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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
67
Salary range
£30k – £85k
Hiring companies
45
View 67 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

£30k – £85k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 71 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Junior
35
40
2 jobs
Mid
30
85
45 jobs
Senior
65
70
2 jobs
Lead
50
75
2 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 65 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

PLC Programming
40%
PLC
38%
SCADA
37%
HMI
35%
Siemens
32%
Commissioning
26%
Industrial Automation
25%
Control Systems
22%
Rockwell
18%
Allen Bradley
17%
TIA Portal
15%
Automation
12%
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

67 live roles

See all 67 roles →

Control System Engineer - Data Centre

This role involves leading or supporting the engineering and delivery of data centre control systems, from specification to commissioning and ongoing support. Responsibilities include programming PLC and DDC systems, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting faults in critical environments.

Clear Engineering Recruitment Slough, Berkshire, United Kingdom £50,000 – £55,000 pa
Remote Permanent Flexible

Control Systems Engineer

This role involves developing PLC and HMI software from concept through to commissioning for custom automation and special-purpose machinery across diverse industrial sectors. The engineer will engage in full project lifecycles, including system design, electrical review, on-site commissioning, and customer collaboration, with regular UK and international travel. It offers a blend of office-based development and hands-on site work, emphasizing technical ownership and problem-solving in complex automation environments.

Samuel Frank Burnley, Lancashire, United Kingdom £55,000 – £65,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Control Systems Engineer

Design and develop control system software for automated manufacturing systems, from initial concepts through commissioning and client support. Work with PLCs, industrial automation software, and contribute to advanced composite manufacturing processes in a hands-on engineering role.

Cartisian Recruitment Saltash, Cornwall, United Kingdom £400 – £450 pd
On-site Contract

Control System Engineer

This role involves leading the development and testing of PLC/HMI/SCADA software for water industry projects. You will take technical ownership of projects from requirements gathering to commissioning, working closely with clients and interpreting technical documents.

EngTec Recruitment Birstall, Kirklees, West Yorkshire, WF17 9EL, United Kingdom £30,000 – £45,000 pa

Control Systems Engineer

This role involves writing PLC software, developing SCADA systems, and producing structured documentation for process automation projects across various sectors. You will work on full lifecycle projects from design to commissioning, with a focus on high-quality engineering and collaboration with experienced engineers.

Samuel Frank Preston on the Hill, Cheshire, United Kingdom £50,000 – £65,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Control Systems Engineer

The Control Systems Engineer will work on the design, verification, and in-service support of control systems for Marine Gas Turbines and Electrical Distribution Switchboard products. Responsibilities include system architecture design, software development, and compliance with regulatory standards, all while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Rolls Royce Bristol, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Control Systems Engineer

This role involves conducting site surveys, developing functional design specifications, and designing, programming, and configuring PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems. You will lead Factory Acceptance Tests, manage project documentation, and mentor junior engineers. The position requires strong PLC programming skills, experience with control systems, and the ability to work safely on-site.

Vantage Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom £65,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Control Systems Engineer

Develop and optimize motion-control software for autonomous robotic systems using ROS2 and MoveIt2, integrating high-level planning with low-level hardware control. Work on trajectory generation, PID tuning, and real-time system integration within a Linux environment. Contribute to building reliable robotic motion solutions in production settings.

OpenSourced Cambridge, United Kingdom £50,000 – £60,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent
See all 67 roles →
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

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

London

Location
3 open

Manchester

Location
2 open

Reading

Location
2 open

Cambridge

Location
2 open

Glasgow

Location
1 open

Bristol

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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