Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer - Cheshire (Hybrid working)

An exciting opportunity has arisen with an innovative and fast-growing automation solutions provider, who are looking to appoint a Controls Engineer to play a key role in the design, development and delivery of advanced automation systems based from their offices in Cheshire.

Operating within the material handling and logistics automation sector, this specialist engineering business delivers bespoke automation solutions for a wide range of customers and industries.

With a collaborative engineering environment and a strong focus on technical excellence, the company offers the opportunity to work across the full project lifecycle — from concept and design through to commissioning, customer handover and ongoing support.

As a Controls Engineer, you will be responsible for the specification, design and implementation of complete PLC-based control systems for automation projects.

This role combines electrical design, PLC/HMI software development, commissioning and technical customer support, making it ideal for an engineer who enjoys both hands-on delivery and technical problem-solving.

Key responsibilities for the Controls Engineer based in Cheshire include:

• Design and develop complete PLC-based control systems for automation projects.


• Develop PLC and HMI software solutions, primarily using Siemens and Rockwell platforms.


• Design electrical control panels and electrical installations, including calculations and supporting documentation.


• Carry out testing, fault finding, rectification and commissioning activities on customer sites.


• Support and monitor on-site installation activities for automation systems.


• Produce internal and customer-facing technical documentation including URS, FDS, HMI/SCADA specifications and electrical specifications.


• Contribute to the development and standardisation of PLC software, HMI systems, control architectures and electrical hardware.


• Deliver customer training and support successful system handovers.


• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure delivery of best-in-class control system solutions.


• Support the sales team with technical input for proposals and customer deliverables.


• Provide customer support as part of a 24/7 support rota, including remote troubleshooting and occasional site attendance.


• Ensure smooth handover of completed projects to the customer support team, including provision of “as-built” drawings and software documentation.

Key skills required for the role of Controls Engineer based in Cheshire include:

• Proven experience designing and delivering PLC-based automation control systems.


• Strong knowledge of Siemens and/or Rockwell PLC and HMI platforms (including TIA Portal, PCS7, Studio 5000)


• Experience in electrical design for industrial automation systems and control panels.


• Ability to carry out commissioning, fault finding and on-site system testing.


• Strong understanding of automation system architecture and industrial communications.


• Experience producing technical documentation and customer specifications.


• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across engineering, project and customer teams.


• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive and customer-focused approach.


• Willingness to participate in an out-of-hours support rota (1 week in 3 - primarily providing remote support)

Working environment and opportunities:

• Hybrid working with regular visits to the Cheshire office and to customer sites.


• Opportunity to work on technically advanced automation and logistics projects.


• Collaborative and supportive engineering environment with exposure to full project lifecycles.


• Opportunity to influence technical standards, software development and control system architecture.


• Varied role combining controls systems design / development, commissioning, customer interaction and technical support.

This role would suit a technically strong Controls Engineer who is passionate about automation, enjoys customer-facing project work and is looking to play a key role within a growing and innovative engineering business.