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- Tasks: Design and optimize control systems for cutting-edge carbon-ceramic brake manufacturing.
- Company: Join Surface Transforms, the UK's only manufacturer of high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a birthday day off, and an attractive salary package.
- Why this job: Shape your role in a passionate team that embraces innovation and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering/Control Systems with 5 years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for internal job transfers make this a great career choice.
Control Systems Engineer
Who are we
Surface Transforms are experts in the development and production of carbon-ceramic materials and the UK s only manufacturer of carbon-ceramic brakes for automotive use. Surface Transforms’ unique patented Carbon-Ceramic technology provides the ultimate braking performance for road and track.
Here at Surface Transforms passion is at the heart of our brand. As a team we refuse to accept the impossible. We know that impossible only means that we haven t found the solution yet. Your role at Surface Transforms is yours to steer toward opportunities and away from risks. You have the power to shape your role and we cannot wait to see where you take us and we ll take pride in supporting the future you chose to build at Surface Transforms.
We are looking to expand our Manufacturing Technology Function by adding a Controls Systems Engineer to the team. As our Controls Systems Engineer, you will be integral in supporting experienced engineers across key manufacturing areas such as heat treatment, machining, and final assembly technologies. You will work closely with the team to design, implement, and optimise control systems that drive robust manufacturing processes with world-class OEE
What you ll be doing as our Controls Systems Engineer:
- Collaborate with suppliers to develop Siemens TIA Portal systems for new and existing machinery.
- Lead engineering projects to optimise and re-engineer systems with a hands-on approach.
- Manage program backups and documentation, ensuring change management compliance.
- Update programs and electrical drawings for all assets as needed.
- Create Functional Design Specifications (FDS) to align project goals with team expectations.
- Troubleshoot system alarms and faults, leading or collaborating to resolve issues.
- Document procedures to reduce downtime and support contingency processes.
- Engage cross-functional teams to integrate business processes and develop site SCADA or similar systems.
- Provide project progress updates and escalate issues to meet milestones.
- Develop control system standards, ensuring UL, IEC, and ISO compliance.
- Serve as subject matter expert for technical machine requirements during RFQs.
- Contribute to FMEA and problem-solving reviews using PFMEA, 8D, and DMAIC methods.
- Oversee design, production release, and servicing of systems and equipment.
- Review drawings and bills of materials.
- Plant-based role with occasional supplier visits for FAT and SAT during equipment commissioning.
Key responsibilities:
Control Systems Design & Optimisation:
Design, implement, and optimise control systems for heat treatment, machining, and final assembly in carbon ceramic brake disc manufacturing to maximize efficiency and reliability.
Process Improvement:
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing processes, focusing on OEE, FMEA, and reducing downtime. Lead technical support for process changes and product launches.
Troubleshooting & Support:
Provide technical support for daily operations, resolving control system and automation issues.
Collaboration & Innovation:
Work with multidisciplinary engineers to integrate new technologies, drive continuous improvement, and develop control standards. Produce FDS to support collaboration and alignment.
Documentation & Compliance:
Maintain technical documentation for control systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and internal protocols.
?Projects you will be involved in:
- Improvement of coolant and filtration system for CNC machines
- Automate work holdings for CNC machines
- Automate of quality inspection systems
- CI for improved process detection
- Introduce and deploy site-wide SCADA or similar system
- Optimising and industrialising oil and solvent systems on existing furnaces
- Re-engineering vacuum systems on existing furnaces
- Re-engineering of process control system on existing furnaces
- Supporting capacity growth projects
The Skills, Knowledge and Experience you will need as our Controls Systems Engineer:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering/Control Systems.
- 5 years of relevant field experience.
- Project management skills.
- Siemens TIA Portal PLC programming and application.
- Industrial Ethernet communication knowledge.
- Experience with data types and analog applications.
- Budgeting and cost control.
- Machine specification and onboarding.
Nice to have:
- LabVIEW National Instruments systems.
- Mitsubishi PLC programming.
- Tier 1 or OEM automotive manufacturing experience (desirable).
- Experience with vacuum, temperature, pressure/flow control systems.
- Knowledge of CNC machining process control systems.
You ll have these personal attributes:
- Effective communicator, ensuring team understanding.
- Flexible and open to change, supporting workplace transitions.
- Collaborative team player, building strong teams.
- Willing to support overtime when required.
- Actively coaches and mentors others to drive excellence.
- Committed to continuous improvement for business value.
- Logical, systematic problem-solver with SMART objectives.
- Self-motivated, focused on implementing sustainable solutions.
- Eager to develop new skills that add business value.
What we ll give you in return:
- Attractive salary
- 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank holidays
- Extra day Annual Leave for your birthday
- Company uniform on your first day and annual clothing point scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Jobs are promoted internally providing job transfer opportunities
- Death in service scheme
Hours: Monday – Thursday 8am – 5pm, Friday 8am – 2.30pm
Salary: £45,000 – £55,000
Control Systems Engineer employer: Surface Transforms
Contact Detail:
Surface Transforms Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Control Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with Siemens TIA Portal systems, as this is a key requirement for the role. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to enhance your skills and demonstrate your commitment to mastering this technology.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have with process improvement methodologies like FMEA, DMAIC, or 8D. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've applied these methods in previous roles during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills by preparing to discuss past projects where you led engineering initiatives. Emphasize your ability to manage timelines, budgets, and team collaboration effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the automotive manufacturing community, whether through networking events or online forums. This can provide valuable insights into industry trends and may even lead to connections that could help you land the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Control Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Controls Systems Engineer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience with Siemens TIA Portal PLC programming, project management, and any relevant field experience. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to design and optimize control systems.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Since troubleshooting is a significant part of the role, include examples in your application that showcase your logical and systematic problem-solving abilities. Mention any specific methodologies you have used, such as FMEA or DMAIC.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalized cover letter that reflects your passion for the industry and your alignment with Surface Transforms' values. Discuss how your skills and experiences can contribute to their mission of innovation and excellence in manufacturing.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surface Transforms
✨Show Your Passion for Innovation
Surface Transforms values passion and innovation. Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled challenging engineering problems in the past and share examples of your creative solutions. This will demonstrate that you align with their mission of refusing to accept the impossible.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to emphasize your experience with Siemens TIA Portal PLC programming and any projects where you've optimized control systems. Discuss specific instances where your contributions led to improved efficiency or reliability in manufacturing processes.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
As a Controls Systems Engineer, you'll be working closely with cross-functional teams. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others, especially in multidisciplinary settings, to achieve project goals and drive continuous improvement.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to control systems design, troubleshooting, and compliance with industry standards. Brush up on your knowledge of FMEA, PFMEA, and other problem-solving methodologies, as well as your understanding of machine specifications and onboarding processes.
