At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and support of cutting-edge industrial control systems.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking automation and manufacturing company in Reading.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with exciting projects and career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising production processes with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; strong PLC programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Reading
Employment Type: Full-time
Automation & Manufacturing Systems
You’ll be the technical lead for designing, developing, and supporting industrial control systems across PLC, SCADA, and MES platforms. This role sits at the intersection of automation engineering and manufacturing IT, ensuring reliable, safe, and optimised operation of production assets. You’ll work closely with operations, maintenance, and IT teams to deliver robust automation solutions and continuous improvements across the site.
- PLC Programming & Integration — Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC logic (Siemens, Allen‑Bradley, Mitsubishi, or similar) for new equipment, upgrades, and process optimisation.
- MES Implementation & Support — Configure and support MES modules such as production tracking, recipe management, OEE, traceability, and data exchange with ERP systems.
- System Architecture & Design — Produce functional design specs, control philosophies, network diagrams, and documentation for automation projects.
- Commissioning & Testing — Lead FAT/SAT, commissioning, and validation activities for new automation systems and upgrades.
- Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis — Provide expert-level support for control system faults, downtime events, and process deviations.
- Cybersecurity & Compliance — Ensure systems meet site standards for safety, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.
- Continuous Improvement — Identify automation opportunities to improve throughput, quality, and reliability.
- Cross‑functional Collaboration — Work with production, maintenance, quality, and IT teams to deliver integrated solutions.
Degree or HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering, Control & Automation, Mechatronics, or related discipline.
Strong experience with PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000, or equivalent).
Solid understanding of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, OPC UA).
Rail Systems Engineer in Reading employer: Wynne Consulting
As a Rail Systems Engineer in Reading, you will join a forward-thinking company that prioritises innovation and employee development. With a strong focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, we offer a dynamic work culture where your expertise in automation and control systems will be valued and nurtured. Enjoy competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the automation and manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail Systems Engineer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups related to automation and control systems. Connecting with professionals in the field can open doors to job opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving PLC programming or MES implementations. This tangible evidence of your expertise can really impress potential employers during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of industrial communication protocols and control system troubleshooting. Practising common interview questions can help you feel more confident when discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We regularly update our job listings, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Rail Systems Engineer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Rail Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience with PLC programming 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 automation and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love getting to know our applicants!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your technical skills in your application. Mention specific tools and technologies you’ve worked with, like Siemens TIA Portal or FactoryTalk View. We’re keen to see your expertise in action!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wynne Consulting
✨Know Your PLCs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your PLC programming skills, especially with Siemens TIA Portal and Rockwell Studio 5000. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've developed or modified PLC logic, as this will show your hands-on experience.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with how control systems integrate with SCADA and MES platforms. Be prepared to explain how you've contributed to system architecture and design in past roles, as this will demonstrate your ability to see the project from a holistic perspective.
✨Showcase Your Troubleshooting Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled control system faults or downtime events. Highlight your approach to root cause analysis and any successful outcomes, as this will illustrate your problem-solving capabilities.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to share experiences where you've collaborated with production, maintenance, or IT teams. Discuss how you’ve delivered integrated solutions and improved processes through teamwork.