Controls and Instrumentation professionals play a critical role in supporting modern automation, process control, and industrial operations across engineering, manufacturing, scientific, and industrial sectors. From designing and programming control systems through to maintaining instrumentation, commissioning automation equipment, and supporting fault finding activities, these roles help organisations achieve safe, efficient, and reliable production performance.
Across engineering, manufacturing, science-led industries, industrial automation, process engineering, energy, pharmaceuticals, food production, and advanced manufacturing sectors, employers continue to invest in skilled Controls & Instrumentation professionals who can support automation systems, optimise industrial processes, and improve operational reliability.
At Senex Recruitment, we support employers across the South and South East UK and further afield with recruitment for a wide range of Controls & Instrumentation opportunities. This includes roles focused on PLC programming, SCADA systems, process control, automation engineering, calibration, commissioning, instrumentation maintenance, and industrial control systems within engineering, manufacturing, scientific, and industrial environments.
Controls & Instrumentation Careers in Science, Engineering, Manufacturing & Industrial Automation
Careers within Controls & Instrumentation span a broad range of technical, automation, and maintenance responsibilities across engineering, manufacturing, scientific, and industrial sectors. These professionals help organisations maintain process control, improve production efficiency, support automation systems, and ensure reliable operation of industrial equipment and machinery.
Many Controls & Instrumentation careers combine electrical engineering knowledge, automation expertise, problem-solving capability, and hands-on technical support within highly regulated and fast-paced environments.
We recruit for both permanent and contract Controls & Instrumentation opportunities across engineering, manufacturing, science-led, and industrial sectors throughout the UK.
Controls Engineering Jobs
Controls Engineering roles focus on the design, development, programming, and optimisation of automated control systems used within manufacturing, engineering, and industrial process environments.
Typical opportunities may include:
- Controls Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- Controls Systems Engineer
- PLC Programmer
- Electrical Controls Engineer
- SCADA Engineer
- Industrial Automation Engineer
- Control Systems Technician
Interested in Controls Engineering and Industrial Automation careers? Explore our resources covering PLC systems, SCADA integration, automation engineering, and control systems careers across engineering and manufacturing sectors.
PLC Programming, Automation & Process Control Roles
Many Controls Engineering positions involve supporting automation systems, programming industrial control equipment, and improving process performance across production and operational environments.
Responsibilities can include:
- PLC programming and modification
- SCADA and HMI system integration
- Supporting industrial automation systems
- Process control optimisation
- Fault finding and troubleshooting activities
- Supporting commissioning and system testing
Automation Systems, Commissioning & Industrial Control Careers
Controls professionals often work closely with engineering, maintenance, production, and operations teams to ensure reliable automation and process performance.
Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting machine and system commissioning
- Configuring control systems and instrumentation
- Supporting automation upgrades and improvements
- Conducting system diagnostics and testing
- Maintaining operational performance and reliability
- Supporting industrial communication systems and interfaces
Instrumentation Engineering & Calibration Jobs
Instrumentation roles focus on the installation, maintenance, calibration, and performance monitoring of instrumentation systems used to measure and regulate industrial processes.
Typical opportunities may include:
- Instrumentation Engineer
- Instrument Technician
- Calibration Engineer
- Process Instrumentation Engineer
- Electrical & Instrumentation Engineer (E&I)
- Controls & Instrumentation Technician
- Controls & Instrumentation Engineer (C&I)
- Instrumentation Maintenance Engineer
- Field Service Instrumentation Engineer
Interested in Instrumentation and Calibration careers? Explore our resources on process instrumentation, industrial measurement systems, calibration engineering, and maintenance support careers across technical industries.
Instrumentation, Calibration & Measurement System Roles
Many Instrumentation positions involve ensuring accurate measurement, control, and monitoring of industrial systems and production processes.
Responsibilities often include:
- Calibration of instrumentation and control equipment
- Supporting sensors and measurement systems
- Conducting instrumentation maintenance activities
- Troubleshooting process control issues
- Supporting compliance and operational accuracy
- Recording calibration and maintenance data
Process Reliability, Maintenance & Technical Support Careers
Instrumentation professionals also support long-term equipment reliability, maintenance planning, and operational efficiency across industrial environments.
Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting preventative maintenance programmes
- Monitoring instrumentation system performance
- Assisting with breakdown response and fault diagnosis
- Supporting continuous improvement activities
- Working closely with production and engineering teams
- Maintaining technical documentation and records
Skills & Experience for Controls & Instrumentation Professionals
Employers typically look for Controls & Instrumentation professionals with strong automation knowledge, electrical or instrumentation expertise, and experience working within engineering, manufacturing, or industrial environments.
Desired skills can include:
- PLC and SCADA system experience
- 18th Edition (IET)
- Automation and control systems knowledge
- Instrumentation and calibration experience
- Electrical and process control understanding
- Fault finding and troubleshooting capability
- Commissioning and testing experience
- Understanding of industrial communication protocols
- Technical documentation and reporting skills
Industrial Automation, PLC Systems & Process Control
Many Controls & Instrumentation roles involve supporting automated production systems, improving process reliability, and maintaining efficient industrial operations across engineering and manufacturing environments.
Instrumentation, Calibration & Operational Reliability
The ability to support instrumentation systems, carry out calibration activities, diagnose faults, and improve operational reliability remains highly valued across Controls & Instrumentation careers.
Engineering, Manufacturing, Science & Industrial Sectors We Support
Senex Recruitment supports Controls & Instrumentation recruitment across a wide range of sectors including:
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Science
- Industrial automation
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food and beverage production
- Energy and utilities
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Electronics
- Medical Devices
- Process engineering
- Advanced manufacturing
Browse Controls & Instrumentation Jobs with Senex Recruitment
Explore below the latest Controls & Instrumentation opportunities with Senex Recruitment and discover careers across engineering, manufacturing, science, and industrial sectors throughout the UK.
If you are currently working within Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Instrumentation, Calibration, or Industrial Automation, or looking to progress your career within this field, we encourage you to register with us as a candidate so we can match you with suitable opportunities as they arise. Our team works closely with employers across the sector and can support you in identifying roles that align with your technical expertise, automation experience, and long-term career goals.
If you would prefer to discuss your next move in confidence, please feel free to contact us directly. We are always happy to speak with professionals considering a move into Controls Engineering or Instrumentation and provide guidance on current opportunities and market trends.
Looking for Controls & Instrumentation Jobs?
Register your CV with Senex Recruitment and we’ll help match your PLC, SCADA, automation, calibration or instrumentation experience with suitable technical opportunities.
Looking to Hire Controls & Instrumentation Professionals?
We also welcome enquiries from employers looking to strengthen their automation, controls, and instrumentation teams. If you are currently recruiting within Controls Engineering, Industrial Automation, PLC Programming, SCADA Systems, Instrumentation, or Calibration, Senex Recruitment can support you in finding skilled professionals who match your technical requirements, operational needs, and company culture.
Whether you are hiring for a single specialist role or building an entire automation and controls function, we encourage you to submit your vacancy to us for a confidential discussion.