Job Description:

Electrical Controls & Automation Engineer
Location: Ashby-de-la-Zouch
Salary: £60,000 per annum
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, days-based
Working Arrangement: Site-based, with some flexibility required
The Company
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Electrical Controls & Automation Engineer to join a well-established food manufacturing business operating within a fast-paced production environment.
The company places a strong emphasis on engineering excellence, continuous improvement and equipment reliability. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically minded engineer to play a key role in improving manufacturing performance, delivering automation projects and supporting the development of the wider Engineering team.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Electrical Controls & Automation Engineer with a strong background in electrical engineering, controls and instrumentation.
This is a hands-on technical position where you will be responsible for diagnosing and resolving complex electrical, controls and automation issues across the site. You will also contribute to engineering improvement initiatives, deliver automation projects and help ensure manufacturing equipment remains safe, reliable and efficient.
Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing and Technical teams, you will use your PLC knowledge, electrical schematics and control system diagnostic skills to identify root causes, prevent recurring faults and drive long-term improvements.
The successful candidate will be confident working independently on complex technical challenges while also providing guidance and support to other engineers.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist electrical, controls, instrumentation and automation support across the manufacturing site.
• Lead complex fault-finding activities using PLC software, electrical schematics and control system diagnostics to identify root causes and prevent repeat failures.
• Identify and implement improvements to equipment reliability, performance, maintainability and automation standards.
• Deliver automation and controls projects from initial concept through to installation, testing and commissioning.
• Work collaboratively with internal engineering teams, external suppliers, OEMs and contractors to deliver technical improvements.
• Provide coaching and technical guidance to other engineers, helping to develop their electrical, PLC and automation fault-finding capabilities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing efficiency, equipment availability and operational performance.
• Ensure engineering activities are carried out safely and in accordance with relevant standards and procedures.

Candidate Requirements
To be considered for this opportunity, you should have:

• Electrical Engineering Qualification: NVQ Level 3, Advanced Apprenticeship or an equivalent electrical engineering qualification.
• Relevant Experience: Strong practical experience in an electrical, controls or automation engineering role within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Fault-Finding Expertise: Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex electrical, instrumentation, controls and automation issues.
• PLC Knowledge: Experience working with Siemens PLCs and using PLC software as a diagnostic tool. Knowledge of Siemens TIA Portal would be advantageous.
• Controls and Instrumentation: Experience with industrial control systems, sensors, drives, HMIs, industrial networks and automated production equipment.
• Project Delivery: Experience supporting or delivering automation and engineering improvement projects, including commissioning activities.
• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to improving equipment reliability, performance and engineering standards.
• Communication and Teamwork: The ability to work effectively with colleagues across different departments and provide technical support and coaching to other engineers.

Salary and Benefits
The successful candidate will receive a competitive package, including:

• £60,000 annual salary.
• Annual bonus scheme.
• Healthcare benefits, including a health cash plan, private healthcare and access to digital GP services.
• Pension scheme with employer contributions matched up to 7% of salary.
• 25 days' annual leave, with the option to purchase additional holidays.
• Access to a range of employee benefits, discounts and wellbeing resources.

The Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Electrical Controls & Automation Engineer to join a progressive manufacturing business, take ownership of complex technical challenges and make a meaningful contribution to automation, reliability and continuous improvement across the site.