At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop control systems for high-performance equipment across global applications.
- Company: Leading engineering firm focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting projects with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the engineering field.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or equivalent experience; strong PLC and HMI software skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Controls Engineer designs, develops, and supports the control systems that underpin the safe, reliable, and high performance operation of our equipment across global customer applications. The role spans the full lifecycle of controls engineering, from concept and system architecture through implementation, testing, and commissioning, ensuring solutions are robust, scalable, and aligned with both customer requirements and internal standards.
Working closely with mechanical, electrical, and applications engineering teams, the Controls Engineer translates process and operational needs into effective PLC, HMI, and automation solutions, while diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues during factory testing and site activities. The role also contributes commercially by improving standardisation, reducing commissioning effort, and feeding insights from customer projects back into product development, investment decisions, and the longer term technology roadmap.
Role / Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain our products using Allen Bradley PLCs and other controllers and associated HMIs by writing well-structured code (including SCL, STL and Ladder logic).
- Support integration with customer SCADA and control systems.
- Deliver assigned controls work to project schedules.
- Apply company and industry engineering standards and best practices.
- Support factory testing and fault resolution.
- Work with electrical, mechanical, and applications teams.
- Assist with commissioning and site support when required.
- Diagnose and resolve control system issues.
- Maintain clear and accurate software and test documentation.
- Support ongoing improvement of standard controls software and solutions.
Skills / Experience:
- Degree qualified in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.
- Solid experience in controls engineering within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
- Proven ability to develop PLC and HMI software, preferably using Allen Bradley.
- Experience integrating equipment with SCADA systems and industrial communication protocols such as Modbus.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical and control schematics.
- Write control philosophies.
Controls Engineer employer: WHD Consulting Ltd.
As a Controls Engineer in Slough, you will join a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration, offering a supportive work culture where your contributions directly impact global customer applications. The company prioritises employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, ensuring you stay at the forefront of technology while enjoying a competitive benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work with controls systems. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving PLCs and HMIs. This will give you an edge during interviews and help demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of control systems and programming languages like SCL and Ladder logic. Practice common interview questions and be ready to solve problems on the spot.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented Controls Engineers, and applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance to stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Controls Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Controls Engineer role. Highlight your experience with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on that align with our needs.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills clearly. We want to see your ability to write well-structured code and how you’ve tackled complex control system issues in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and concise. Explain why you’re a great fit for the role and how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter. We love straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at WHD Consulting Ltd.
✨Know Your Controls Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with Allen Bradley controllers and any specific projects where you've developed or integrated control systems. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the technology but can also apply it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex technical issues you've diagnosed and resolved in past roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help demonstrate your analytical thinking and ability to work under pressure, which is crucial for a Controls Engineer.
✨Understand the Company’s Standards
Familiarise yourself with the engineering standards and best practices relevant to the company. Being able to discuss how you’ve applied these in your previous work will show that you’re aligned with their values and can hit the ground running.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Since the role involves working closely with mechanical, electrical, and applications teams, be prepared to talk about your teamwork experiences. Highlight instances where you’ve successfully collaborated on projects, as this will illustrate your ability to communicate effectively across disciplines.