KellyOCG
Controls Technician

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Controls Technician
Location: County Durham, United Kingdom
Work Arrangement: On-site
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Schedule: Required to work a shift pattern of 6am to 2pm and 2pm to 10pm – with potential of a nightshift also being required
Salary: £45,000 plus based on proven skills and experience
About the Opportunity
A leading global manufacturer is seeking a Controls Technician to join its Maintenance team at a highly automated production facility in Darlington. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on controls professional who enjoys troubleshooting complex manufacturing systems, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and supporting advanced automation technologies in a fast-paced environment.
Working closely with maintenance, engineering, production, and IT teams, you will play a key role in maintaining and optimizing automated equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations.
What You'll Do
As a Controls Technician, you will:
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve automated manufacturing systems to maximize uptime and operational performance.
- Diagnose equipment and control system failures, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
- Read and interpret electrical schematics, PLC documentation, technical manuals, and control system drawings.
- Support maintenance activities, system modifications, testing, and commissioning of manufacturing equipment.
- Manage and update controls documentation, procedures, and technical records.
- Act as a technical resource for maintenance and production teams, providing expertise and guidance when required.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and throughput.
- Support automation and capital projects, including the integration of new equipment into existing production systems.
- Optimize equipment performance through the application of PLCs, robotics, HMIs, vision systems, and industrial networking technologies.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external contractors to deliver innovative manufacturing solutions.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma, secondary education certificate, or equivalent experience.
- Experience within a manufacturing, automation, controls, or maintenance environment.
- Strong knowledge of PLCs, industrial control systems, and industrial networking.
- Demonstrated experience troubleshooting automated equipment and manufacturing systems.
- Ability to read and understand electrical diagrams, schematics, and technical documentation.
Preferred Experience
- Experience with:
- PLCs and automation systems
- SCADA and MES interfaces
- Industrial networks and data collection systems
- Robotics and cobots
- Vision systems
- Automated mobile robots (AMRs)
- DC tooling
- OT/IT network infrastructure
- Hands-on experience supporting connected manufacturing technologies.
- Technical training related to controls, automation, electrical systems, or industrial maintenance.


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Key Competencies
- Strong problem-solving and fault-finding skills.
- Ability to make informed decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Continuous improvement mindset.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
- Join a technologically advanced manufacturing operation.
- Work with cutting-edge automation and control technologies.
- Contribute directly to operational performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with experienced engineering, maintenance, and production professionals.
- Long-term career opportunity within a stable manufacturing environment.
Confidential Search: To protect the identity of our client, company details will be shared with qualified candidates during the recruitment process. Interested applicants should apply with an updated resume highlighting their automation, controls, and manufacturing experience.
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