Job Title: Controls Engineer
Responsible to: Manufacturing Process Innovation Engineer
Responsible for: None
Location: Onsite at manufacturing site – Sleaford, Lincolnshire
Work Times: 8:00am to 4:00pm (Monday to Friday). A degree of flexibility will be needed at peak periods.
Role Overview
SHD values its history of designing and manufacturing its own production equipment for advanced composite material manufacturing, delivering to highest calibre of customers across multiple sectors, from aerospace to motorsport, such as F1. The Controls Engineer will operate within SHD’s Engineering team, driving innovation to design new complex industrial machinery and processes as well as developing existing processes by upgrading with the latest technological advancements. This position collaborates within a team to apply advanced mechanical engineering knowledge with the integration of electrical and control systems to deliver bespoke designs to the highest standards. You will play a key role in shaping the variety and quality of SHD products, enhancing automation capability, leading problem‑solving activities, and supporting technical excellence across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Design and setup of PLC controls systems for new production machines.
Generation PLC programs for the operation using structured text (IEC 61131-3) for the function and operation of industrial machines.
Creation and setup of HMI displays on industrial machines.
Debugging and diagnosis of PLC and IO devices installed on industrial machines.
Identification of key IO devices and integration of sensors with closed loop control and datalogging.
Collaborate with other controls, electrical and mechanical engineers, located throughout all global SHD sites, through design workflows from concept design to installation to ensure seamless integration.
Provide technical guidance on control systems.
Ensure that all machine designs and installations comply with ISO 13849-1 and IEC 62061 standards.
Travel to other global sites to support with design, installation, commissioning and machine upgrade tasks.
Machine Build, Testing & Commissioning
Lead automation controls and PLC related activities for the design machine software, ensuring high-quality and timely completion.
Generate and maintain PLC’s installed globally and provide documentation for long term maintenance of commissioned equipment.
Ensure that all safety devices are correctly implemented for the relevant performance levels.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
Update PLCs with the integration of new sensors and safety devices.
Update HMIs to improve functionality and usability of industrial machinery, and relaying information to operators.
Implementation of new and cutting-edge technologies that are not standard. Work through multiple projects to take an idea from specification to reality.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Work closely with electrical and controls design engineers, mechanical and electrical fitters, maintenance engineers, project managers, and production teams.
Skills & Experience Required
Advanced electro-mechanical or software engineering qualification (Beng or equivalent)
Experience in PLC programming and communication with IO devices.
Experience in design projects: automation systems, electromechanical equipment or machinery.
Knowledge of automation, sensor integration and closed-loop control.
Knowledge of safety devices and implementing redundancies and failsafe’s into the design and system logic.
Experience with Beckhoff devices and TwinCAT advantageous.
Willingness to travel to other sites.
Personal Attributes
Strong problem‑solving ability.
Interest in automation systems.
Excellent communicator within a small team.
Committed to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
What SHD Offers
Competitive salary and benefits.
Opportunity to lead high‑complexity engineering projects.
Long‑term career growth in a globally respected engineering business.
A culture that values innovation, expertise, and professional development.
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Sleaford NG34 7BY: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Do you have advanced electro-mechanical or software engineering qualification (BEng or equivalent)
- Do you have experience in PLC programming and communication with IO devices
Work Location: In person
