Controls Engineer (Graduate / Entry-Level / Early Career)

Controls Engineer (Graduate / Entry-Level / Early Career) Location: South East Ref: ABJ6766 Salary: up to 45k + Bonus

Monday–Friday, 7:00am–3:30pm Permanent | Manufacturing | On-site

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an early-career Controls Engineer to join an established manufacturing business with a strong reputation for designing and producing specialist products for demanding industrial applications.

As an electrical engineering grad this engineering role combining controls, automation, electrical, software and machinery. As a mechatronics grad you will closely with the Maintenance and Engineering teams to improve production equipment, develop automation solutions and troubleshoot machinery.

This early career controls engineering role could suit someone with an engineering degree and some practical exposure to controls, automation, programming or electrical systems within a manufacturing environment. You will have the opportunity to work across a broad range of automation and controls projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting the development and implementation of SCADA systems, including Python-based solutions.

• Assisting with PLC programming, including Ladder Logic and Structured Control Language (SCL).

• Selecting sensors and electrical hardware for machine improvements and automation projects.

• Developing defect detection and quality systems using Python, OpenCV and Raspberry Pi.

• Wiring, installing, commissioning and fault-finding industrial machinery.

• Working across electrical, mechanical and software issues to identify and resolve problems.

• Troubleshooting variable frequency drives (VFDs), AC motors and associated control systems.

• Supporting continuous improvement and automation projects across the manufacturing operation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical, Electronic, Mechatronic, Control, Instrumentation or Software Engineering.

• Ability to understand electrical drawings and basic control-panel components.

• Understanding of 24V DC controls and 400V three-phase power.

• A practical, hands-on approach and willingness to work on machinery within a manufacturing environment.

• Some programming experience in a text-based language such as Python, C, C++, C#, Java or JavaScript.

• An understanding of basic control principles, including feedback loops, setpoints, measurement and PID control.

• A genuine interest in automation, controls and industrial technology.

Desirable Exposure through university, projects, hobbies or previous employment would all be relevant:

• PLCs – Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi or Codesys.

• SCADA/HMI – Ignition, WinCC, FactoryTalk, Node-RED or similar.

• Python, OpenCV or image processing.

• Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ESP32, robotics or electronics projects.

• Variable speed drives and AC motors.

• SQL/database experience.

• Industrial instrumentation – encoders, load cells, thermocouples, 4–20mA.

• Industrial networking – Profinet, Profibus, Modbus TCP or EtherNet/IP.

• Git, EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical.

• Experience with manufacturing or process machinery.

Benefits: 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, uniform, medical cash plan, pension scheme, bonus scheme (c5%), employee discounts, free parking

Base Salary: 35-45k (dependent on exp) + Bonus : To Apply - Please contact Alison Basson, Ref ABJ6766, on (phone number removed) or preferably email