Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer
Ferndown
Controls Engineer salary: £39,500 – £46,750

Please note:

only applicants with the full-time, permanent right to work in the UK will be considered.

Controls Engineer Overview:

Development-focused Controls Engineer role working alongside a Senior Engineer
Support PLC, HMI, automation and system integration projects across a varied product range
Start with legacy troubleshooting and configuration before progressing into new design work
Suitable for someone with controls, automation, electrical, electronics or software knowledge
Join a specialist manufacturer where training and progression will be built into the role

This Controls Engineer role is with a specialist engineering manufacturer in Ferndown and is designed for someone who wants to develop further in control systems, automation and product integration. The Controls Engineer will work alongside a Senior Engineer, initially supporting troubleshooting, configuration and legacy system work before gradually taking on more design and development activity. This is not a pure PLC programming role;

it is more focused on system integration with a strong PLC/HMI and automation element.

The Controls Engineer role

As Controls Engineer, you’ll support control systems across new, existing and legacy products, helping make sure equipment works correctly through build, test and final customer use. Early work will involve understanding existing systems, learning configuration tools, supporting fault-finding and helping resolve automation or control issues that appear during testing.

Over time, the Controls Engineer will become more involved in new control system design, PLC/HMI projects, automation improvements and the move toward more electrical and commercially available control hardware. The business is happy to train the right person, provided they already have a grounding in controls, automation, electronics, electrical engineering or software, plus some experience working in or around manufacturing.

Day-to-day responsibilities of a Controls Engineer

Support troubleshooting and configuration of existing and legacy control systems
Investigate functional issues found during machine build, test or commissioning stages
Use engineering and configuration tools to identify control system problems and resolve them
Work with a Senior Engineer to understand PLC, HMI, I/O and automation requirements
Help adapt control systems so machines function correctly and consistently
Support the transition from older electronic systems toward more electrical and off-the-shelf control solutions
Contribute to smaller controls and automation projects before progressing into larger design work
Assist with PLC/HMI updates, system configuration and user interface improvements
Work with mechanical, electrical, software and manufacturing teams to support product integration
Help document control system information, software versions, configuration details and technical changes
Support suppliers and subcontractors where components, firmware or software need technical clarification
Contribute to design reviews, project updates and continuous improvement within Engineering What they’re looking for - Controls Engineer

Some practical exposure to PLCs, HMIs, control systems, automation or electrical/electronic systems
Understanding of how control systems behave within machinery, equipment or manufactured products
HND-level knowledge in electronics, electrical engineering, automation, controls, software engineering or similar, or equivalent experience
Able to interpret technical information and work through problems logically
Basic understanding of sensors, motors, drives, I/O, wiring diagrams or control hardware would be useful
Comfortable learning proprietary software, configuration tools and new engineering systems
Some manufacturing, engineering or product-based experience
Interest in developing further into PLC/HMI, automation and control system design
Methodical approach with good attention to detail
Good communication skills and willingness to learn from senior engineering support

Desirable - Controls Engineer

Hands-on PLC or HMI experience, even at a junior or developing level
Expos…