Part of the Future Tech Jobs (opens in a new tab) network
Sign in

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
65
Salary range
£35k – £70k
Hiring companies
39
View 65 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 – £70k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 162 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
40% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Junior
35
49
9 jobs
Mid
40
67
62 jobs
Senior
40
74
14 jobs
Lead
50
75
6 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 95 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

PLC Programming
53%
SCADA
39%
HMI
39%
Commissioning
34%
PLC
33%
Siemens
28%
Industrial Automation
26%
Control Systems
18%
Allen Bradley
18%
Functional Safety
17%
TIA Portal
15%
Ladder Logic
15%
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

65 live roles

See all 65 roles →

Controls Engineer

The Controls Engineer will design, develop, and support PLC-controlled systems, working on projects from concept to commissioning. Responsibilities include programming PLCs, maintaining HMI/SCADA systems, implementing safety architectures, and troubleshooting complex faults to ensure efficient and safe production.

CV Technical Lydney, United Kingdom £45,000 – £55,000 pa
On-site Permanent Shift-work

Controls / Automation Engineer (Rockwell / Siemens)

This role involves designing PLC/DCS and SCADA software, configuring communication networks, and coding independently on Siemens and Rockwell platforms. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of control applications, from design to commissioning, and will work in a highly autonomous environment with opportunities for training and progression.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Glasgow, City Of Glasgow, G2 1AL, United Kingdom £50,000 – £60,000 pa

Controls Engineer - Industrial Automation

Design and develop PLC, HMI, and safety control software for custom industrial automation systems, from concept through testing and commissioning. Configure VFDs, servo drives, and industrial networks such as Profinet and EtherNet/IP, and support on-site commissioning at customer locations. Work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver bespoke machinery solutions across diverse industrial sectors.

Cartisian Recruitment Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 1NT, United Kingdom £55,000 – £60,000 pa

Controls Engineer (Training/Development)

Design and deliver custom industrial automation systems across the full project lifecycle, from schematic design and control panel layout to PLC/HMI programming, testing, and on-site commissioning. Receive mentoring and technical development while working with senior engineers and cross-functional teams. Focus on bespoke control solutions using CAD, relay logic, and Siemens PLC systems across diverse industries.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Huddersfield, HD1 2AA, United Kingdom £45,000 – £55,000 pa

Controls Engineer – PLC / Rockwell / Siemens

Design and develop PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for industrial automation projects, from concept through commissioning. Integrate control systems using Rockwell and Siemens platforms, perform fault finding, and collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams. Work on diverse, technically complex automation solutions in a supportive team environment.

Automation Talent Stokesley, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Automation Experts Ltd logo

Controls Systems Engineer

This role involves designing, programming, and commissioning PLCs and motion systems, developing functional safety systems, and delivering SCADA/HMI solutions. The engineer will lead automation projects, troubleshoot faults, and support production and maintenance teams.

Automation Experts Ltd Chepstow, Gwent, United Kingdom £45,000 – £55,000 pa

Controls & Robotics Engineer

Controls & Robotics EngineerA growing automation and engineering business is seeking an experienced Controls & Robotics Engineer to join its close-knit engineering team. The role will involve designing, programming, integrating, commissioning and supporting bespoke automation systems across manufacturing and packaging...

Billy Associates LTD Greet, Gloucestershire, GL54 5BG, United Kingdom £50,000 – £80,000 pa

Controls & Automation Engineer

This role involves leading technical operations in a service centre for industrial extrusion systems, focusing on PLC programming, control system upgrades, and on-site customer support. The engineer will troubleshoot complex electrical and automation issues, develop digital control solutions, and support system commissioning across legacy and modern platforms. It is a hands-on leadership position with international travel and direct customer engagement.

Sierra 57 Consult Woodside, Dudley, West Midlands (county), DY1 2EG, United Kingdom £55,000 – £65,000 pa
See all 65 roles →
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

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

London

Location
10 open

Coventry

Location
4 open

Leicester

Location
3 open

Glasgow

Location
1 open

Leeds

Location
1 open

Wolverhampton

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.