Controls Engineer

We are seeking a Controls Engineer with a balanced background in both software/controls engineering and electrical design to join our growing team. This hybrid role is ideal for someone who enjoys delivering complete automation solutions, from initial design through to commissioning.
The company designs and builds complex, bespoke machinery used by pharmaceutical manufacturers and research organisations around the world. This is a stable, well-run business with a high staff retention rate — the average time people stay is over 10 years. The engineering team is multi-disciplinary and works together across full project lifecycles.
Key details:

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  Hybrid working (home on Wednesdays and Fridays)
  
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  Flexible hours, with a 1pm finish on Fridays
  
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  25 days holiday + bank holidays + 3-day Christmas shutdown
  
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  Income protection & EAP (includes GP access, mental health and wellbeing support)
  
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  Legal & General pension (4% employer / 4% employee)
  
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  Death in service (4x salary)
  
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  RAC breakdown cover
  

The Role
You will be responsible for designing, programming, and delivering control systems for bespoke machinery and automation projects. The role will be split 50:50 between:

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  Control Systems Design & Software: PLC/HMI programming, commissioning, and system integration.
  
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  Electrical Design Engineering: Creating electrical schematics, panel layouts, and documentation using EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical.
  

Key Responsibilities

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  Develop PLC and HMI software (Siemens and Allen Bradley)
  
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  Produce complete electrical design packages (layouts, schematics, BOMs, panel wiring diagrams)
  
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  Generate documentation including FDS, cable schedules, I/O lists, and instrument schedules
  
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  Work closely with mechanical, software, and project teams to ensure smooth integration
  
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  Participate in FAT/SAT, commissioning, and support activities
  
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  Support the project lifecycle from concept through to commissioning and handover
  

Essential Skills & Experience

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  Proven experience with Siemens (TIA Portal) and Allen Bradley (RSLogix/Studio5000) software platforms
  
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  Strong experience in electrical design using EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical
  
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  Understanding of control systems, panel design, and safety circuits
  
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  Experience writing technical documentation (FDS, cable schedules, test documents)
  
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  Strong communication and problem-solving skills
  
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  Willingness to travel for site visits and commissioning (UK & occasional overseas)
  

Desirable

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  Experience in industrial automation, machinery, or process equipment industries
  
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  Familiarity with SCADA systems, servo/motion control
  
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  Experience with safety systems (SIL, risk assessments, etc.)
  

If you’re a Controls Engineer looking for a technically varied role with a mix of software, electrical design, and real-world engineering – we want to hear from you.
This role is being advertised by Cressida Consulting, acting as a recruitment consultancy. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application, as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship. All applications will be handled in accordance with UK employment law and GDPR regulations