Posted 12 August, 2026
Senior Controls & Automation Engineer
Winsearch
Chester, ENG, GB
Full Time
Job Description
Senior Controls & Automation EngineerSalary: Up to £60,000 DOELocation: Cheshire – Commutable from Warrington, Northwich, CreweHours: Monday – Friday, 35-hour working weekThe Opportunity:A manufacturing business undergoing a major modernisation programme is seeking a Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to lead the development, standardisation and future roadmap of machine control systems. This role acts as the technical authority for controls, motion, automation and machine connectivity, supporting the transition from Allen Bradley to Siemens platforms and driving innovation across increasingly sophisticated machinery and automated handling systems.The Role:Reporting to the Engineering Manager, this position combines hands-on controls engineering with strategic input, project support and mentoring responsibilities. You will define controls architecture, lead the Siemens migration, develop advanced motion applications and support compliance, commissioning and customer acceptance activities.Key Responsibilities:Define and maintain the controls and automation architecture roadmapLead the transition from Allen Bradley to Siemens (TIA Portal / S7-1500)Establish coding standards, controls structures and engineering best practiceDesign and develop PLC control systems, motion control and servo applicationsConfigure and commission SINAMICS drives, safety systems and WinCC HMI/SCADADevelop diagnostics, predictive maintenance and machine connectivity featuresLead automation and handling system development (robots, gantries, conveyors, integrated cells)Integrate third-party automation equipment and industrial communication networks (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA, Modbus)Support CE/UKCA compliance, functional safety and cyber security requirementsParticipate in risk assessments, validation and customer acceptance testingProvide technical leadership, mentoring and guidance to junior engineersSupport commissioning, FAT/SAT and complex troubleshootingThe Person:Strong Siemens TIA Portal experience (S7-1500, SINAMICS, WinCC)Significant PLC programming experience across complex machineryAdvanced motion control experience (servo, multi-axis, interpolation, synchronisation)Experience with automated handling systems and integrated production cellsKnowledge of industrial networks and machine connectivityUnderstanding of CE/UKCA, functional safety and compliance standardsConfident leading technical direction and mentoring engineersStrong communication skills and comfortable engaging with customersKeywords:Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Siemens TIA Portal, S7, Motion Control, Drives, PLC Programming, Machine Automation, Industrial Controls, Electrical Controls Engineer, Commissioning Engineer, Continuous Improvement, Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics, SCADA, HMI,ApplyTo apply or discuss the role in more detail, please contact:Ryan Taylor Proman UK 0161 746 8811INDWINOur clients and their customers come from diverse backgrounds and so do we. We hire our people from various walks of life, each of whom make our company stronger with their talent, uniqueness, and expertise. This is what makes our company special; if you want to help us grow and take this ethos to our clients, then we cannot wait to collaborate with you!The UK has now left the European Union. Any EU, EEA or Swiss citizens living in the UK that wish to remain in the UK post Brexit need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. Although the closing date for applications was 30th Jun 2021, if you have not yet applied but believe that you would qualify under the EU Settlement Scheme, the Home Office have confirmed that they will consider late applications. For further information please see https://Many ThanksTPBN1_UKTJ
