Controls Engineer – Automation for Food & Dairy

About the role

Lead the design, programming and commissioning of bespoke automated systems for the dairy and food sector, delivering turnkey solutions that integrate electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic engineering.

Key responsibilities

• Produce electrical designs including single‑line diagrams, panel layouts and I/O schedules, ensuring compliance with BS 7671, UKCA/CE and ATEX standards.
• Develop and programme PLC and HMI solutions using Siemens, Allen‑Bradley and B&R platforms, and integrate SCADA, industrial networks and instrumentation.
• Manage full project lifecycles from concept through FAT/SAT, risk assessments and on‑site commissioning.
• Provide ongoing support, troubleshooting, upgrades, retrofits and training for site engineers.

Required profile

• Minimum 6 years experience in controls/automation within food, beverage, FMCG or pharmaceutical environments.
• HNC/HND in Electrical or Electronic Engineering; 18th Edition qualification preferred.
• Proven ability to design bespoke automated machinery and work safely in hygienic production settings.
• UK driving licence.

Required skills

• PLC/HMI/SCADA programming (Siemens, Allen‑Bradley, B&R).
• Electrical panel design and functional safety documentation.
• CAD tools such as EPLAN, AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
• Pneumatics and hydraulics troubleshooting.
• Compliance documentation for UKCA, CE, PUWER and SIL/PL.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• R&D‑focused environment with scope to innovate.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Exposure to both new‑build projects and field installations.