Controls Engineer
Ocado Group
| Company | Ocado Group |
| Category | Engineering |
| Location | Aurora |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Not stated |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 6 Aug 2026 |
| Last verified | 8 Aug 2026 |
| Source | Employer ATS (greenhouse) |
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 Delivery teams
Translate technical system behavior into actionable KPIs for site leadership, 'telling the story' of site performance through data.
Own the Jira pipeline for controls-related improvements, ensuring external escalations are prioritized based on ROI and operational impact.
Maintain high-quality documentation:
Work orders and tickets
PLC b