Control Systems Engineer

Controls Engineer - Packaging Automation

Location: South Yorkshire

Contract Length: 12 months

Working Arrangement: Fully onsite

IR35 Status: Outside IR35

Start Date: ASAP / To be confirmed

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer for a 12-month contract with aFMCG and automation business based in South Yorkshire.

The successful candidate will support controls engineering activities across packaging machinery and automated production systems, ensuring equipment operates safely, efficiently and reliably.

This is a hands-on, site-based role suited to a Controls Engineer with strong PLC programming, automation, commissioning and fault-finding experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, modify and troubleshoot PLC control systems for automation systems.

Diagnose and resolve electrical control system faults, minimising production downtime.

Support commissioning, testing and optimisation of automated machinery.

Work with HMI systems, sensors, actuators, drives and associated control hardware.

Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams and control system documentation.

Identify opportunities to improve machine performance, reliability and operational efficiency.

Collaborate with electrical, mechanical and production teams to resolve technical issues.

Ensure engineering activities comply with relevant health and safety standards and site procedures.

Produce and maintain technical documentation and engineering handover information.

Essential Skills & Experience

Proven experience as a Controls Engineer, PLC Engineer or Automation Engineer.

Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting skills.

Experience with industrial automation and machinery, ideally within packaging or manufacturing.

Good understanding of electrical control systems, instrumentation and industrial automation.

Ability to fault-find independently in a live production environment.

Experience supporting commissioning and machinery optimisation.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively with site-based teams