Control Engineer

Job Description

We are looking for a Multi Skilled Maintenance Engineer (Electrically Bias) at our Dartmouth Way Site in Leeds, working 40 hours per week, rotating shift, 6 am - 2 pm / 2 pm - 10 pm, Monday-Friday. .

As the site’s dedicated Control Engineer, responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and future-proofing a wide range of control systems and automation hardware. The role is critical to ensuring the continuous operation and resilience of production lines, often involving legacy systems and complex integrations.

• KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• PLC & HMI Management Maintain and back up approximately 60 PLCs from various manufacturers including Rockwell, Omron, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Elau, and Eaton. Support and manage around 50 HMI screens across multiple platforms and vendors. Ensure all systems are backed up and recoverable in the event of failure.
• Hardware Oversight Oversee and maintain 70+ control components including: Inverters Servo controllers Profibus systems Ethernet controllers Ensure full understanding of their operation, communication protocols, and integration.
• Obsolescence Management Proactively identify and log obsolete parts critical to production. Source rare or discontinued components—often via platforms like eBay—to maintain operational continuity.
• Software & Connectivity Utilize over 25 specialized software packages (see list below) to interface with and program hardware. Maintain a Collection of 40+ cables and adaptors (valued at ~£5,500) for system connectivity. Build, program, and test PLC hardware on the bench before deployment.
• IT & System Support Manage system laptops and the dedicated printer laptop used for label printing. Perform repairs on X-ray computer systems, including custom screen replacements.
• Equipment Auditing Audit all new equipment upon arrival: Assess components fitted Check for available spares Identify any obsolete parts
• Operational Support Review shift reports to identify and address control-related issues. Respond to and resolve control system faults across all shifts. Support unit managers with line improvement projects. Provide shift cover and assist with complex engineering problems. Produce electrical CAD drawings for all modifications and project work.

Software expertise

Category

Software

Rockwell

RSLogix 5000, RSLogix 500, RSNetWorx for DeviceNet, Drive Explorer, RSLinks

Siemens

Simatic Manager (S7), MicroWin, Step 5

Omron

CX-Programmer, NB-Designer, NT-Series Support Tool, CX-Designer, CX-Drive

Other PLCs

GX Developer (Mitsubishi), TwidoSuite (Telemecanique), Koyo PLC Program, Elau Software, SST Profibus Config

Drives & Motion

Panaterm (Panasonic), SoMove (Schneider), Global Drive Control (Lenze)

HMI & Configuration

PanelBuilder 32, Omron CX-Designer, NTST, NB-Designer

Design & Documentation

QElectro Tech (Electrical Cad)

Additionally

• To ensure that all work is carried out in a safe manner in compliance with the company’s Health & Safety Policy and Procedures and to work safely with other employees.
• To protect the health, safety and welfare of yourself and others at all times through demonstrating the lead for H&S on site.
• To take an active role in continuously developing your skills and knowledge through self-development activities and /or through attending Company organised training and development opportunities.
• To ensure that the Company is professionally represented at all times, both inside and outside the business.
• To respond to ad hoc requests and/or take an active role in specific projects as directed by your line manager.
• To undertake any other reasonable duties as may from time to time be required by the Company.
• Ensure brand integrity is maintained at all times according to business policies and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR STAFF/EQUIPMENT/BUDGET

Interaction with site contractors

• Engineering Budget Support
• Engineering KPIs
• KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/KEY RESULT AREAS

Automation System Uptime (%)

Measures reliability of PLCs, HMIs, drives, and networks across all production lines.

• Automation‑Related Downtime (hrs/month)

Tracks how effectively control issues are prevented and resolved.

• Backup & Documentation Compliance (%)

Percentage of PLC/HMI backups, CAD drawings, and version records kept fully up to date.

• Obsolescence & Critical Spares Coverage (%)

Measures how well obsolete or high‑risk components are identified and protected with spares.

• Fault Response & Resolution Time (MTTD/MTTR)

Speed of diagnosing and fixing control system faults across shifts

• Key Strengths

Self-managed: Operate independently with minimal supervision.

• Problem-solver: Resolve complex issues that others cannot.
• Cost-saver: Reduce downtime and procurement costs through proactive sourcing and preparation.
• Knowledge base: Maintain expertise in legacy and modern systems alike.

Please note: all details are provided for guidance only and do not necessarily limit the responsibilities and accountabilities of the job.

Working hours: Monday to Friday 6am – 2pm (40hrs per week) with some flexibility to come in early some days to pick up with nightshift.

This role may require a reasonable amount of overtime, including occasional weekend work, to meet business needs.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

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