Controls Engineer – Manufacturing Automation – Fixed Term Contract

Job Title: Controls Engineer – Manufacturing Automation

Salary: £42,000–£57,000 depending on skills demonstrated

Contract: Fixed Term until 31st December 2027

Location: Desford, Leicestershire

Overview

The role involves operating within a Manufacturing Engineering team to specify, integrate, and roll out PLC‑based control solutions across production lines, supporting capital investment and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Identify and support implementation of automation and robotics solutions, including PLC‑based control systems, to improve safety, quality, efficiency and cost.
• Configure, standardise and support Siemens and Mitsubishi PLC and HMI systems, diagnosing production issues and acting as escalation point for complex controls challenges.
• Support introduction of new manufacturing technologies and equipment, contributing to controls‑related specifications and supporting installation, FAT, SAT and commissioning activities.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles and improvement tools to support technology, efficiency and quality initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, facilities and suppliers to support automation and improvement activities through effective production handover.
• Ensure controls and automation solutions align with manufacturing safety, regulatory and engineering requirements.
• Coach and mentor others in applying standardised processes and workflows, providing control support for manufacturing technology implementations.

Qualifications

Basic Understanding

• Collaborative Automation: Using an understanding of automation and robotics to support manufacturing activities and introduce solutions safely.

Working Knowledge

• Manufacturing Engineering: Specify, install, commission and support equipment and control systems meeting engineering, safety and quality standards.
• Lean Manufacturing: Drive efficiency and waste reduction using lean principles and basic improvement tools.
• Manufacturing Processes: Support production planning, execution and monitoring, integrating new technologies and process changes.

What You May Have

• Experience supporting assembly, test and finishing operations, understanding interaction between processes, equipment and control systems.
• Experience integrating industrial automation technologies, including PLC‑controlled systems, robotics, AGVs or AMR solutions.
• Structured problem‑solving experience using 8D, 5‑Why or Fishbone analysis.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation, drawings and system data, including working within PLM systems such as Siemens Teamcenter.

Travel

Up to 5% UK travel may be required, including visits to other facilities as needed.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with optional additional holiday purchase.
• 10% bonus.
• Contributory pension scheme – Caterpillar will double employee contribution up to 10%.
• Contributory share scheme – Caterpillar will match 50% of employee contribution.
• Employee Support Networks offering support, connection and sense of community.
• Optional flexible benefits including private health and dental plans, EV car lease etc.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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