Controls Technician

We are looking for a talented Controls Technician to join our team specializing in Manufacturing for our Maintenance Department in Darlington, County Durham, United Kingdom.

This is a permanent, on-site position working 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Please note that flexibility to work shifts may be required from time to time to support business needs and operational requirements.

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:

• Maintaining and improving automated manufacturing systems, ensuring high standards of workmanship, reliability, and operational performance across the Darlington Engine Plant.


• Supporting equipment fault finding and failure analysis, diagnosing control system issues and implementing effective corrective actions to minimise downtime.


• Working with technical documentation, electrical diagrams, schematics, and operational manuals to safely perform maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, and system modifications.


• Managing and updating controls-related documentation and quality procedures, while serving as a technical resource and providing guidance to colleagues and cross-functional teams.


• Driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and throughput within manufacturing operations.


• Supporting automation and capital projects, collaborating with contractors and engineering teams to integrate new automated machinery with existing equipment and production systems.


• Applying expertise in PLCs, industrial robotics, vision systems, HMIs, and industrial networks to optimise equipment performance, reliability, and manufacturing processes.


• Collaborating closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to deliver innovative controls solutions, strengthen operational excellence, and support the plant's long-term manufacturing objectives. 

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

• Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing control systems, including PLCs, SCADA, MES interfaces, industrial networks, and data collection systems, with the ability to implement process and equipment improvements effectively.
• Experience supporting and troubleshooting connected manufacturing technologies, such as vision systems, servers, robotics, cobots, AMRs, DC tooling, and OT/IT network infrastructure to ensure reliable system performance and data flow.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, enabling you to build strong partnerships with maintenance, engineering, production teams, contractors, and IT stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, allowing you to diagnose technical issues, make timely and informed decisions, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, and operational efficiency. 

Education/ Experience:

• High school diploma, secondary education certificate, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of PLCs, IT systems, and industrial networking.
• Relevant experience in manufacturing automation, controls, or maintenance environments.

• Specialized technical training and hands-on expertise in troubleshooting and improving automated systems.

   

The compensation for this role is aligned with a local bargained or unionized agreement.