Lead Controls Engineer

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Lead Controls Engineer to head a team responsible for designing, developing and delivering advanced control systems for industrial applications. Reporting to the Controls Engineering Manager, you will provide both technical and people leadership, ensuring solutions meet safety, quality and schedule requirements while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering groups.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a team of Controls Engineers.
• Oversee design and development of PLC and HMI control software.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to engineering standards.
• Review and approve technical solutions and engineering documentation.
• Collaborate with Mechanical, Electrical, Software and Manufacturing teams to deliver integrated control solutions.
• Lead software testing, validation and continuous improvement activities.
• Provide expert technical support for complex engineering issues.
• Support customer projects and undertake occasional site visits.

Required profile

• HND, Degree or equivalent in Controls Engineering, Software Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams or acting as a senior technical lead.
• Strong experience developing industrial PLC and HMI control systems.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret P&ID drawings and electrical schematics.

Required skills

• PLC programming
• HMI development
• Ladder Logic
• Structured Text
• Function Blocks
• Data Structures
• Software configuration management
• Technical documentation
• Modbus TCP
• EtherCAT
• PID control loops
• HAZOP
• FMEA

What we offer

• Up to 7.5% annual bonus
• Up to 8% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance and health cash plan
• Wellbeing programme and discounted gym memberships
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Free parking and subsidised canteen