Controls Technician

We are looking for a Controls Technician to join the Engineering team at our Manufacturing Site in Howden, East Yorkshire.  

As a Controls Technician, you will be responsible for the development and troubleshooting of our varied controls and automation systems across our manufacturing lines. You will be a member of company’s Controls and Automation team, supported by a group of experienced colleagues both on-site at Howden and across the wider manufacturing business. Experienced in high level fault-finding and diagnostics across a range of controls equipment, you’ll be challenged with developing permanent countermeasures to problems encountered and delivering improvement projects across areas of manufacturing safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.

This is a key role within Howdens, whereby the Controls Technician will work cross-functionally. Therefore, the ability to build trusted working relationships and make decisions that will benefit all concerned is vital to the success of the role. 

Shift pattern:

• Week 1 - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - 6am-6pm
• Week 2 - Monday, Tuesday - 6am-6pm, Wednesday, Thursday - 6pm-6am
• Week 3 - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday - 6pm-6am
• 7 days off

Why join Howdens as a Controls Technician:

• Join a growing group-wide Controls and Automation team
• Get hands-on with a wide variety of controls and automation systems
• Company commitment to your career and professional development
• Involvement in the 10-year investment plan across manufacturing
• Opportunities for career growth and progression

What you will be doing as a Controls Technician:

• Prompt diagnosis of complex machine faults and control system errors, minimising machine downtime utilising all available resources.
• Design and deploy permanent countermeasures to faults encountered on manufacturing equipment

• Develop and implement projects to drive improvement in safety, quality, availability and process efficiency.
• Develop knowledge and application of automation skills and techniques to drive improvement, through both in-house and OEM training courses
• Coach and develop the Maintenance Engineering team members’ knowledge of machine control and automation systems.

What we can offer:

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
• Free daily meal at on site canteen
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays per year & opportunity to buy extra holidays.
• Share save scheme.
• Exceptional reward and recognition events

What do you need to qualify for the Electrical Controls Technician:

• Time served Electrical Engineer, Automation / Controls apprentice with a minimum of 5 years post qualification work experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of HNC in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
• Ability to fault find and implement program modifications on a range of PLCs & SCADA, Robotics
• Knowledge of parameterisation and commissioning of servo drives and inverters.
• Experience of fault-finding on industrial communication networks
• Experience of designing and modifying control circuits and program logic
• Delivery of change management activities

How to Apply:

Before you apply, please speak to your manager so that they are aware of your interest in this role. You will also need to attach a CV and Cover Letter. Please take note that this advert is a summary of the main duties and responsibilities and may be subject to change.

When you apply for this role, you will need to activate your account. Please check your email carefully to ensure that you have completed this step. We are unable to view your application if you have not activated your account. 

If you have any questions or need any further support or information, please get in touch with Lauren Hardaker, Recruitment Advisor, or any member of the recruitment team.

Grade - 6 

Line Manager – Mike Bilton 

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.