At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex automation projects and ensure successful delivery of controls systems.
- Company: Established engineering and automation business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to mentor and develop engineering talent.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in automation while leading diverse teams and projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in industrial automation and strong technical background in controls.
We’re supporting a well-established engineering and automation business in the search for a Controls & Automation Lead to take ownership of complex, multi-disciplinary automation projects across a diverse customer base. This is a senior, delivery-focused role where you’ll act as the technical authority for controls systems—driving design integrity, ensuring successful commissioning, and leading teams through full project lifecycles.
The Role
You’ll be responsible for leading the design, validation, and commissioning of end-to-end controls solutions, spanning both hardware and software systems (PLC, robotics, drives, safety, and vision). Operating across multiple projects simultaneously, you’ll sit at the centre of engineering delivery—working closely with project managers, design teams, and installation teams to ensure systems are delivered right first time, on time, and to specification. This role combines hands-on technical leadership with project-level ownership, including specification definition, design approval, and customer-facing engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and define controls specifications, ensuring alignment to customer and regulatory requirements
- Lead design validation and system approval across PLCs, HMIs, robotics, safety systems, drives, vision, and SCADA
- Oversee commissioning strategy, FAT planning, and installation validation
- Act as the technical escalation point for controls across multiple concurrent projects
- Support RFQ generation, technical reviews, and commercial/technical levelling
- Work closely with engineering and project leads to plan resource, milestones, and delivery strategy
- Drive change control processes for all controls-related activities
- Promote and introduce new technologies, tools, and best practice methodologies
- Support and mentor engineers, contributing to team capability development
What We’re Looking For
- 5+ years’ experience in industrial automation / machine build environments
- Proven experience leading controls teams across multiple projects
- Strong technical background across: PLC/HMI programming (Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff), robotics (ABB, Fanuc, Kawasaki), safety systems (Pilz, Siemens Safety, Rockwell), drives & motion systems (Siemens, SEW, Bosch), vision systems (Cognex, Keyence)
- Experience delivering automation systems through full lifecycle (design, build, commission)
- Strong understanding of automation standards, compliance, and machinery safety
- Comfortable operating in a client-facing, technically accountable role
Desirable
- Experience with structured standards (e.g. PackML, Transline, OEM-specific frameworks)
- Exposure to regulated environments (e.g. GAMP, 21 CFR Part 11)
- Vendor certifications (Siemens, Rockwell, ABB, etc.)
- Degree-qualified in engineering (or equivalent experience)
Controls & Automation Lead in Coventry employer: Tech Connect Group
Tech Connect Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Nuneaton where innovation thrives. With competitive pay and a strong focus on employee development, team members are encouraged to grow their skills in electronics assembly while collaborating with dedicated engineering and quality teams. Join us to be part of a fast-growing company that values your contributions and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls & Automation Lead in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to controls and automation. Think about your past projects and be ready to discuss your role, challenges faced, and how you overcame them. We want to hear your success stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your technical skills! Bring along a portfolio of your work or case studies that highlight your experience with PLCs, robotics, and safety systems. This will help you stand out as a candidate who knows their stuff.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Controls & Automation Lead in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Controls & Automation Lead role. Highlight your experience with PLCs, robotics, and safety systems, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of projects you've led and how you’ve driven design integrity and successful commissioning. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your technical skills. Mention your experience with various automation technologies and standards. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we see your expertise!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tech Connect Group
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around PLCs, HMIs, and robotics. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've led the design and commissioning of these systems, as this will show your hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead teams through complex projects. Think about times when you’ve had to manage multiple projects simultaneously and how you ensured everything was delivered on time and to specification.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research the company and its customer base. Be prepared to discuss how you would align controls specifications with customer and regulatory requirements, demonstrating your understanding of their business and the importance of client-facing roles.
✨Be Ready for Technical Challenges
Expect some technical questions or scenarios during the interview. Practice explaining your approach to problem-solving in automation projects, particularly around change control processes and introducing new technologies.
