Controls Engineer

Manufacturing Controls Engineer

Key Areas of Responsibility, Duties and Deliverables Expected

Responsibilities

Controls & Automation Support

• Provide technical support for PLC, HMI, servo, motion control, and automation systems.
• Diagnose and resolve controls-related faults.
• Support maintenance teams with electrical and automation issues.
• Maintain software backups and controls documentation.
• Analyse faults and implement corrective actions.

Continuous Improvement

• Make approved software modifications.
• Support improvements to OEE, quality, reliability, throughput, and waste reduction.
• Identify opportunities to improve automation and equipment performance.

Commissioning & New Equipment Introduction

• Support installation, commissioning, and validation of new equipment.
• Assist with FAT, SAT, machine optimisation, and start-up activities.
• Ensure systems and documentation are handed over correctly.

Manufacturing Equipment Support

Provide controls engineering support for equipment including:

• Injection moulding machines.
• Conveyor systems.
• Robotic handling equipment.
• Rotary die-cutting equipment.
• Inspection systems.
• Automated material handling and palletising systems.
• Machine safety systems.

Reliability & Preventative Maintenance

• Support preventative maintenance activities.
• Implement long-term solutions to recurring equipment issues.
• Develop fault-finding guidance and training materials.
• Support risk assessments and machine safety compliance.
• Maintain CMMS records and technical reports.

Documentation & Standards

• Maintain electrical drawings, PLC documentation, network architecture diagrams and software revision records.
• Follow site change management procedures for all software and controls modifications.
• Support risk assessments, machine safety reviews and engineering governance processes.
• Generate technical reports and present progress on improvement and commissioning activities.
• Maintain and develop the department's CMMS in line with activities.

General Responsibilities & Duties

• Adhere to company quality awareness.
• Meeting Health and Safety standards, supporting others to do the same.
• Assist other areas of the business when required to carry out the same or similar tasks.
• Any other reasonable duties required.

Personal Attributes

• Strong problem-solving and fault-finding skills.
• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Calm under pressure.
• Good communicator and team player.
• Hands-on with attention to detail.
• Committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Required Education, Skills, Training and Experience

Skills

• Strong PLC fault-finding capability and ability to interpret existing PLC programs.
• Knowledge of industrial communication networks such as:
  • Ethernet/IP
  • Profinet
  • Profibus
  • Modbus
• Experience with HMI and SCADA systems.
• Proven ability to perform structured root cause analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control system drawings.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience with robotic systems and automated material handling equipment.
• Familiarity with servo motion control systems.
• Understanding of OEE, TPM and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Experience of FAT, SAT and equipment commissioning activities.
• Knowledge of machine safety standards, PUWER and CE/UKCA requirements.

Experience

Essential:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a manufacturing automation or controls engineering role.
• Experience of modifying and maintaining automated manufacturing equipment.

Desirable:

• Experience within automotive, EV battery, plastics processing or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of injection moulding processes.
• Experience supporting rotary die-cutting or web-handling processes.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND, Degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls Engineering or related discipline.

Core Values

We pride ourselves on our attitude & culture. It is essential that our Core Values are met irrespective of the job role.

TRUST

Belief and confidence in the reliability of what we do and how we behave.

OPENNESS

Acting with sincerity and transparency.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Taking ownership of our actions and behaviours and delivering our objectives.

RESPECT

Positive behaviours and actions towards others for their abilities, qualities and achievements.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

Applying an enterprising mindset to create new opportunities for change, growth for personal and/or business success.

AGILITY

Operating with a rapid and continuous approach to grow our business and our competitive advantage.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

• Set a good example of safe behaviour, particularly to new entrants and young persons.
• Work in a safe manner and observe site Health and Safety rules and procedures.
• Do not misuse or interfere with anything provided to ensure the Health and Safety of themselves and others.
• Correctly use the protective clothing and equipment provided.
• Report any safety concerns promptly to their Supervisor and take action to prevent injury if it is safe to do so.
• Report all injuries that occur at work and obtain the necessary first aid treatment.
• Help in the investigation of accidents to prevent recurrence.

Additional Information

This job description reflects the general nature and level of work assigned to the role. It does not restrict management's right to reassign duties, responsibilities or location at any time based on business needs if the work is similar, related or a logical reassignment for the position. The company will, where possible, take into account your personal circumstances.

If you feel you're the right fit for this position, please click 'Apply' to join our team!

Please note: We operate an exclusive recruitment partnership with Owen Daniels and therefore kindly request no agency contact.For any recruitment-related enquiries, please contact Owen Daniels directly.

WHS Plastics is an equal opportunity employer. Every employee has the right to work in an environment free from all forms of discrimination. We recruit, employ, retain, promote, discipline, terminate and otherwise treat all employees and job applicants based on qualifications, performance and competence. All employees and applicants will be treated in line with current legislation and will not discriminate against any of the protected characteristics.