Automation and Controls Engineer

<p>Controls & Automation Engineer</p><p><strong>Location: North London</strong></p><p><strong>Type: Full-time</strong></p><p><br><br>Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.<br></p><p>We are a fast-growing, mission-driven manufacturing business designing, building, and scaling complex products in-house. Our operations rely on modern automation, rapid new product introduction (NPI), and a strong culture of continuous improvement to support ongoing growth.</p><p>This is an environment for engineers who want real ownership, technical depth, and the opportunity to influence how manufacturing systems are designed, built, and evolved.</p><p>About the role</p><p><br></p><p>We are seeking an experienced <strong>Controls & Automation Engineer</strong> to join our Operations Engineering team. This role is central to delivering automation capability across the factory and spans the <strong>full lifecycle of control systems</strong> — from early concept and system architecture through to commissioning, production handover, and ongoing optimisation.</p><p>You will work across <strong>NPI, capital projects, and continuous improvement</strong>, collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and production teams to deliver scalable, robust solutions.</p><p><br></p><p>What you’ll be doing</p><ul><li>Own and deliver <strong>controls and automation projects end-to-end</strong>, from requirements capture through to commissioning and production handover</li><li>Specify, design, program, test, and document <strong>PLC-based control systems</strong> for new equipment, production lines, and NPI activities</li><li>Support <strong>new product introduction</strong> by developing and adapting automation solutions to meet evolving product and process requirements</li><li>Lead and contribute to <strong>continuous improvement initiatives</strong>, improving safety, reliability, performance, and maintainability of existing systems</li><li>Provide advanced hands-on support during planned upgrades, commissioning activities, and critical production issues</li><li>Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure automation solutions are practical, scalable, and aligned with manufacturing needs</li><li>Help shape automation standards, best practices, and system architectures as the factory continues to scale</li></ul><p><br></p><p>What we’re looking for</p><p>Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply if this role aligns with how you want to work and grow.</p><p>Essential experience</p><ul><li><strong>3+ years of experience programming PLC systems</strong> (IEC 61131-3) in a manufacturing or industrial environment</li><li>Strong understanding of <strong>electrical schematics, panel design, wiring practices, and electrical safety</strong></li><li>Proven ability to <strong>specify, design, and document complete control system solutions</strong>, often from high-level manufacturing or NPI requirements</li><li>Experience working in <strong>fast-paced production environments</strong>, including supporting live systems during upgrades or downtime</li><li>Confident problem-solver with a hands-on, pragmatic engineering approach</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Desirable / bonus experience</p><ul><li>Programming with <strong>Siemens TIA Portal</strong>, particularly <strong>S7-1500 PLCs</strong></li><li>Experience delivering <strong>multi-axis motion control systems</strong></li><li>Strong understanding of <strong>closed-loop motion control</strong>, including linear and rotary servo motors</li><li>Hands-on experience wiring <strong>DC control circuits and low-voltage xwzovoh AC power systems</strong> to recognised standards</li><li>Knowledge of <strong>electrical legislation, machinery safety standards, and functional safety principles</strong></li><li>Experience using <strong>CAD tools</strong> for mechanical or electromechanical design (e.g. SolidWorks)</li></ul><p>Why join us</p><ul><li><strong>High ownership role</strong> with responsibility across NPI, project delivery, and continuous improvement</li><li><strong>Visible impact</strong> — your work directly affects production capability, scalability, and product quality</li><li><strong>Fast decision-making environment</strong> with minimal bureaucracy</li><li>Strong commitment to <strong>technical and personal development</strong></li><li>Competitive salary plus <strong>equity/share options</strong>, aligning you with the long-term success of the business</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Benefits</p><ul><li>25 days holiday plus bank holidays</li><li>Competitive salary and equity participation</li><li>On-site food and refreshments</li><li>Health and wellbeing benefits, including healthcare support and cycle-to-work schemes</li><li>Regular team events and employee referral incentive</li></ul>