Senior Controls & Automation Engineer
Senior Controls & Automation Engineer
Salary: Up to £60,000 DOE
Location: Cheshire – Commutable from Warrington, Northwich, Crewe
Hours: Monday – Friday, 35-hour working week
The Opportunity:
A manufacturing business undergoing a major modernisation programme is seeking a Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to lead the development, standardisation and future roadmap of machine control systems. This role acts as the technical authority for controls, motion, automation and machine connectivity, supporting the transition from Allen Bradley to Siemens platforms and driving innovation across increasingly sophisticated machinery and automated handling systems.
The Role:
Reporting to the Engineering Manager, this position combines hands-on controls engineering with strategic input, project support and mentoring responsibilities. You will define controls architecture, lead the Siemens migration, develop advanced motion applications and support compliance, commissioning and customer acceptance activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define and maintain the controls and automation architecture roadmap
- Lead the transition from Allen Bradley to Siemens (TIA Portal / S7-1500)
- Establish coding standards, controls structures and engineering best practice
- Design and develop PLC control systems, motion control and servo applications
- Configure and commission SINAMICS drives, safety systems and WinCC HMI/SCADA
- Develop diagnostics, predictive maintenance and machine connectivity features
- Lead automation and handling system development (robots, gantries, conveyors, integrated cells)
- Integrate third-party automation equipment and industrial communication networks (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA, Modbus)
- Support CE/UKCA compliance, functional safety and cyber security requirements
- Participate in risk assessments, validation and customer acceptance testing
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring and guidance to junior engineers
- Support commissioning, FAT/SAT and complex troubleshooting
The Person:
- Strong Siemens TIA Portal experience (S7-1500, SINAMICS, WinCC)
- Significant PLC programming experience across complex machinery
- Advanced motion control experience (servo, multi-axis, interpolation, synchronisation)
- Experience with automated handling systems and integrated production cells
- Knowledge of industrial networks and machine connectivity
- Understanding of CE/UKCA, functional safety and compliance standards
- Confident leading technical direction and mentoring engineers
- Strong communication skills and comfortable engaging with customers
Keywords:
Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Siemens TIA Portal, S7, Motion Control, Drives, PLC Programming, Machine Automation, Industrial Controls, Electrical Controls Engineer, Commissioning Engineer, Continuous Improvement, Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics, SCADA, HMI,
Apply
To apply or discuss the role in more detail, please contact:
Ryan Taylor Proman UK
INDWIN
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