At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop control systems for high-performance equipment across global applications.
- Company: Leading engineering firm with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and hands-on experience in cutting-edge technology.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for site support and multidisciplinary teamwork.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the engineering world.
- 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 FDS and develop/modify User-Defined Function Blocks (UDFB).
- Structured, analytical approach to troubleshooting and problem solving.
- Comfortable delivering defined controls tasks independently or within a project team.
- Well organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Proactive and adaptable, with a practical, hands-on attitude.
- Willingness to support factory testing, commissioning, and occasional site activities.
Preferred:
- Experience with embedded software or firmware development in C or C++.
- Exposure to automated testing or test tooling.
- Understanding of process or water treatment systems, including UV.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Site experience supporting commissioning or early operation.
If this exciting opportunity could be of interest - please let me know ASAP. Interviews can be arranged on short notice.
Engineer - Controls Engineering 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 learning opportunities and encourages a proactive approach to problem-solving, ensuring you can thrive in your role while enjoying the benefits of a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineer - Controls Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work in controls engineering. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those involving PLCs and HMIs. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview by practising common technical questions related to controls engineering. We recommend simulating interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineer - Controls Engineering
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 any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about controls engineering and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've diagnosed and resolved complex technical issues. We value a structured, analytical approach, so let us know how you tackle challenges!
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 directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 and any other controllers you've worked with. The more specific examples you can provide about your past projects, the better!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to talk about complex technical issues you've diagnosed and resolved in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting how your structured and analytical approach led to successful outcomes.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working closely with mechanical, electrical, and applications teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in multidisciplinary environments. Highlight your ability to manage competing priorities while still delivering results.
✨Be Proactive and Adaptable
Demonstrate your proactive attitude by discussing instances where you've taken the initiative to improve processes or standardise solutions. Employers love candidates who can adapt to changing situations, so share any experiences that showcase your hands-on approach and willingness to support factory testing and commissioning.