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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
68
Salary range
£35k – £70k
Hiring companies
39
View 68 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

68 live roles

See all 68 roles →

Controls Engineer (Bespoke Machinery)

This role involves developing PLC programs, upgrading HMIs, and providing SCADA support for bespoke automation systems. You will work in a modern manufacturing facility, collaborating with a small, friendly engineering team on projects for blue-chip clients in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Plymouth, United Kingdom £60,000 – £65,000 pa

Controls Engineer (PLC's)

This role involves designing and delivering bespoke industrial automation systems, including control philosophies, electrical schematics, and PLC programming. You will work closely with senior engineers, panel builders, and customers across various industries, with opportunities for training and career progression.

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

Senior Controls Engineer

Designs and implements control systems for logistics automation using Siemens PLCs and TIA Portal. Develops safety-critical software, commissions systems onsite in the UK and occasionally overseas, and collaborates with project teams to deliver integrated solutions. Focuses on testing, documentation, and adherence to safety standards like BS-EN13849.

Axion Recruitment Limited United Kingdom £40,000 – £65,000 pa

Actemium Automation Hampshire - Schneider Controls Engineer

This role involves designing and delivering industrial automation solutions using Schneider Electric PLCs, SCADA, and HMI systems for clients in the water, energy, and process sectors. The engineer will handle full lifecycle projects including programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, and technical documentation. Work is based in Hampshire with occasional travel to client sites within a 2-hour radius.

Actemium UK Waterlooville, Hampshire, United Kingdom

PLC / Controls Engineers

Design and implement PLC programming for automated material handling and manufacturing systems, including commissioning, fault diagnosis, and integration of control systems. Work with electrical schematics and collaborate across engineering teams during project deployment. Role involves regular UK travel and hands-on troubleshooting across automation infrastructure.

Innovate Recruitment London, United Kingdom £45 – £55 ph
Hybrid Contract

PLC / Controls Engineers

Design and commission automated material handling and manufacturing systems, including PLC programming, system integration, and fault diagnosis. Perform on-site testing and troubleshooting across controls and automation systems, working from technical schematics and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Requires strong hands-on skills in industrial automation and willingness to travel across the UK.

Innovate Recruitment Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, United Kingdom £45 – £55 ph
Hybrid Contract

PLC / Controls / Automation Engineer - Water Industry

PLC / Controls / Automation Engineer – Water IndustryLocation: LondonRate: £45–£55 per hour | Outside IR35Initial Contract: 6 months – extension highly likelyPLC, Controls or EICA Engineer looking for your next contract?If you're a PLC Engineer, Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer,...

Ganymede London, United Kingdom £45 – £55 ph

Senior Software Controls Engineer

This role focuses on developing robust software systems to measure and evaluate control quality in humanoid robots, transforming subjective assessments into reliable, automated metrics. You'll build test infrastructure, CI integration, and fleet-wide performance dashboards using real robot data and simulation. The position emphasizes data pipelines, reproducible evaluation, and close collaboration with control engineers to ensure performance consistency across hardware and software releases.

Humanoid London, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
See all 68 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.

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