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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
69
Salary range
£35k – £70k
Hiring companies
39
View 69 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

69 live roles

See all 69 roles →

Robotics Simulation & Control Engineer

Design and validate next-generation humanoid and wheeled robot platforms using physics simulation and reinforcement learning. Develop tools to evaluate locomotion, manipulation, and dynamic performance before hardware deployment, and maintain canonical robot models used across simulation and control systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to inform robot architecture, actuator selection, and control strategies through quantitative simulation-based analysis.

Humanoid London, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

Electrical Control & Automation Engineer

This role involves leading automation upgrades, system integration, and troubleshooting within a highly automated manufacturing environment. The engineer will support PLC, HMI, SCADA, and control systems, optimising performance of advanced production equipment such as robotics and automated material handling. Focus is on reliability, continuous improvement, and mentoring technical staff in a state-of-the-art facility.

Morgan Ryder Associates Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom £50,000 – £55,000 pa

Software Control Teleoperation Engineer

Develop VR-based teleoperation systems for humanoid robots using motion tracking, HMDs, and real-time data streaming. Design low-latency communication pipelines and integrate stereo video, depth, and sensor data into Unity-based VR environments for intuitive human-robot control. Build tools for data recording and annotation to support learning workflows.

Humanoid London, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

Lead Control Systems Engineer

Lead a team of control systems engineers in the design and implementation of bespoke automation systems, with a focus on PLC, HMI, and SCADA software development. Oversee projects from initial customer engagement through to testing and compliance, ensuring robust technical documentation and regulatory adherence. Drive continuous improvement in systems and engineering processes within an industrial automation environment.

Laura Smith Recruitment Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

Senior Control Systems Engineer

adi Automation – Senior Control Systems EngineerLocation – Wirral, LiverpoolAbout the RoleWe are looking for an experienced Senior Control Systems Engineer to join our team in Wirral.This is a hands-on role where you will take ownership of automation projects from...

adi Group Wirral, Merseyside, United Kingdom

Control Systems & Automation Engineer

This role involves maintaining and enhancing PLC-based control systems for custom scientific and laboratory equipment, with a focus on production support, troubleshooting, and integration of motor and pump controls. The engineer will collaborate with R&D and electronics teams, support acceptance testing, and gradually transition into microcontroller-based systems for future product development. The position offers technical variety across the full product lifecycle, from existing systems to next-generation control platforms.

H Squared Talent Ltd Bowdon, Manchester, United Kingdom £35,000 – £45,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Senior Control and Automation Engineer

Lead the design and standardisation of control systems for complex automated machinery, with a focus on migrating from Allen-Bradley to Siemens platforms. Develop PLC software, motion control, HMI/SCADA, and safety systems while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring compliance with functional safety and cybersecurity standards. Work across multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated automation solutions for special-purpose equipment.

Vantage Northwich, Cheshire, United Kingdom £50,000 – £60,000 pa

Process Control and Automation Engineer

This hands-on engineering role involves diagnosing electrical faults, troubleshooting PLC systems, and maintaining AC/DC drives to ensure continuous production in a heavy industrial setting. The role is based in Port Talbot and requires strong technical knowledge and experience in process control and automation.

Randstad Delivery (GBS) Port Talbot, Cymru / Wales, United Kingdom £39,265 pa
See all 69 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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