Job Title: Automation Controls Engineer – Mid-Level
Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
Reports to: Senior Controls Engineer / Managing Director
Type: Full-time
Essential: Full UK Driver’s Licence
Salary: Depending on experience
About RDM Group
RDM Controls, part of RDM Group, designs and manufactures high-quality automation and control systems for dust and fume extraction and machine automation applications.
Our work ranges from simple D.O.L starters to highly customised, multi-functional automated solutions for a variety of industrial environments. We specialise in dust extraction systems, energy-efficient systems, automation control systems and turnkey control panel builds, with a strong emphasis on client support and service.
We are currently looking to expand our customer base and broaden the automation sectors that we specialise in.
Position Summary
We are looking for an experienced Mid-Level Automation Controls Engineer to join our Controls Team.
This is not an entry-level or graduate position. We are looking for someone who already has practical experience in industrial automation and control systems and is capable of taking responsibility for the majority of their work with limited supervision.
The successful candidate will have a good working knowledge of industrial control systems, electrical control panel design and build, electrical schematics, PLC and/or relay logic, and fault-finding. You should be comfortable applying your existing knowledge to real-world projects rather than requiring training in the fundamentals of the role.
Training will be provided on RDM's systems, processes, standards and specific way of working.You will be involved in the full project lifecycle, including costing, schematic design, PLC and/or relay logic development, control panel layout, testing, commissioning, fault-finding and client communication.
The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team is essential. You will collaborate closely with senior engineers, panel builders and customer contacts to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions.
Please Read Before Applying
This position is intended for an experienced, mid-level candidate.
Please only apply if you have:
- A minimum of 2 years' relevant professional experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, electrical controls or a closely related role.
- Practical experience working with industrial control systems and electrical control panels.
- The ability to understand electrical schematics and control philosophies and apply them to real-world projects.
- Experience with the core responsibilities of the role and the ability to work independently on routine projects and tasks.
- Practical fault-finding and diagnostic experience.
- A good understanding of industrial electrical components and control systems.
This position is not suitable for recent graduates, candidates seeking their first role in the industry, or applicants whose experience is primarily academic, university-based or limited to work placements/apprenticeships without subsequent relevant professional experience.
We are happy to provide training on our specific products, systems, software, processes and company standards. However, candidates should already possess the fundamental technical knowledge and practical experience required to perform the role.
Key Responsibilities
- Estimate project costs and prepare technical proposals based on customer specifications.
- Design control philosophies and electrical schematics using both relay-based logic and PLC programming, depending on project scope.
- Use CAD-based software to plan and design physical control panel layouts, wiring diagrams and BOMs.
- Develop and support PLC and HMI programming tasks (e.g. Siemens) for control and monitoring applications.
- Work with internal panel build teams to ensure control panels are manufactured accurately and meet all relevant standards.
- Conduct in-house testing and verification of control systems prior to dispatch.
- Carry out site commissioning, testing and troubleshooting, ensuring systems function correctly and meet client requirements.
- Maintain accurate technical documentation and contribute to internal design standards and process improvements.
- Communicate effectively with customers, engineers and installers to ensure a smooth delivery and support process.
- Take ownership of assigned projects and tasks, managing priorities and deadlines with an appropriate level of independence.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Minimum 2 years' relevant professional experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, electrical controls or a closely related field.
- Qualifications in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline (e.g. HNC/HND, degree or recognised apprenticeship).
- Practical experience building, assembling, designing or commissioning industrial automation control systems.
- A solid understanding of control panel layouts, wiring and industrial electrical components.
- Experience with relay logic and PLC programming (ladder logic and/or structured text).
- Competency in electrical schematic and panel layout design using CAD tools.
- Working knowledge of industrial components including contactors, relays, overloads, drives, sensors and safety devices.
- Strong fault-finding and diagnostic skills, with a hands-on and practical approach to problem-solving.
- The ability to interpret customer requirements and translate them into practical control solutions.
- Customer-service focused, with the ability to work professionally and responsively with client teams.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical designs clearly to panel builders, engineers and non-technical clients.
- Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage workload across multiple live projects.
- A strong eye for detail and quality, ensuring systems are built and documented to a high standard.
- The confidence and capability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
- Willingness to travel to client sites for commissioning and technical support.
Desirable Skills
- Experience with Siemens, Omron or similar PLC/HMI platforms.
- Knowledge of VSD/inverter drive control.
- Experience with SeeCAD Electrical, EPLAN or similar electrical CAD tools.
- Understanding of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus and Profinet.
- Experience with industrial commissioning and on-site fault-finding.
What We Offer
- Full involvement in the delivery of real-world industrial automation systems.
- Exposure to varied projects across multiple industries.
- Ongoing technical development and career growth opportunities.
- Training and support on RDM's systems, processes and standards.
- Mentoring and technical support from Senior Engineers.
- A clear career pathway for candidates looking to progress within the Controls Team.
Apply Now
If you’re a hands-on problem solver with a passion for control systems and want to work on meaningful automation projects, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a brief cover letter to: [email protected]
Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
