Career Area:
ManufacturingJob Description:
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Job Title: Controls Engineer - Manufacturing Automation
Salary: £42,000–£57,000 depending on skills demonstrated
Contract: Fixed Term until 31st December 2027
Location: Desford, Leicestershire
The Opportunity
Interested in working hands‑on with automation and control systems within a manufacturing engineering environment? As a Controls Engineer within manufacturing automation, you will operate within a highly skilled Manufacturing Engineering team, supporting the specification, integration and rollout of PLC‑based control solutions across production. Through close collaboration on capital investment and continuous improvement initiatives, you will help embed robust, standards‑compliant control systems that enable safe, efficient and high‑quality manufacturing operations.
As a Controls Engineer, you are accountable for, but not limited to:
Identify and support the implementation of automation and robotics solutions, including PLC‑based control systems, applying automation principles to improve manufacturing safety, quality, efficiency and cost.
Configure, standardise and support Siemens and Mitsubishi PLC and HMI systems, enabling effective diagnosis of production issues and acting as an escalation point for complex controls challenges.
Support the introduction of new manufacturing technologies and equipment by contributing to controls‑related specifications and supporting installation, FAT, SAT and commissioning activities in line with manufacturing and engineering standards.
Apply lean manufacturing principles and improvement tools to support technology, efficiency and quality initiatives, promoting standardised workflows and continuous improvement practices within production environments.
Work collaboratively with engineering, manufacturing, facilities and suppliers to support the delivery of automation and improvement activities through to effective production handover.
Ensure controls and automation solutions align with manufacturing safety, regulatory and engineering requirements, supporting structured problem solving, safe operation and reliable handover to manufacturing teams.
Coach and mentor others in applying standardised processes and workflows, while providing controls support for manufacturing technology implementations and acting as the escalation point for complex controls issues.
NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.
What You Can Demonstrate:
Level Basic Understanding
Collaborative Automation: Using an understanding of automation and robotics to support manufacturing activities, recognising benefits and limitations to help introduce solutions such as material handling, inspection or assembly automation safely and effectively.
Level Working Knowledge
Engineering – Manufacturing (MFG): Using manufacturing engineering principles to specify, install, commission and support equipment and control systems, ensuring they meet engineering, safety and quality standards and perform reliably in production.
Lean Manufacturing: Driving efficiency and waste reduction by using lean manufacturing principles and basic improvement tools to support continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.
Manufacturing Processes: Operating within defined manufacturing processes to support production planning, execution and monitoring, helping integrate new technologies and process changes smoothly into live operations.
What You May Have:
Supporting assembly, test and finishing operations by understanding how processes, equipment and control systems interact to deliver safe, consistent and efficient production.
Contributing to the integration and operation of industrial automation technologies, including PLC‑controlled systems, robotics, AGV or AMR solutions, with a focus on safe and effective use in manufacturing environments.
Using structured problem‑solving techniques such as 8D, 5‑Why or Fishbone analysis to identify root causes, support corrective actions and prevent the recurrence of manufacturing or quality issues.
Interpreting technical documentation, drawings and system data to support engineering and manufacturing activities, including working within PLM systems such as Siemens Teamcenter where required.
Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.
Just a quick heads-up: We start reviewing applications as soon as they come in, so if you’re interested, don’t wait too long! We may close the advert early if we feel we’ve got a strong pool of potentially suitable applicants.
Don’t miss out, get your application in soon!
What You Will Get
One Company, Limitless Opportunities
Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.
Careers at Caterpillar are limitless, we have opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and so much more. You can create the career you want. It’s your time and talent, make it count.
Our Sustainability Commitment
Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. It is part of who we are and what we do. We actively lead sustainable green initiatives to preserve the environment, help reduce poverty with the Caterpillar Foundation and stay involved in the communities we help build.
Benefits: 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, opportunity to buy additional holiday, 10% Bonus, contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution up to 10%, contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution, Employee Support Networks – join groups that offer support, connection, and a sense of community, optional flexible benefits including access to private health and dental care plans, EV car lease etc
Travel: Up to 5% UK travel may be required, including visits to other facilities as needed.
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Posting Dates:
June 2, 2026 - June 19, 2026Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
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