Controls & Automation Engineer

Job Overview:Our client, a leading manufacturer of high-performance plastic and rubber extrusion lines are looking for a skilled Controls & Automation Engineer to join their team.

Benefits:

* Company vehicle

* Laptop & phone

* Medical insurance

* Employer matched pension scheme

* Significant career development opportunities

* Opportunity for global travel

Remit:

* As Controls & Automation Engineer you will play a key leadership role in the UK Service Centre operations. This is a senior-level position with a clear progression path to becoming Service Centre Manager.

* This opportunity is ideal for an experienced technician or engineer with controls experience, leadership ambition and a hands-on bias towards solving complex technical challenges. The successful candidate will contribute to both operational performance and technical innovation across the customer base and product lines, with regular involvement in real-world commissions, diagnostics and system upgrades.

Responsibilities:

* Lead day-to-day Service Centre operations, ensuring efficient and responsive customer service.

* Provide senior-level technical support for legacy and modern control systems, including Gloucester Engineering equipment and other heritage brands.

* Troubleshoot and resolve complex control and electrical issues for customer projects.

* Lead in the specification and implementation of PLCs, HMIs, and automation technologies for system upgrades, retrofits, and overhauls.

* Support the transition from analogue to digital control platforms.

* Contribute to the design and development of new automation and control solutions for extrusion and plastic processing machinery.

* Modify standard control panels and electrical systems to meet customer-specific requirements.

* Deliver expert advice and processing support to customers, both remotely and on-site.

* Produce and maintain electrical CAD drawings for current and future projects.

* Coordinate with internal sales and production teams to ensure timely, high-quality service delivery.

* Promote aftermarket offerings, including spare parts, upgrades, and service agreements.

* Conduct customer visits for commissioning, diagnostics, and technical support.

Experience Requirements:

* Strong experience in industrial electrical engineering and control systems.

* Background in plastics manufacturing environments such as Pipe & Profile, Blown Film, Cast Film, Extrusion Coating, or Foam.

* Proficiency in Ladder Logic, IEC 61131 programming, and HMI/SCADA configuration (e.g., WinCC, Wonderware, Proface, Red Lion).

* Familiarity with PLC platforms such as Siemens, Allen Bradley, and Proface.

* Knowledge of networking protocols, including Ethernet/IP and ProfiNet.

* Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive, hands-on bias toward practical fieldwork and technical delivery.

* Confident communicator with strong customer service orientation.

* Willingness to travel for customer support and commissioning (UK and International).

* Competence with electrical CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical).

Key Words: “Service Technician”, “Controls & Automation Engineer”, “Controls Engineer”, “Automation Engineer”, “Service Engineer”, “Field Service Engineer”, “Installation Engineer”, “Maintenance Engineer”, “Electrical Engineer”,” “Multi-Skilled Maintenance”, “Robots” “Plastics”, Ancillaries, “Materials Handling”, Automation, Extrusion “PLC programming”

FOOTER

Due to the sheer volume of applications we receive we will only contact successful applications that meet the requirements of our client job brief. Therefore, if you have not heard from us within 10 working days, please deem your application as unsuccessful.

For all UK job positions work seekers must be eligible to work and live in the UK

Sierra 57 Consult –

Technical Engineering & Manufacturing Recruitment Specialist – Plastics, Packaging & Precision Engineering

“Sierra 57 Consult Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. In compliance with the new regulations (April 2004) in place under the Employment Agencies Act, Sierra 57 Consult will require proof of identification. A current copy of a passport, driving license, ID card or NI card will be required as part of the registration process. Email copies are acceptable”.

Sierra 57 Consult has been designed to project manage the mechanics of all aspects concerning the recruitment processes, implementing a simple and succinct method for targeting and introducing bona fide and skilled candidates to reputable clients and potential employers.

If this advertised position does not interest you, please consider our other opportunities by sending your updated CV outlining your achievements and your personal requisites, i.e. salary, location, job roles. Please just Google “Sierra 57” & register with us
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed