Electrical Controls & Automation Engineer

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced Electrical Controls & Automation Engineer to join our Ashby site. This hands‑on role requires a strong electrical, controls and instrumentation background, solving complex engineering problems and improving equipment reliability. As a key technical specialist you will support diagnosis and resolution of electrical, controls and automation issues, develop engineering capability and work closely with Manufacturing and Technical colleagues to ensure safe, reliable, future‑fit systems.

Key responsibilities

• Provide specialist EC&I support by leading diagnosis and resolution of complex electrical, controls, instrumentation and automation issues across the site.
• Lead automation fault finding using PLC software, electrical schematics and control system diagnostics to identify root causes and prevent repeat failures.
• Improve equipment reliability by identifying opportunities to enhance performance, maintainability and automation standards.
• Deliver automation projects from concept through commissioning, collaborating with colleagues, suppliers, OEMs and contractors.
• Develop engineering capability through coaching and technical support, helping engineers build electrical, PLC and automation fault‑finding skills.

Required profile

• Electrical engineering expertise via NVQ Level 3, Advanced Apprenticeship or equivalent, with strong practical experience in an electrical, controls or automation role.
• Proven fault‑finding capability diagnosing electrical, controls, instrumentation and automation issues in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• PLC and automation knowledge including Siemens PLCs; experience using PLC software as a diagnostic tool; Siemens TIA Portal experience advantageous.
• Controls and instrumentation experience with industrial control systems, sensors, drives, HMIs, industrial networks and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Continuous improvement and project experience delivering automation improvements, supporting equipment reliability and coaching others.

Required skills

• PLC
• Siemens PLCs
• Siemens TIA Portal
• Electrical schematics
• Control system diagnostics
• Instrumentation
• Sensors, drives, HMIs
• Industrial networks

What we offer

• Competitive annual salary
• Annual bonus scheme with strong over‑achievement track record
• Comprehensive healthcare support including Medicash Health Cash Plan, private healthcare and specialist services
• KP Pension Plan with contribution matching up to 7% of salary
• 25 days holiday plus the option to buy more
• KP4ME platform for benefits, discounts and wellbeing tools