Senior Controls & Automation Engineer
Employment Type: Permanent
Reporting to: Engineering Manager
Sector: Industrial Automation / Special Purpose Machinery
The Role
An established engineering business is looking for a Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to lead the development and standardisation of machine control systems across complex automated machinery.
The role combines hands-on engineering with technical leadership, covering PLC software, motion control, automation, functional safety and machine connectivity. A key focus will be supporting the transition from Allen-Bradley to Siemens, while developing engineering standards and mentoring other engineers.
Key Responsibilities
Define and develop controls and software architecture standards.
Lead the transition from Allen-Bradley to Siemens platforms.
Design and develop PLC software using Siemens TIA Portal and S7-1500 PLCs.
Configure and commission SINAMICS drives, Siemens safety systems and WinCC HMIs.
Develop servo and multi-axis motion-control applications, including interpolation and synchronisation.
Develop HMI/SCADA solutions, machine diagnostics and predictive maintenance functionality.
Lead controls development for complex machinery and automated handling systems.
Integrate conveyors, robotics, gantries and third-party automation equipment.
Support machinery risk assessments, validation and CE/UKCA compliance.
Ensure designs meet relevant functional safety, international standards and cybersecurity requirements.
Support machine commissioning, FAT and SAT activities.
Provide technical support for complex troubleshooting, modifications and upgrades.
Mentor junior controls and electrical engineers and support continuous improvement.
Technical Experience
The successful candidate should have strong experience within controls engineering, industrial automation or special purpose machinery, including:
Significant PLC programming experience.
Strong Siemens TIA Portal experience.
S7-1500 PLCs.
SINAMICS drives.
Siemens safety systems.
WinCC HMI/SCADA development.
Servo systems and multi-axis motion control.
Automated handling and material-handling systems.
Experience with conveyors, robotics and/or gantries.
Complex machinery or special purpose machinery projects.
Industrial communications including Profinet, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA and Modbus.
Practical understanding of machine safety legislation.
CE/UKCA compliance experience.
Understanding of functional safety principles and standards.
Machinery risk assessments and validation.
Industrial cybersecurity awareness.
Allen-Bradley experience would be beneficial, particularly alongside Siemens migration projects.
Leadership & Personal Skills
Experience mentoring and supporting other engineers.
Ability to influence technical direction and engineering standards.
Strong problem-solving and stakeholder-management skills.
Comfortable communicating with customers, suppliers and senior management.
Able to work collaboratively across mechanical, electrical, service and project teams.
Health & Safety
You will be expected to comply with all relevant health, safety and company procedures, ensuring machinery and engineering activities are undertaken safely and in accordance with applicable standards
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