Controls & Automation Engineer

  • Permanent
  • Fort William, Highlands
  • Posted: 8th April 2026
  • Salary: £45000.00 - £55000.00 per annum
  • Duration:
  • Reference: BBBH16987
  • Industry:
  • Location: Fort William, Highlands
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Skills:

Controls & Automation Engineer

£45,000 – £55,000 + Bonus + Excellent Benefits + Early Finish Fridays + Relocation Support

Are you an experienced Controls & Automation Engineer looking for a hands-on role where you can make a real impact? This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing engineering team, working on a complex, 24/7 operational site where no two days are the same.

This role combines technical problem-solving, project work, and leadership – giving you the chance to drive improvements, mentor others and play a key role in keeping operations running smoothly.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll be at the heart of operations, responsible for maintaining and improving control systems to minimise downtime and maximise performance.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Troubleshooting and resolving complex control system issues
  • Maintaining and enhancing PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems
  • Leading and delivering engineering and automation projects
  • Supporting site operations and ensuring rapid recovery from breakdowns
  • Driving continuous improvement across control systems and equipment
  • Managing contractors and working closely with internal teams
  • Mentoring and coaching engineers, technicians, and apprentices

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who combines strong technical expertise with a proactive, problem-solving mindset.

Essential:

  • Electrical and instrumentation knowledge
  • Experience with PLC, HMI and SCADA systems
  • PLC programming skills
  • HND (or higher) in an engineering discipline
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Desirable:

  • Experience in a COMAH or heavy industrial environment
  • Understanding of health, safety and environmental legislation
  • Leadership, mentoring or coaching experience

What You’ll Get in Return

  • £45,000 – £55,000 salary
  • Bonus scheme (up to 2x target)
  • 24-hour responsibility payment (£3,150 per annum)
  • 25 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays
  • Company pension contribution (4%-9%)
  • Life assurance (6x salary)
  • Private medical insurance or healthcare cash plan plus dental scheme
  • Onsite gym and wellbeing initiatives
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Education support grant (£1,000 per child in university, paid annually)
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Employee rewards, recognition and discount programmes

Additional benefits:

  • Sign-on bonus (equivalent to one month’s salary)
  • Relocation support up to £8,000
  • Three months’ rent covered

Working Hours

  • Monday to Thursday: 7:30am – 4:00pm
  • Friday: 7:30am – 12:30pm (early finish every week)

How to Apply: To apply for the role of Controls & Automation Engineer, please submit your CV direct for review or reach out to Georgie Ireland at E3 Recruitment for more information.

 
 

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