Develop a deep understanding of existing supplier-delivered control systems.
Lead next-generation design, taking ownership of controls architecture, PLC logic and HMI evolution.
Define and standardise control architectures to support modular, repeatable deployment.
Ultimately hold technical ownership of control system architecture across the full product portfolio.
Review and assess existing hardware and instrumentation selections and system designs.
Lead next-generation design, including cost optimisation and standardisation of key components.
Own hardware and instrumentation strategy, ensuring alignment with control philosophy and mechanical systems.
Define component specifications, sizing approaches, and system-level design principles.
Establish data acquisition and analysis approaches to support commissioning, validation, and troubleshooting.
Embed data-driven engineering practices to generate insights into performance, reliability, and customer ROI.
Act as the technical interface to suppliers, providing direction and challenging on key topics.
Shape and expand the supplier ecosystem to improve quality, cost, and scalability.
Transition from supplier-led development toward a hybrid and then primarily in-house capability, with suppliers used strategically for scale and specialisation.
Act as the primary controls expert during field deployments, commissioning, and early-stage product stabilisation.
Lead internal prototyping and development activities to enable faster iteration and validation.
Establish standards, documentation, and engineering best practices for controls and automation.
Play a key role in cross-disciplinary system design, working across controls and data domains.
Build and grow internal capability, including mentoring and potential team development.
Requirements
8 or more years experience in industrial automation, process control systems, or mechatronics engineering
Practical experience with PLC-based control systems (e.g. Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, or similar)
Experience writing, reviewing and modifying existing PLC code and control logic in IEC 61131-3, Codesys etc
Knowledge of control system architecture and control philosophy development
Hands-on experience with industrial systems, installations, or commissioning
Strong understanding of industrial instrumentation and control (sensors, actuators, motors, drives, industry 4.0)
Experience working with external suppliers or contractors in a technical capacity
Ability to analyse operational data to support engineering decisions
Comfortable working in a multidisciplinary team alongside mechanical engineers
Experience with HMI or SCADA systems
Experience with data analysis tools (e.g. Python, or similar) and dashboarding
Familiarity with industrial communication protocols
Experience specifying or reviewing control system hardware and panel designs
Exposure to functional safety concepts and safe-state design
Knowledge of industrial electrical systems (e.g. three-phase equipment)
Degree in Control Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Integrated Engineering, or a related discipline.
Tech Stack
Python
Benefits
Flexible working environment, with core hours of 09:30-16:00 and hybrid working available, based at our central Bristol HQ
Annual Leave – 26 days + public holidays + entitlement will increase with length of service, 1 day for every year up to 32 days pa
1 extra day of leave to celebrate you on your birthday
Ability to swap up to 3 Bank Holidays in a year for days of cultural or religious significance
Enhanced family leave (maternity & paternity)
13 weeks full pay (maternity) or 4 weeks full pay (paternity)
available for those who have worked continuously for 26 weeks by the end of the Qualifying Week
Sick Pay
Short Term Sickness is full pay for 10 days in any 12-month rolling period / Long Term Sickness is full pay for any instance of a consecutive period of sickness longer than a week (7 consecutive days) up to 13 weeks.
Pension scheme (Aviva) – 5% employer contribution
Private Medical Insurance (BUPA) – you and your family (Level 1 cover)
Medical Cash Plan (SimplyHealth)
you and your family (Level 1 cover)
Critical Illness Cover (Zurich)
after 13 weeks of Illness 75% of wages paid up to 5 years
Dental Plan (BUPA) – you and your family (Level 1 cover)
Life Assurance (Zurich)
one-off payment of 2 times your annual salary to next of kin
Virtual GP
Employee Assistance Programme
Onsite kitchen, dining, breakout areas & healthy snacks
Monthly lunch clubs
Regular team events and parties
On-site parking for bicycles and cars
Cycle to work scheme
Ethical discounts through Lumina
Training & Development support incl. 5% of contractual hours used for self-development