Controls Technician (home based)
18 hours ago
London
JOB TITLE: Controls Technician LOCATION: Home based (required to visit customer sites around the Midlands 1-2 days per week) INDUSTRY: Warehouse Automation / Intralogistics SALARY: £55k+ (depending on experience) WORKING HOURS: Monday to Friday, 09:00 till 17:30 (will be required to provide 24/7 out of hours support). This is a brilliant opportunity working for one of the market leaders in the Warehouse Automation / Intralogistics industry! This role is suited to someone with an Electrical background that also has some basic Controls / PLC Programming knowledge and can fault find. Experience working with control panels is also key. THE ROLE We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity with a dynamic and growing Warehouse Solutions company. We are looking for a skilled Controls Technician to play a key role in supporting the build, commissioning, and servicing of Warehouse Control Systems. As a Controls Technician, you will be involved in the build, installation, testing, and servicing of electrical systems, with a focus on control system programming and commissioning. The role will primarily involve working with Siemens TIA S7-1500 PLC platforms, and you will be integral to the delivery of automation solutions across a variety of industries, including warehouse automation, material handling systems, and conveyor systems. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES • System Build & Installation: Support the assembly, installation, and configuration of electrical systems and control panels for warehouse automation systems., • PLC Support & Commissioning: Support development and commissioning of Siemens TIA S7-1500 PLC-based control systems. Troubleshoot and optimize control system software to ensure optimal functionality., • System Testing & Servicing: Perform rigorous system testing, diagnostics, and electrical servicing of installed systems. Provide troubleshooting and corrective maintenance as needed., • Lifecycle Support: Assist with the entire project lifecycle—from the initial design phase through to installation, commissioning, and post-installation support. Ensure ongoing maintenance and reliability of systems after installation., • Collaboration: Work closely with the engineering team to ensure smooth integration of hardware and software systems. Provide technical support for customers during the commissioning phase and beyond., • Out-of-Hours Support: Deliver 24/7 first-line response to PLC/HMI control system issues, utilizing remote site access for diagnostics and troubleshooting. Provide on-site support when necessary, ensuring alignment with customer SLAs. WORK ENVIRONMENT & ROLE REQUIREMENTS • Collaborative & Hybrid Environment: This role offers a hybrid working model, providing the flexibility of working from home, with occasional in-office days for team collaboration and key meetings., • Fast-Paced & Dynamic: You'll be working in a fast-paced environment where the demands of the business can evolve quickly. You must be comfortable managing multiple priorities and adapting to shifting requirements while maintaining technical integrity., • Continuous Learning & Innovation: The role offers the opportunity to stay at the cutting edge of warehouse automation technology, with regular exposure to new tools, technologies, and methodologies., • Travel – While primarily a hybrid role, travel to customer sites or other company locations will be required for installations, commissioning, fault finding & electrical servicing., • Site Support - Provide out-of-hours PLC software. Primarily deliver remote diagnostics and troubleshooting to resolve issues and assist resident or service engineers as needed. Conduct site visits when remote resolution is not possible. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Educational Background: • NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field., • City & Guilds Initial and Periodic Electrical Inspection and Testing (2391) Regulatory Knowledge: • Sound understanding of British Standards (BS7671) for electrical installations., • Knowledge of Health and Safety regulations (e.g., HSE guidelines) and risk assessments in an industrial environment., • Familiarity with CE marking and relevant compliance for electrical and automation systems. CORE SKILLS Control Panel Build & Installation: • Proficient in the assembly, and installation of control panels for industrial automation systems., • Experience with electrical wiring and layout to BS standards, including fusing, circuit protection, and component selection. PLC Programming & Support: • Hands-on experience with PLC programming, particularly with Siemens TIA S7-1500, • Ability to download and upload programs, modify existing code, and perform software troubleshooting., • Experience with HMI configuration and communication setups for seamless integration. Commissioning & Fault Finding: • Skilled in the commissioning of automated control systems, ensuring functionality and performance meet design specifications., • Strong troubleshooting abilities for diagnosing and resolving electrical and control system faults, both in software and hardware., • Ability to interpret schematics and wiring diagrams to identify issues quickly and accurately. Electrical Servicing & Maintenance: • Proficient in the ongoing servicing and maintenance of installed systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards., • Familiarity with preventive maintenance practices and the ability to perform corrective actions in a timely manner., • Experience in system upgrades and retrofitting, including replacing outdated equipment to improve system performance. Testing & Calibration: • Knowledge of and experience with testing and calibration procedures for electrical systems, including insulation resistance testing, earth fault testing, and functional testing of control systems., • Competence in using electrical test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and insulation testers. DESIRABLE SKILLS Knowledge of Industrial Communication Protocols: • Familiarity with protocols such as PROFIBUS, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus. Troubleshooting Software: • Experience with diagnostic software tools for PLCs, HMIs, and drives. Knowledge of Functional Safety Standards: • Awareness of safety-related control systems (e.g., ISO 13849) and how it applies to automation systems. Personal Attributes: • Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem-solving., • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment., • Excellent communication skills for interacting with clients, engineers, and team members., • Proactive, self-motivated, and committed to continuous learning and development. WORKING HOURS This is a full-time permanent position. You’ll be working Monday to Friday, 09:00 till 17:30, however you will be required to provide 24/7 out of hours support. SALARY PACKAGE We’re looking to offer a salary of up to £55,000, depending on experience and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays). Your benefits package includes a company sponsored pension scheme and private medical cover.