Controls Engineer (Manufacturing Automation / OT)

Controls Engineer (Manufacturing Automation / OT)

Location: Southwest England (On-site Requirement)
Contract Outside IR35

Overview

A leading manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support automation systems, manufacturing equipment, and operational technology initiatives within a highly automated production environment.

This role will play an important part in maintaining and enhancing manufacturing systems, improving equipment reliability, and supporting ongoing automation projects. The successful candidate will work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Production, and Operational Technology teams to ensure production systems remain reliable, secure, and fit for future growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and develop PLC-controlled manufacturing systems.
• Deliver upgrades and enhancements to HMI platforms and operator interfaces.
• Troubleshoot automation, controls, and equipment-related issues in live production environments.
• Investigate recurring faults and drive root cause analysis activities.
• Support continuous improvement and automation initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Work with internal engineering teams and external vendors on plant upgrades and system improvements.
• Participate in equipment commissioning, validation, and deployment activities.
• Support Operational Technology and Industry 4.0 initiatives where required.
• Assist with lifecycle management of plant automation and controls infrastructure.
• Ensure systems comply with operational, safety, and quality requirements.

Required Experience

• Demonstrable Controls Engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of:
• PLC programming and troubleshooting
• HMI platforms and upgrades
• Industrial automation systems
• Manufacturing control systems
• Experience supporting production equipment and manufacturing operations.
• Excellent fault-finding and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Ability to work across Operations, Manufacturing, Maintenance, and Engineering teams.

Preferred Experience

• Operational Technology (OT) environments.
• Manufacturing Information Systems (MIS).
• SCADA systems.
• Industrial networking and communications protocols.
• Industry 4.0, Smart Factory, or Digital Manufacturing initiatives.
• Regulated manufacturing environments such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing.