Control and Automation Product Support Engineer

Control and Automation Product Support Engineer

Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
SMC Corporation (UK) Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support and programme PLCs, troubleshoot electrical products, and deliver training.
  • Company: Join SMC Corporation, a global leader in automation technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private medical cover, and 25 days holiday.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and travel.
  • Why this job: Be part of an innovative team making a real impact in automation.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and knowledge of PLC programming required.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

SMC Corporation is based in Milton Keynes, with a well-established 14-acre site. UK customers benefit from quicker delivery and customised product options where required because many SMC products are finished or assembled by hand in the Milton Keynes facility. In addition to the 390 staff based in Milton Keynes, SMC also has a nationwide sales team of around 120 technically trained sales engineers.

Our European Technical Centre is currently expanding, providing growth opportunities for those who join, with a particular focus on Electric Actuators design. As part of our global development team, led by SMC Japan, we are focused on delivering innovative and future-proof solutions to our customers.

The Role:

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our European Technical Centre. We are looking for an engineer with experience in setting up and programming PLCs to provide product support to our European subsidiaries. Experience with major industrial communication protocols is desirable, such as PROFINET, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA and IO-Link. The role requires supporting our electrical products by answering technical questions, providing assistance for specific customer applications and performing fault investigations.

The successful candidate will also be required to design and deliver training courses/presentations to European subsidiaries, create operation manuals and technical guides, as well as carrying out investigations and tests to evaluate SMC products.

To be successful in this role, you must have:

  • A Degree or HND Qualification – Electrical, Electronics, Software or Electromechanical Engineering
  • Knowledge of PLCs and Ladder or Structured Text programming language
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills as you will be required to write detailed, technical reports and product documentation
  • The ability to occasionally travel abroad to support customers with our product, research exhibitions for market trends, and join in-person meetings.

Desirable, but not essential skills:

  • Experience of troubleshooting on electrical components and communication networks
  • Experience to plan and manage projects
  • Technical product support experience
  • Experience of delivering technical training
  • Experience with some industrial communication protocols for example PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, OPC UA and IO-Link
  • Experience with some PLC engineering tools, e.g. Tia Portal, TwinCAT and Studio 5000

The reason for our success is our people. Every team member has a voice, and this contributes to our successes as a company! We take pride in our collaborative, innovative and customer-focused culture where team members feel respected, empowered and valued.

We are continuously working to make our team even more diverse and inclusive. We welcome applications from all and are committed to attracting, recruiting and retaining the most talented individuals. SMC has sustainable development goals as we believe in caring for our futures as well as the future of the planet.

We offer a competitive and attractive package of benefits including, life assurance, private medical cover, 25 days holiday including a holiday trading scheme and more!

The Selection Process:

Upon application, candidates will be asked to undertake some online testing, a first interview online, and lastly a second interview face-to-face, onsite at our SMC Offices.

Control and Automation Product Support Engineer employer: SMC Corporation (UK) Limited

SMC Corporation (UK) Limited is an exceptional employer located in Milton Keynes, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets efficiency. With a strong focus on employee growth through ongoing training and development, alongside benefits like private medical insurance and a pension scheme, we foster a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork. Join us to lead a dedicated production team and make a meaningful impact in the manufacturing sector.

SMC Corporation (UK) Limited

Contact Details:

SMC Corporation (UK) Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Control and Automation Product Support Engineer

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 SMC Corporation (UK) Limited!

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 Control and Automation Product Support Engineer position at SMC Corporation (UK) Limited, 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 SMC Corporation (UK) Limited 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 Control and Automation Product Support Engineer role at SMC Corporation (UK) Limited!

We think you need these skills to ace Control and Automation Product Support Engineer

PLC Programming
Ladder Logic
Structured Text
Industrial Communication Protocols
PROFINET
EtherCAT
Ethernet/IP

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 SMC Corporation (UK) Limited 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 SMC Corporation (UK) Limited

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 SMC Corporation (UK) Limited.

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 SMC Corporation (UK) Limited, 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.