Controls Engineer

Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer to design, program, and commission advanced automation and laser-based processing systems. This role is ideal for an engineer with strong PLC/HMI programming, motion control, and robotics/automation experience, looking to work on cutting-edge industrial equipment for a wide range of manufacturing applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and program PLC and HMI control systems for laser automation, robotic systems, web-handling equipment, and XYZ-cartesian motion platforms.

• Develop controls using platforms such as Omron (Delta Tau) and Beckhoff, and program in C#, structured text, and object-oriented programming (OOP).

• Commission full laser-processing systems, including PC configuration, network setup, and software installation.

• Produce detailed functional specifications, system requirements, FAT/SAT test plans, protocols, and documentation.

• Train service teams and customers on system setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

• Integrate and control a wide variety of laser sources (e.g., IPG, LaserLine, nLight, Synrad, Iradion, Coherent, Trumpf).

• Size and specify servo motors and commission servo drives (e.g., Kollmorgen, Yaskawa, Copley, Beckhoff).

• Generate motion error budgets, implement compensation algorithms, and optimise accuracy across motion systems.

• Troubleshoot customer systems, including remote diagnostics and control-system upgrades.

• Provide technical input during quoting for automation and control-system components.

• Support documentation development for manuals and installation guides.

• Communicate professionally with customers, suppliers, internal engineering teams, and field personnel.

• Travel to customer sites for complex installations, commissioning, and system upgrades.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in industrial automation, motion control, or control-system development.

• Proven experience designing and implementing HMI/PLC-based control systems.

• Strong understanding of PC configuration, including policies, permissions, networking, and system setup.

• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude with hands-on troubleshooting capability.

• Familiarity with industrial fieldbus and communication networks including EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, OPC, etc.

• Proficient with general business software (Excel, Word, Outlook).

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications (SEO Keywords Embedded)

Experience in one or more of the following is highly advantageous:

• Programming in Omron Delta Tau (Turbo PMAC / Power PMAC) or Beckhoff TwinCAT 3.

• Understanding and selecting industrial motion systems:

▪ Ball screws, preload, critical speed

▪ Rack and pinion

▪ Direct-drive motors and linear motor systems

• Experience working with industrial laser systems, laser automation, or advanced manufacturing equipment.

• Knowledge of robotic programming and integration.

• Experience with industrial automation, PLC programming, motion control engineering, or robotics engineering.