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Control Systems Engineer

Who are we

Surface Transforms are experts in the development and production of carbon-ceramic materials and the UK’s only manufacturer of carbon-ceramic brakes for automotive use. Surface Transforms' unique patented Carbon-Ceramic technology provides the ultimate braking performance for road and track.

Here at Surface Transforms passion is at the heart of our brand. As a team we refuse to accept the impossible. We know that impossible only means that we haven’t found the solution yet. Your role at Surface Transforms is yours to steer – toward opportunities and away from risks. You have the power to shape your role and we cannot wait to see where you take us and we’ll take pride in supporting the future you chose to build at Surface Transforms.

We are looking to expand our Manufacturing Technology Function by adding a Controls Systems Engineer to the team. As our Controls Systems Engineer, you will be integral in supporting experienced engineers across key manufacturing areas such as heat treatment, machining, and final assembly technologies. You will work closely with the team to design, implement, and optimise control systems that drive robust manufacturing processes with world-class OEE

What you’ll be doing as our Controls Systems Engineer:

Collaborate with suppliers to develop Siemens TIA Portal systems for new and existing machinery.

Lead engineering projects to optimise and re-engineer systems with a hands-on approach.

Manage program backups and documentation, ensuring change management compliance.

Update programs and electrical drawings for all assets as needed.

Create Functional Design Specifications (FDS) to align project goals with team expectations.

Troubleshoot system alarms and faults, leading or collaborating to resolve issues.

Document procedures to reduce downtime and support contingency processes.

Engage cross-functional teams to integrate business processes and develop site SCADA or similar systems.

Provide project progress updates and escalate issues to meet milestones.

Develop control system standards, ensuring UL, IEC, and ISO compliance.

Serve as subject matter expert for technical machine requirements during RFQs.

Contribute to FMEA and problem-solving reviews using PFMEA, 8D, and DMAIC methods.

Oversee design, production release, and servicing of systems and equipment.

Review drawings and bills of materials.

Plant-based role with occasional supplier visits for FAT and SAT during equipment commissioning.

Key responsibilities:

Control Systems Design & Optimisation:

Design, implement, and optimise control systems for heat treatment, machining, and final assembly in carbon ceramic brake disc manufacturing to maximize efficiency and reliability.

Process Improvement:

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing processes, focusing on OEE, FMEA, and reducing downtime. Lead technical support for process changes and product launches.

Troubleshooting & Support:

Provide technical support for daily operations, resolving control system and automation issues.

Collaboration & Innovation:

Work with multidisciplinary engineers to integrate new technologies, drive continuous improvement, and develop control standards. Produce FDS to support collaboration and alignment.

Documentation & Compliance:

Maintain technical documentation for control systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and internal protocols.

?Projects you will be involved in:

Improvement of coolant and filtration system for CNC machines

Automate work holdings for CNC machines

Automate of quality inspection systems

CI for improved process detection

Introduce and deploy site-wide SCADA or similar system

Optimising and industrialising oil and solvent systems on existing furnaces

Re-engineering vacuum systems on existing furnaces

Re-engineering of process control system on existing furnaces

Supporting capacity growth projects

The Skills, Knowledge and Experience you will need as our Controls Systems Engineer:

Degree in Electrical Engineering/Control Systems.

5 years of relevant field experience.

Project management skills.

Siemens TIA Portal PLC programming and application.

Industrial Ethernet communication knowledge.

Experience with data types and analog applications.

Budgeting and cost control.

Machine specification and onboarding.

Nice to have:

LabVIEW National Instruments systems.

Mitsubishi PLC programming.

Tier 1 or OEM automotive manufacturing experience (desirable).

Experience with vacuum, temperature, pressure/flow control systems.

Knowledge of CNC machining process control systems.

You’ll have these personal attributes:

Effective communicator, ensuring team understanding.

Flexible and open to change, supporting workplace transitions.

Collaborative team player, building strong teams.

Willing to support overtime when required.

Actively coaches and mentors others to drive excellence.

Committed to continuous improvement for business value.

Logical, systematic problem-solver with SMART objectives.

Self-motivated, focused on implementing sustainable solutions.

Eager to develop new skills that add business value.

What we’ll give you in return:

Attractive salary

25 Days Annual Leave + Bank holidays

Extra day Annual Leave for your birthday

Company uniform on your first day and annual clothing point scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Jobs are promoted internally providing job transfer opportunities

Death in service scheme

Hours: Monday - Thursday 8am - 5pm, Friday 8am - 2.30pm

Salary: £45,000 - £55,000