At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and commission innovative electrical and control systems for automated homebuilding.
- Company: Join a pioneering company transforming the construction industry with sustainable solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, generous holiday allowance, and health insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team making a real impact on housing and the planet.
- Qualifications: Experience in industrial electrical systems and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Us
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.
About the Role
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 at info@auar.io. 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.
Senior Controls Engineer employer: Story Terrace Inc.
At AUAR, we are not just automating homebuilding; we are creating a vibrant work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Controls Engineer, you will enjoy competitive salaries, share options, and generous leave policies, all while working in a state-of-the-art R&D facility in London. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a mission-driven environment, we empower our team to take ownership of their projects and contribute to a sustainable future for people and the planet.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Controls Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a project showcase that highlights your experience with electrical and control systems. Bring it along to interviews to demonstrate your hands-on expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to controls engineering. Think about how your experience aligns with our mission at AUAR and be ready to discuss how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to build a better future.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Controls Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for automating homebuilding shine through. We want to see how you connect with our mission and values, so don’t hold back on sharing why this role excites you!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in designing and commissioning electrical and control systems. We’re looking for specifics, so mention any projects that align with the responsibilities of the Senior Controls Engineer role.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate strong written communication, so keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and achievements at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Story Terrace Inc.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of electrical and control systems, especially those related to automated machinery. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with 3-phase power and industrial Ethernet protocols like EtherCAT. This role is all about ownership, so show them you know the ins and outs of the technology they'll be using.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, particularly around commissioning and troubleshooting. They want to see that you can think on your feet and come up with effective solutions, especially when it comes to root cause investigations and engineering changes.
✨Understand Compliance Standards
Familiarise yourself with UK/EU and US compliance standards relevant to the role, such as UL 508A and CE/UKCA regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've designed systems that meet these standards in the past. This shows you're not just technically savvy but also aware of the regulatory landscape.
✨Align with Their Values
Take some time to understand AUAR's mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially around sustainability and collaboration. They’re looking for someone who not only has the technical skills but also fits into their culture of being bold and radical in their approach.
