Controls & Automation Validation Supervisor

We're working with an engineering and automation organisation looking to hire a Controls & Automation Validation Supervisor to lead the growth of its simulation and digital twin capability.

This is a hands-on leadership role focused on improving how control systems are tested, validated, and deployed. You'll lead a team of validation and simulation engineers while working closely with Controls, Electrical, Mechanical, Software, and Field Operations teams to ensure systems perform as expected before reaching site.

You'll also play a key role in expanding the company's digital twin strategy, helping turn simulation technology into a valuable engineering and customer-facing tool.

• Lead and develop a team of validation, simulation, and test automation engineers.
• Own the roadmap for the company's digital twin and simulation platform, including model libraries, testing scenarios, automation, and validation tools.
• Establish validation standards, testing procedures, sign-off processes, and release governance.
• Drive simulation-based testing and automated regression testing through CI/CD pipelines.
• Work alongside Controls, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering teams to validate complete system performance.
• Use simulation, telemetry, and field data to improve system reliability and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Support customer-facing initiatives including virtual commissioning, design validation, technical proposals, and pilot projects.
• Manage resources, tooling investments, and external technology partners.
• Help embed simulation-driven engineering across the organisation through training, best practices, and process improvements.

• Background in industrial automation, control systems, PLCs, embedded controls, or related technologies.
• Experience with simulation environments, digital twins, model-based testing, or advanced validation methodologies.
• Previous experience leading engineering teams, projects, or validation programmes.
• Experience building automated testing frameworks and integrating validation into CI/CD workflows.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work across technical and non-technical teams.
• Comfortable engaging with customers, stakeholders, and leadership teams.

• Experience supporting technical sales, customer pilots, or proof-of-concept projects.
• Knowledge of telemetry, analytics, root cause analysis, and performance monitoring.
• Experience with in industrial automation, manufacturing, material handling, logistics, or other complex engineered systems.

This is an opportunity to lead a high-impact function at the intersection of automation, simulation, software quality, and digital twin technology, helping shape the future of how complex control systems are designed, tested, and deployed.