Controls Engineer - Manufacturing Automation

Job Title: Controls Engineer - Manufacturing Automation

Salary: £42,000–£57,000 depending on skills demonstrated

Contract: Fixed Term until 31st December 2027

Location: Desford, Leicestershire

The role involves operating within a Manufacturing Engineering team to specify, integrate, and roll out PLC‑based control solutions across production lines, supporting capital investment and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Identify and support implementation of automation and robotics solutions, including PLC‑based control systems, to improve safety, quality, efficiency and cost.
• Configure, standardise and support Siemens and Mitsubishi PLC and HMI systems, diagnosing production issues and acting as escalation point for complex controls challenges.
• Support introduction of new manufacturing technologies and equipment, contributing to controls‑related specifications and supporting installation, FAT, SAT and commissioning activities.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles and improvement tools to support technology, efficiency and quality initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, facilities and suppliers to support automation and improvement activities through effective production handover.
• Ensure controls and automation solutions align with manufacturing safety, regulatory and engineering requirements.
• Coach and mentor others in applying standardised processes and workflows, providing control support for manufacturing technology implementations.

• Collaborative Automation:
  Using an understanding of automation and robotics to support manufacturing activities and introduce solutions safely.

• Manufacturing Engineering:
  Specify, install, commission and support equipment and control systems meeting engineering, safety and quality standards.
• Lean Manufacturing:
  Drive efficiency and waste reduction using lean principles and basic improvement tools.
• Manufacturing Processes:
  Support production planning, execution and monitoring, integrating new technologies and process changes.

• Experience supporting assembly, test and finishing operations, understanding interaction between processes, equipment and control systems.
• Experience integrating industrial automation technologies, including PLC‑controlled systems, robotics, AGVs or AMR solutions.
• Structured problem‑solving experience using 8D, 5‑Why or Fishbone analysis.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation, drawings and system data, including working within PLM systems such as Siemens Teamcenter.

Up to 5% UK travel may be required, including visits to other facilities as needed.

• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with optional additional holiday purchase.
• 10% bonus.
• Contributory pension scheme – Caterpillar will double employee contribution up to 10%.
• Contributory share scheme – Caterpillar will match 50% of employee contribution.
• Employee Support Networks offering support, connection and sense of community.
• Optional flexible benefits including private health and dental plans, EV car lease etc.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.