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
50
Salary range
£40k – £69k
Hiring companies
37
View 50 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

£40k – £69k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 104 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
30% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Mid
40
67
59 jobs
Senior
53
71
10 jobs
Lead
55
75
5 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 98 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

PLC Programming
50%
SCADA
38%
HMI
38%
Commissioning
34%
PLC
34%
Siemens
28%
Industrial Automation
27%
Control Systems
18%
Allen Bradley
17%
Functional Safety
16%
TIA Portal
14%
Ladder Logic
14%
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

50 live roles

See all 50 roles →

Controls / Automation Engineer

This role involves diagnosing and resolving faults in PLC-controlled machinery, performing preventative and reactive maintenance, and supporting the commissioning of new automated equipment. The engineer will work closely with production and engineering teams to minimise downtime and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment. A strong background in electrical systems and PLC fault-finding is essential.

Questech Recruitment Knottingley, West Yorkshire, WF11 9BU, United Kingdom £45,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Controls & Automation Engineer

Design and optimize control systems for production equipment using PLC, HMI, and SCADA technologies. Support automation upgrades and smart manufacturing initiatives in a global engineering environment. Troubleshoot complex control issues and collaborate with cross-site teams to enhance operational performance.

Global Recruitment Group Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 6GS, United Kingdom £55,000 – £65,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Senior Controls Engineer

This role involves leading the design and delivery of control systems for custom automation and robotic machinery, from concept through commissioning. The engineer will develop PLC and HMI software, integrate industrial robots, and conduct on-site commissioning and troubleshooting. The position requires strong technical skills in automation systems, safety standards, and customer collaboration across diverse high-tech industries.

SC ENGINEERING Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom £60,000 – £65,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Automation / Controls Engineer

This role involves maintaining, troubleshooting, and developing automated systems and equipment within a manufacturing environment. The engineer will work on technically challenging controls projects in a workshop-based setting with minimal travel. The position supports ongoing technical development and progression within a long-established, growing organisation.

Rise Technical Recruitment Cambridge, United Kingdom £55,000 – £65,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Automation Engineer / Controls Engineer

Automation Engineer / Controls EngineerWe are currently recruiting experienced Automation Engineers, Controls Engineers, PLC Engineers and Commissioning Engineers to join leading engineering and manufacturing organisations across the UK.This is an excellent opportunity for engineers with experience in industrial automation, PLC...

Skill Link Solutions United Kingdom £40,000 – £60,000 pa

Electrical & Controls Engineer

Designs and commissions PLC, SCADA, and electrical control systems for custom industrial automation projects. Works from concept through to handover, producing schematics, programming systems, and integrating drives and safety controls. Engages directly with customers and supports full project lifecycles.

Employment Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 7DP, United Kingdom £45,000 – £55,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Senior Controls Engineer

Design and develop PLC and HMI software for advanced engineering products, ensuring robust control systems through testing, documentation, and continuous improvement. Provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Work on-site in Clevedon with occasional travel to customer and engineering sites.

Meriden Media Clevedon, Somerset, BA4 6NS, United Kingdom £53,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Automation & Controls Engineer

This role involves end-to-end engineering for industrial automation and EC&I systems, including electrical design, PLC and HMI/SCADA development, control panel design, and commissioning support. You'll work across diverse technologies and project phases, from design to site implementation, collaborating with project teams and clients. The position offers broad technical exposure across multiple platforms rather than specialisation in a single system.

Humber EC&I Ltd Sutton on Hull, East Riding Of Yorkshire, United Kingdom £25,000 – £55,000 pa
On-site Permanent
See all 50 roles →
Top hirers

Companies hiring controls engineers

See all companies →
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

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

London

Location
4 open

Leicester

Location
3 open

Cambridge

Location
2 open

Coventry

Location
2 open

Birmingham

Location
1 open

Manchester

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.