Controls Technician

We are on the lookout for a talented Controls Technician to join our Engineering team at our fast-growing manufacturing site in Runcorn, Cheshire. With significant investment driving the expansion of the site, including the installation of a state-of-the-art, high-volume panel machining line, this is a fantastic opportunity to join us at a pivotal moment and play a key role in our exciting growth journey. 

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 the company’s Controls and Automation team, supported by a group of experienced colleagues both on-site at Runcorn and across the wider manufacturing business. Experienced in high-level fault-finding and diagnostics across a range of control 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 - 7am-7pm
• Week 2 - Monday, Tuesday - 7am-7pm, Wednesday, Thursday - 7pm-7am
• Week 3 - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday - 7pm-7am
• 7 days off

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 you will be doing as a Control Technician:

• Organising automation, electrical, and PLC design projects by identifying short-term, and long-range issues; preparing timetables, cost estimates, and detailed documentation on project completion
• Develop and implement projects to drive improvement in manufacturing availability, product quality, employee safety and process efficiency.
• Develop knowledge of the manufacturing process and operating sequences of the manufacturing processes and cascade with maintenance teams.
• Develop knowledge and application of automation skills and techniques to drive improvement and cascade with maintenance teams.
• Implement plant/process development opportunities that improve Safety, Quality, Cost and Delivery.
• Coach and develop the maintenance engineering team members’ knowledge of machine control and automation systems.

What are we looking for:

• A team player who takes pride in developing their own knowledge and sharing it with others
• Motivated to take the lead on technical issues
• Ability to work alone and in a team
• Self-motivated & Safety Oriented

What do you need to qualify for the Control Technician:

• Time served Electrical Engineer, Automation / Controls apprentice or have a minimum of 3 years post qualification work experience within an FMCG environment.
• Minimum of HNC in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
• Ability to fault find and implement program modifications on a range of PLCs & HMIs, 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

Grade | 6

Hiring Manager | Callum Russell

How to Apply:

Good luck with your application. 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 as part of your application.

Please take note that this advert is a summary of the main duties and responsibilities and may be subject to change.  If you have any questions or need further support or information, please contact the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team.

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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.