Controls Engineer
This role keeps our manufacturing operations running at peak performance by improving automation, reducing downtime, and driving continuous improvement through hands‑on controls engineering.
Salary: Competitive + company bonus + private medical insurance (details to be confirmed)
Location: Darlington
Reporting to: UK Head of Engineering
We’re looking for a practical, solutions-focused Controls Engineer to help keep our manufacturing operations running smoothly and efficiently. You’ll be hands-on with fault finding, automation, and continuous improvement, working with modern control and CNC technologies in a fast-paced production environment.
This is a role where you can make a real impact by improving reliability, reducing downtime, and supporting the development of others—while working alongside skilled engineering and production teams.
What’s in it for you?
Generous discounts: Up to 80% off our kitchen products
Flexible holidays: Buy up to five additional days through our holiday purchase scheme
Health & wellbeing support: 24/7 access to a virtual GP and employee assistance programme
Lifestyle perks: Cycle to work scheme and discounts with 200+ high-street brands
Refer a Friend scheme
A supportive, collaborative environment where your ideas are welcomed and encouraged
What you’ll be doing
As a Controls Engineer, you’ll:
Diagnose and resolve electrical and electronic faults to minimise downtime
Maintain, modify, and optimise PLC and HMI systems
Programme and commission inverters (VSDs) and associated control systems
Support and improve automation systems, including robotics and CNC woodworking machinery
Interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings to support fault finding and improvements
Support the installation, commissioning, and validation of new equipment
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, reliability, and performance
Work closely with engineering and production teams to deliver robust, sustainable solutions
Ensure all work meets health, safety, and regulatory standards
Mentor engineers and apprentices, supporting the development of skills and knowledge across the team
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who combines strong technical capability with a proactive, collaborative mindset. You’ll ideally have:
Proven experience in electrical and electronic fault finding within a manufacturing environment
Strong working knowledge of PLC and HMI systems, including programming and diagnostics
Experience with inverter (VSD) programming and commissioning
Exposure to industrial automation and robotics
Experience with CNC woodworking machinery (e.g. HOMAG, BIESSE, IMA, or SCM) is advantageous but not essential
Ability to read and interpret electrical diagrams and technical documentation
Experience with Siemens or Allen-Bradley PLC platforms
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Clear communication skills and the confidence to work independently or as part of a team
You’ll be successful in this role by living our values
Care – building strong relationships, working collaboratively, and supporting others to succeed
Inspire – communicating clearly, taking ownership, and contributing ideas that move us forward
Deliver – staying focused on results and continuously improving reliability, performance, and ways of working
About Magnet
At Magnet, we’ve been shaping the heart of the home for over 100 years. From award-winning kitchen designs to UK-based manufacturing, we’re proud to be one of the UK’s leading specialist kitchen providers. Our real strength is our people—their passion and commitment help us deliver exceptional products every day.
Ready to make an impact?
If you’re a Controls Engineer looking for a role where your skills really make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re committed to an inclusive recruitment process. If you need any reasonable adjustments during your application or interview, please let us know—we’re happy to help.
- Division
- Magnet
- Department
- Supply Chain Operations
- Locations
- Nobia Head Office, Darlington
- Brand
- Magnet
About Magnet
Magnet was founded by Tom Duxbury in 1918, as a joinery business in Bingley, Yorkshire. Tom named his business after his beloved horse, Magnet, and believed in a considered approach and a commitment to quality. This simple premise still drives Magnet today.
Tom believed in a considered approach, enabling him to offer better products and services to his customers. This simple premise still drives Magnet today.
We've come a long way from our humble Yorkshire roots, growing to be both leaders and pioneers in the industry as we paved the way for all the kitchen retailers in the UK.