Automation and Controls Recruitment
Engineering and technical appointments within advanced manufacturing.
Every manufacturer wants more automation, and every one of them is chasing the same controls engineers. Core Search finds the people who can design, program and commission systems that run, and helps you win them.
Roles we recruit
Controls Engineers
Control system design, software, panel specification and commissioning for machines and lines.
PLC and HMI Engineers
PLC programming, HMI and SCADA development, fault-finding and upgrades on new and legacy systems.
Robotics Engineers
Robot programming, cell design, offline simulation and integration with vision and safety systems.
Automation Engineers
Specifying, building and improving automated processes, from single machines to full lines.
Electrical and EC&I Design Engineers
Electrical schematics, panel design, instrumentation and compliance for machines and plant.
Commissioning and Field Service Engineers
Installing, commissioning and supporting systems on customer sites in the UK and overseas.
Platforms and skills we search for
We search across every common platform. If your systems run on it, we can find engineers who know it.
PLC, HMI and SCADA
Siemens TIA Portal, Step 7 and WinCC, Rockwell Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk, Mitsubishi GX Works, Omron Sysmac, Beckhoff TwinCAT, Schneider, CODESYS, AVEVA Wonderware and Ignition.
Robotics and motion
FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa Motoman, Universal Robots, Stäubli and Epson, servo and motion control, and machine vision from Cognex and Keyence.
Design and safety
EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, functional safety to ISO 13849 and IEC 62061, machinery directive and UKCA compliance, and BS 7671.
Why these hires are hard
Controls engineers are wanted by every sector, from food and packaging to pharmaceuticals and automotive. Machine builders, integrators and end users all compete for the same people.
Travel is a real factor too. Commissioning roles suit some engineers and put others off, and a vague brief on travel loses good candidates at interview.
How we search
- We challenge the specification where it narrows the pool without adding value. For example, we ask whether a specific PLC platform is essential or whether a strong engineer will cross-train.
- We map the local market before we start, so you know how many people fit and what they earn.
- We headhunt directly, including engineers at integrators and machine builders who never look at adverts.
- We test technical depth before you meet anyone: platforms, the size of systems they have owned, commissioning experience and fault-finding.
- We manage the offer and the counter-offer, so a good process does not fall over at the last step.
Who we work with
Machine builders, systems integrators, special purpose machinery makers, and manufacturers automating their own lines, across Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands and the UK.
Questions
Do you recruit site-based and travelling roles?
Yes. We are upfront with candidates about travel and overseas commissioning from the first call, so the people you meet are comfortable with it.
How quickly can you shortlist?
For most roles, we share a market view within days and a shortlist within two weeks. Rare skills take longer.
What areas do you cover?
Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and the wider Midlands are our base, and we recruit nationally.
Need a controls, PLC or robotics engineer?
Tell us what you are trying to hire and we will tell you honestly what the market looks like.