Controls Engineer – Manufacturing Automation & OT

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Controls Engineer to join a leading manufacturing organisation in Southwest England. The role focuses on supporting and advancing PLC‑controlled systems, HMI platforms, and broader Operational Technology initiatives within a highly automated production environment.

Key responsibilities

• Support and develop PLC‑controlled manufacturing systems.
• Deliver upgrades and enhancements to HMI platforms and operator interfaces.
• Troubleshoot automation, controls, and equipment issues in live production.
• Investigate recurring faults and lead root‑cause analysis activities.
• Drive continuous improvement and automation projects across manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams and external vendors on plant upgrades.
• Participate in equipment commissioning, validation, and deployment.
• Support Operational Technology and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
• Assist with lifecycle management of plant automation and controls infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with operational, safety, and quality standards.

Required profile

• Proven Controls Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience with HMI platforms, upgrades, and industrial automation systems.
• Background supporting manufacturing control systems and production equipment.
• Excellent fault‑finding and root‑cause analysis capabilities.
• Ability to work across Operations, Manufacturing, Maintenance, and Engineering teams.

Required skills

• PLC programming
• HMI platforms
• Industrial automation systems
• Manufacturing control systems
• SCADA systems
• Industrial networking and communications protocols
• Industry 4.0 / Smart Factory technologies