportunity. The company offers an excellent work culture that prioritises employee growth through hands-on training and mentorship, alongside competitive benefits such as overtime pay, a company vehicle, and a generous holiday allowance. This role not only provides a pathway to a rewarding career but also fosters a supportive environment that values your contributions and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls & Automation Engineer in Birmingham
✨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 Sierra 57 Consult!
✨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 Controls & Automation Engineer position at Sierra 57 Consult, 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 Sierra 57 Consult 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 Controls & Automation Engineer role at Sierra 57 Consult!
We think you need these skills to ace Controls & Automation Engineer in Birmingham
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 Sierra 57 Consult 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 Sierra 57 Consult
✨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 Sierra 57 Consult.
✨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 Sierra 57 Consult, 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.
