Control Panel Builder

Headingley
6 days ago
Create job alert

Control Panel Builder

Job Title: Control Panel Builder

Department: Engineering / Manufacturing

Reports To: Production Manager / Electrical Engineering Lead

Location: Leeds

Employment Type: Full-time / Permanent

Salary to 35k DOE

Job Purpose

To build, wire, and test electrical control panels to required industry standards, engineering drawings, and customer specifications. The role ensures panels are assembled safely, accurately, and efficiently to support the delivery of automation, machinery, or process control solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Assemble electrical control panels based on engineering schematics, wiring diagrams, and layout drawings.
Carry out wiring, cable routing, and termination of components including PLCs, relays, contactors, VSDs, switches, and power supplies.
Drill, tap, cut, and prepare backplates and enclosures.
Ensure all work complies with relevant standards (e.g., IEC, BS EN, UL, and company quality procedures).
Perform functional testing, continuity checks, insulation resistance testing, and panel verification prior to shipment.
Identify and report any design or component issues affecting build quality or delivery.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organised working environment.
Collaborate with design engineers to resolve wiring or layout queries.
Complete documentation such as build checklists, test reports, and quality records.
Ensure safe working practices, including correct use of tools and PPE.

Required Skills & Competencies

Strong ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
Excellent knowledge of electrical panel wiring techniques and electrical components.
Skilled in panel assembly, cable management, crimping, and termination.
Understanding of industrial automation equipment (e.g., PLCs, HMIs, safety relays, control relays).
Good mechanical skills for panel fabrication (cutting, drilling, mounting components).
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to identify and correct issues.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

NVQ / City & Guilds Level 3 in Electrical Installation, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
Previous experience in control panel building or electrical assembly.
Knowledge of European wiring standards (e.g., BS EN (phone number removed).
Desirable:

Experience working with automation systems and industrial controls.
Familiarity with UL508A (if panels for US market).
ECS/CSCS card or relevant site safety certificate.
Background in machine building or system integration.

Physical & Working Requirements

Ability to stand, bend, and lift components during panel construction.
Use of workshop tools and equipment (hand tools, power tools).
Work in a workshop environment to deadlines and production schedules.

Key Attributes

Quality-focused with pride in workmanship.
Reliable, punctual, and highly organised.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to work under pressure and meet project timelines.
INDLEE

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Area Sales Engineer

Area Sales Engineer - Electrical

Electrical Design Engineer

Electrical Controls Engineer

Business Development Manager - Factory Automation Products

Automation Software Engineer

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Robotics Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Robotics Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in robotics, it can feel like the list of tools you should learn never ends. One job advert asks for ROS, another mentions Gazebo, another wants experience with Python, Linux, C++, RobotStudio, MATLAB/Simulink, perception stacks, control frameworks, real-time OS, vision libraries — and that’s just scratching the surface. With so many frameworks, languages and platforms, it’s no wonder robotics job seekers feel overwhelmed. But here’s the honest truth most recruiters won’t say explicitly: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real robotics problems reliably and explain your reasoning clearly. Tools matter — but only in service of outcomes. So the real question isn’t how many tools you should know, but which tools you should master and why. For most robotics roles, the answer is significantly fewer — and far more focused — than you might assume. This article breaks down what employers really expect, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so you look capable, confident, and ready to contribute from day one.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Robotics Job Applications (UK Guide)

Robotics is one of the most dynamic, interdisciplinary fields in technology — blending mechanical systems, embedded software, controls, perception (AI/vision), modelling, simulation and systems integration. Hiring managers in this space are highly selective because robotics teams need people who can solve real-world problems under constraints, work across disciplines, and deliver safe, reliable systems. And here’s the reality: hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. Like in many tech domains, they scan quickly — often forming a judgement in the first 10–20 seconds. In robotics, those first signals are especially important because the work is complex and there’s a wide range of candidate backgrounds. This guide unpacks exactly what hiring managers look for first in robotics applications and how to optimise your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you stand out in the UK market.

The Skills Gap in Robotics Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Robotics is no longer confined to science fiction or isolated research labs. Today, robots perform critical tasks across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, defence, hospitality and even education. In the UK, businesses are embracing automation to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle labour shortages. Yet despite strong interest and a growing number of university programmes in robotics, many employers report a persistent problem: graduates are not job-ready for real-world robotics roles. This is not a question of intelligence or dedication. It is a widening skills gap between what universities teach and what employers actually need in robotics jobs. In this article, we’ll explore that gap in depth — what universities do well, where their programmes often fall short, why the disconnect exists, what employers really want, and how you can bridge the divide to build a thriving career in robotics.