Future Tech Jobs Future Tech Jobs

Controls Engineer Jobs

Engineers who design and optimise the systems that make robots move and react. A critical role in the robotics ecosystem, blending mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.

Open roles
23
Salary range
£35k – £1000k
Hiring companies
18
View 23 live roles → Get an alert

Controls Engineers are the architects of robotic movement and responsiveness. They design, develop, and optimise the control systems that enable robots to perform tasks with precision and efficiency. These engineers work across a range of industries, from manufacturing and automotive to healthcare and space exploration. They collaborate with mechanical and software engineers to ensure that robotic systems operate smoothly and reliably.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Controls Engineer

A typical week for a Controls Engineer is a mix of design, testing, and collaboration. They spend time both at the desk and in the lab.

  1. 01
    Design control algorithms and systems
  2. 02
    Conduct simulations and tests
  3. 03
    Collaborate with cross-functional teams
  4. 04
    Analyse data and refine systems
  5. 05
    Document processes and results
  6. 06
    Attend project meetings and provide updates
Salary on the board

£35k – £1000k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 19 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Junior
35
40
1 job
Mid
40
59
3 jobs
Senior
65
1000
3 jobs
Lead
65
75
1 job
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 1 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

DCS
100%
Control Systems
100%
Automation
100%
Project Management
100%
System Architecture
100%
Functional Specifications
100%
FAT/SAT
100%
Commissioning
100%
Process Control
100%
Industrial Automation
100%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for controls engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Controls Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the design and testing of control systems, working under the guidance of more experienced engineers.

  2. Level 2

    Controls Engineer

    2–5 yrs

    Take ownership of specific control system components, leading small projects and contributing to larger ones.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Controls Engineer

    5–10 yrs

    Lead the design and implementation of complex control systems, manage teams, and mentor junior engineers.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Controls Engineer

    10+ yrs

    Oversee the entire control systems development process, drive innovation, and influence company-wide technical strategy.

Pathway

How to become a Controls Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Academic Foundation

    Gain a strong foundation in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering through a relevant degree programme.

  2. 2

    Internship or Entry-Level Role

    Secure an internship or entry-level position to gain practical experience and build a portfolio of projects.

  3. 3

    Specialise in Controls

    Focus on control systems and robotics through specialised courses, certifications, and hands-on projects.

  4. 4

    Mid-Level Engineer

    Advance to a mid-level role, taking on more responsibility and leading smaller projects.

  5. 5

    Senior Engineer

    Become a senior engineer, managing teams and leading the development of complex control systems.

  6. 6

    Principal Engineer

    Achieve the principal level, where you influence company strategy and drive innovation in control systems.

Live jobs

23 live roles

See all 23 roles →

Controls Engineer

Position: Controls EngineerLocation: GloucesterContract: Permanent | Full-TimeSalary: £45,000 – £60,000 DOE + Travel AllowanceAre you an experienced Controls Engineer looking to work on complex, high-spec automation projects with global exposure? Would you like to be part of a forward-thinking engineering...

THOMAS Professional Gloucester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom £45,000 – £60,000 pa

Controls Engineer

The Controls Engineer will design and develop PLC and SCADA software, write detailed technical documentation, and perform on-site commissioning for a variety of process control projects. The role involves a mix of office-based software development and practical commissioning, with a strong focus on collaboration and problem-solving within a skilled team.

Samuel Frank Meadowhall, South Yorkshire, S9 1BW, United Kingdom £50,000 – £65,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Controls Engineer

Do you want to work on cutting-edge engineering projects within a growing aerospace environment?Are you looking for a role where you can genuinely influence how systems and processes evolve?Would you enjoy being part of a collaborative team driving automation and...

Partnership Recruiting Prestwick, Ayrshire And Arran, United Kingdom £42,000 – £55,000 pa

Controls Engineer

Job Title:Control System EngineerLocation:Office based in Belvedere, Kent, and on site in the UKSalary:£50,000.00 circaWe are a leading provider of innovative power generation solutions, committed to delivering high-availability and efficient systems. Our team excels in providing high-end engineering solutions to...

Notion4 Belvedere, London, United Kingdom £50,000 pa

Controls Engineer

Controls EngineerLocation: WiganUp to £50,000 per annum plus 20% Overtime availableWe are looking for a Controls Engineer to join a growing automation team in Wigan. This is a hands-on role offering a mix of office-based engineering and on-site commissioning, delivering...

Proactive Wigan, Manchester, United Kingdom £40,000 – £50,000 pa

Controls Engineer

Sponsorship is possible for this role also.We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Controls & Automation Engineer to join our growing and highly successful engineering team.This role is working as part of a group so further progression is available...

Maxrae Consulting Barnsley, United Kingdom

Building Automation Engineer - Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls Engineer - Building AutomationAre you a hands-on problem solver with a passion for making buildings smarter, greener and more efficient? This is your chance to join a forward-thinking company leading the way in building automation and energy optimisation...

Clear Engineering Recruitment Oslo, Norway NOK 700,000 – NOK 1,000,000 pa
Remote Permanent

Building Automation Engineer - Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls Engineer - Building AutomationAre you a hands-on problem solver with a passion for making buildings smarter, greener and more efficient? This is your chance to join a forward-thinking company leading the way in building automation and energy optimisation...

Clear Engineering Recruitment Drammen, Norway NOK 700,000 – NOK 1,000,000 pa
Remote Permanent
See all 23 roles →
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

Birmingham

Location
2 open

Reading

Location
1 open

Cambridge

Location
1 open

Coventry

Location
1 open

Milton Keynes

Location
1 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • Essential skills include a strong background in mathematics, programming, and system dynamics, as well as proficiency in control theory and simulation tools.

  • Industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and robotics research centres frequently hire Controls Engineers.

  • Controls Engineers often work in a mix of office and lab settings, collaborating with cross-functional teams and conducting hands-on testing.

  • Continuing education, gaining practical experience, and specialising in advanced control systems and robotics can help you advance your career.

  • Salary ranges vary based on experience and location. For more detailed information, refer to the salary section on this page.

Hiring controls engineers?

Post your role in 90 seconds and reach the specialist audience that already reads this page.

Post a job → See pricing

🍪 Basic, anonymous analytics (aggregate counts only, never shared) are always on. Accept to also enable third-party tools — Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity, Mixpanel, Leadfeeder — which help us match you with relevant Robotics roles. We never sell your data or use it for cross-site advertising. See our Cookie Policy.