Step into a high-impact controls engineering role where you’ll take ownership of complex automation projects from concept through to commissioning. You’ll work with multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust, safe, and reliable control systems that keep production running efficiently and safely. This is a contract position offering diverse technical challenges and the opportunity to make a visible difference on each project.

About the Role:
You will be responsible for designing, programming, and implementing industrial control systems, ensuring they meet performance, reliability, and safety objectives. Working closely with engineering, production, and maintenance teams, you will translate functional requirements into detailed control solutions. Your work will directly influence system uptime, operator safety, and overall process efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop electrical schematics and panel layouts for industrial control systems, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
• Design and specify control panels, including component selection, layout, and integration with existing plant equipment.
• Program PLCs for new and existing machinery, including logic development, sequencing, and integration with field devices.
• Configure and commission motion control and servo systems to achieve required positioning, speed, and accuracy.
• Develop SCADA and HMI applications, including graphics, alarms, trends, and user interfaces tailored to operational needs.
• Implement and validate safety-related control functions in accordance with functional safety standards.
• Perform on-site troubleshooting, diagnostics, and root cause analysis for control system faults and performance issues.
• Support commissioning and start-up activities, including testing, documentation, and operator handover.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Controls Engineer working on industrial automation or machinery control projects.
• Strong proficiency in reading and creating electrical schematics and panel designs using relevant CAD tools.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming on major platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider or similar).
• Practical expertise in motion control and servo systems, including tuning and integration.
• Demonstrated experience in SCADA and HMI development for industrial environments.
• Solid understanding of safety standards and functional safety principles applied to control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills for electrical and control-related issues.
• Ability to work independently on contract assignments, managing priorities and deadlines across multiple projects.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with networked control systems (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.).
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols and fieldbus systems.
• Exposure to integrating control systems with MES/ERP or data collection platforms.
• Experience in commissioning large or multi-line automation projects.
• Knowledge of risk assessment and safety lifecycle documentation.
• Previous experience in sectors such as automotive, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, or general manufacturing.

Qualifications:

• Degree or HND in Electrical Engineering, Control/Automation Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Relevant vocational qualifications or apprenticeships in electrical or control engineering.
• Training or certification related to functional safety (e.g., TÜV Functional Safety Engineer) preferred.
• Evidence of continued professional development in PLC, motion control, or SCADA/HMI technologies.

If you’re a controls specialist who thrives on solving complex automation challenges and delivering safe, reliable systems, this contract role offers an excellent opportunity to apply your expertise. Apply now to be considered for upcoming projects.