Controls Engineer

Job description

About us Ocado Group is a UK-based company that is one of the world's largest dedicated online grocery retailers, we also operate our own grocery and general merchandise retail businesses under Ocado.com. We provide services to partner clients globally via our innovative advanced robotics technology, known as the Ocado Smart Platform ("OSP"), this drives our highly automated, multi-million dollar Customer Fulfillment Centers (CFCs). In our CFCs - together with the proprietary software applications - we operate a world-class online grocery business that automates the single pick of products, ready for your online delivery via our local partner Kroger. What You Will Do The Controls Engineer is a data-driven systems specialist who leverages deep PLC expertise to identify performance trends, optimize system throughput, and provide 'surgical' technical leadership. This role combines emergency troubleshooting with long-term performance engineering, using data analysis tools such as Grafana and Looker, as well as LLMs, to solve problems and enhance site performance. This role combines deep controls engineering expertise with front-line operational ownership , providing escalation-level troubleshooting, safe modification of PLC code, system optimization through data analysis, and mentorship of Senior and Maintenance Engineers. The position is not purely desk-based : the successful candidate must be comfortable working on live systems, responding to critical incidents, and occasionally supporting operations at night and on weekends. Key Responsibilities 1. Controls Engineering & Troubleshooting Provide front-line and escalation support for live production control systems (PLC, SCADA, HMI, Safety PLCs) Diagnose and resolve complex hardware and software faults using: SCADA/HMI diagnostics PLC code monitoring and modification (Siemens TIA Portal preferred) Industrial networks (e.g. Profinet, CAN bus, barcode readers) Implement temporary workarounds or controlled PLC changes to safely maintain operations when required. Ensure all changes follow change control, backup, and documentation standards. 2. Safety & Compliance Perform troubleshooting and system modifications in line with electrical safety and machine safety standards. Maintain and troubleshoot Safety PLC systems , including interlocks, door sensors, and safety devices. Promote a strong safety-first culture , including incident prevention and safe response during high-risk activities 3. Execution & Operational Excellence Respond rapidly to system failures with appropriate urgency Drive efficient resolution while ensuring long-term reliability (not just “quick fixes”) Collaborate with inventory teams to manage critical spare parts and minimize downtime Support planned maintenance and quality inspections across the site. 4. Data Analysis & System Performance Use operational KPIs (uptime/downtime, DPTOs, EPTIs, PM data, reactive events) to identify trends and weaknesses. Propose and implement data-driven system optimizations to improve throughput, reliability, and stability. Analyze complex datasets using Grafana and Looker to identify problems and systemic inefficiencies outside standard maintenance loops. Produce clear Root Cause Analyses (RCAs) and performance reports for stakeholders Lead Operational Improvement projects 5. Communication, Documentation & Stakeholder Management Communicate clearly with Engineering Managers, Operations, SMEs, CoE, and Systems De