Senior Controls Engineer – Robotic MicroFactory Systems in London

We’re automating homebuilding. Our MicroFactory produces full‑scale framing panels directly on the construction site – wall panels, floor panels, roof panels – manufactured on demand, in sync with the build. No factory. No trucking. No delays. We’ve proven our impact with early customers and are scaling fast across the UK, EU, and US. Backed by visionary leadership and a robust financial foundation, we’re not just building homes – we’re building a better future for people and the planet.

We’re hiring a Senior Controls Engineer to own the electrical, pneumatics and controls discipline for the AUAR MicroFactory: a containerised, robotically‑driven timber framing factory that we deploy with partners across Europe and North America to build low‑carbon homes.

You will own electrical, pneumatic and controls design across the entire MicroFactory. That means the cell‑wide power architecture, the EtherCAT control network, drive and VFD selection, the hardwired safety system, and every sensor and device on the product. You will work hands‑on through commissioning, support deployments on partner sites, and drive continuous improvement on units already in the field.

This is a senior role with full ownership of the discipline. You set the standards, write the specs, pick the components, and sign off the system.

What you’ll own:

• System design
• Electrical and controls architecture across all sub‑systems.
• Power architecture supporting a 380–480 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 3‑phase.
• Mixed protocol design (EtherCAT + EtherNet/IP + IO‑Link) connecting Beckhoff IPC, Festo servo drives, VFDs, Festo valve terminals, and the ABB OmniCore robot controller.
• Hardwired safety system including a light curtain perimeter system.
• Wiring schematics, harness designs, and BOMs that are buildable, modular, and transportable.
• Multi‑region compliance
• Design and document for UK/EU machinery safety standards and US equivalents (UL 508A, NFPA 79, NEC) in a single panel build wherever practical.
• Run risk assessments and produce the technical files for CE/UKCA and the equivalent US conformity package where required.
• Familiar with Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC / Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU.
• Build, commission, deploy
• Lead panel build coordination with suppliers, commissioning, and FAT.
• Support live MicroFactories with troubleshooting, root cause investigation, and engineering changes.
• Documentation and lifecycle
• Own the electrical, pneumatics and controls hardware sections of the V3 Functional Design Specification.
• Suppliers
• Select, qualify, and manage external panel builders, harness suppliers, and electrical sub‑contractors.

About You:

• Significant experience designing, building, and commissioning industrial electrical and control systems for automated machinery or robot cells.
• Strong experience designing and troubleshooting industrial pneumatics: valve terminals, cylinders, vacuum systems, pressure/flow control, and safe pneumatic dump circuits.
• Hands‑on expertise with 3‑phase 400/480 V power and industrial Ethernet (EtherCAT essential; experience with EtherNet/IP, IO‑Link useful).
• Strong working knowledge of servo drives and VFDs.
• Knowledge of machine safety and applicable standards and regulations.
• Fluent in producing wiring schematics, panel GAs, and BOMs to a buildable standard.
• Comfortable on the workshop floor and on customer sites: terminating panels, fault‑finding equipment safely, and running commissioning checklists.
• Strong written communication. You can produce a technical file, an FDS section, or a service manual that someone else can actually use.
• Values‑Driven: A strong alignment with AUAR’s mission and values; low‑ego, high‑energy, adaptable, and values‑driven. You live and breathe the product.

Location: London‑based or able to work from our office at least 4 days a week. Occasional requirements to support deployments on customer sites.

Bonus if you have:

• Demonstrable experience designing for UK/EU compliance (UKCA/CE, EN 60204‑1, IEC 61439) and US compliance (UL 508A, NFPA 79, NEC).
• Experience with EPLAN (or similar ECAD) for electrical schematic design.
• ABB OmniCore robot integration experience.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT.
• FAT/SAT experience.
• Experience designing for containerised, mobile, or relocatable equipment (40 ft HC or similar).

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Share options so we all grow together.
• 28 bookable days + bank holidays + seasonal office closure.
• Health and dental insurance via Bupa.
• Pension via Smart Pensions.
• An 11,000 sq ft R&D and demonstration facility in E17, where you work alongside the hardware you’re building for.
• High autonomy, high accountability, and a team that takes the mission seriously.

Our Values:

• #ownyourmission — we take responsibility and execute with focus and urgency.
• #forpeopleandplanet — we strive to do the best for people and planet.
• #buildtogether — we succeed through deep collaboration with our team, partners, and customers.
• #gooddesign — we centre good design in everything we do, holistically.
• #beboldberadical — we think creatively; we are ambitious, bold and radical.

We are committed to creating an equitable, inclusive and diverse workplace. We intend to run an equal, fair and inclusive hiring process. If you feel there is any area we could improve, please let us know. We’re proud that nearly 50% of our technical team and 50% of our leadership are women. We believe great work comes from diverse perspectives, and we hire on potential, as much as experience. If part of this role speaks to you, apply. Let’s make housing better, together.