Controls Engineer - Manufacturing Automation

Career Area: Manufacturing Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Job Title: Controls Engineer - Manufacturing Automation Salary: £42,000–£57,000 depending on skills demonstrated Contract : Full time & permanent Location: Desford, Leicestershire The Opportunity We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer within Controls to act as the controls and automation subject matter expert within Manufacturing Engineering. Supporting major capital and continuous improvement initiatives, you will lead controls integration, modernise legacy systems and deliver automation solutions that improve safety, quality and productivity. Your work will be instrumental in maintaining reliable manufacturing operations while shaping the future controls and operational technology landscape of the facility. As a Controls Engineer, you are accountable for, but not limited to: Identify, develop and implement automation and controls solutions that improve OEE, safety, quality and cost performance, taking projects from concept through to production deployment. Design, program and support Siemens and Mitsubishi PLC, HMI and SCADA systems, while driving controls standardisation, modernisation of legacy assets and alignment with operational technology architecture. Lead controls lifecycle management activities, including hardware obsolescence planning, migration strategies, cybersecurity considerations, system upgrades and long-term manufacturing supportability. Provide technical leadership and escalation support for automated manufacturing production lines, acting as the subject matter expert for controls, automation and machine safety whilst ensuring reliable operation through effective troubleshooting, root cause analysis and support to maintenance and operations teams. Lead manufacturing technology and continuous improvement projects, managing scope, budgets, resources, suppliers and timelines, while supporting equipment specification, FAT, SAT, commissioning and successful production handover. Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, facilities, engineering and external partners to develop robust manufacturing solutions using tools such as process flow mapping, PFMEA and control plans, while promoting Design for Manufacture (DFM), lean principles, standardised workflows and mentoring others in controls and manufacturing best practices. NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined. What You Can Demonstrate: Level Working Knowledge Engineering – Manufacturing (MFG): Delivers engineering solutions through the specification, integration, commissioning and support of manufacturing equipment and control systems. Applies engineering standards and technical specifications to ensure safe, reliable and sustainable manufacturing operations, including equipment specification, electrical design, commissioning activities and lifecycle upgrades that support long-term manufacturing capability. Collaborative Automation: Drives the implementation and optimisation of automation technologies, including PLC-controlled equipment, robotics and automated manufacturing systems. Applies controls engineering expertise to improve safety, quality, productivity and operational performance. Manufacturing Processes: Applies manufacturing process control methodologies to introduce, monitor and improve production systems. Utilises process flow mapping, PFMEA, control plans, FAT and SAT to support robust