Controls Engineer
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer issued few or no visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£58,700
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2123 (96% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £58,700, and BW Flexible Systems UK Limited is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2123 Electrical engineers Most likely code | £41,100 | £47,000 | £52,900 | £58,700 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
About Us:
BW Packaging is driving performance at the intersection of people, technology, and customer care. As part of the privately held Barry-Wehmiller family, we unite a global team of packaging experts with a clear purpose: People Who Care, Building Solutions that Perform. We take on our customers’ toughest challenges as our own — delivering both innovative and enduring solutions that set the standard for value and performance. Our strength comes from our people and the power of our brands — trusted names in packaging that are known worldwide for engineering excellence, application expertise, and lifetime commitment to customer success. Truly Human Leadership guides our belief that exceptional business results and profound respect for people together provide the foundation of enduring success. We are committed to forging lasting partnerships with our customers, earning their trust through integrity, expertise, and execution. With our full range of packaging solutions and long term partnership and service, we help customers achieve operational excellence today while building the future of packaging together.Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.Job Description:
Job Summary
The Electrical Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, programming, and support of electrical control systems for automated packaging machinery, including integrated robotic systems. This role partners closely with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and service teams to deliver safe, reliable, and high-performing equipment that meets customer and regulatory requirements. Success is measured by on-time, on- budget, quality equipment that meets performance expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and program PLC, HMI, motion control, and robotic systems for automated packaging lines.
- Program and configure industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa/Motoman, or Universal Robots) for applications such as pick-and-place, palletizing, case packing, and material handling.
- Develop and optimize robot paths, end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) interfaces, payload configurations, and cycle time performance.
- Integrate robots with PLCs, safety systems, vision systems, and peripheral equipment using industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, etc.).
- Configure and commission servo axes, sensors, vision systems, barcode scanners, printers, and inspection devices.
- Configure and troubleshoot safety systems, including safe zones, guarding, light curtains, and safety-rated monitored stops.
- Support machine build, debug, and validation, including robot teach, calibration, and commissioning during FAT and SAT.
- Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, controls, and system issues during build, installation, and field support.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of robotics into overall machine design and performance.
- Ensure compliance with applicable machine safety standards.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, including electrical drawings, programs, backups, and operating manuals.
- Provide technical support to customers and field service teams, including on-site startup and optimization.
- May lead, guide, coach, or mentor less experienced team members; be a positive role model for the team.
- May develop schematics, panel layouts, and BOMs.
- Demonstrate flexibility and ability to work on other non-core product lines based on demand.
- Flexibility to take on evolving responsibilities in response to strategic priorities and business needs.
- Travel is an essential element to expand knowledge, support of our customers, and support business growth needs. Travel could be to company sponsored training, customers’ facilities, or other BW facilities both domestic and international. Estimated at up to 25% annually.
Qualifications & Desired Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Science, Automation/Controls or a related technical field, from an accredited college or university equivalent combinations of formal education and relevant job experience may be considered.
- Minimum 5 years of electrical controls design and PLC/HMI development.
- Strong experience with PLC programming (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley preferred).
- Experience with HMI development and motion control systems.
- Programming experience with at least one major robotic platform (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa/Motoman).
- Experience integrating robots with PLCs, HMIs, motion systems, and vision inspection systems.
- Proficiency with electrical design tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
- Solid understanding of industrial networks and machine safety systems.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex electromechanical and robotic controls systems.
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
Physical Demands (Essential Functions)
- Ability to perform work in an engineering office and manufacturing environment.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use hands to operate a computer and engineering tools.
- Ability to occasionally lift and/or move items up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and/or internationally.
- Ability to work near moving mechanical parts and electrical systems in a safe manner, following all PPE and safety requirements.
#LI-NN1
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Company:
BW PackagingThis description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with BW Flexible Systems UK Limited, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Electrical engineers (SOC 2123) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~36k in sample- Middle half £41,392–68,380
- Median £55,432
- Going rate £58,700
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £41,100–52,900
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at BW Flexible Systems UK LimitedAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. BW Flexible Systems UK Limited holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2123 going rate of £58,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.