How much does a controls & automation engineer earn?

Indicatively £45,000–£72,000 per year. That is an observed market range rather than an offer — actual pay depends on the employer, your experience, shift pattern and whether you are PAYE or self-employed.

What do I need to work as a controls & automation engineer?

Specialist. You would typically need: CSCS White (Professionally Qualified), 18th Edition. Controls, automation or electrical engineering background with PLC experience.

When would this role be hired on the Universal Bedford build?

Across 3 phases, from building services (mep) (roughly 2029) through to operations (roughly 2041). These windows are the usual sequence for a project of this size, not Universal's published programme.

Is this role likely to be filled locally?

Likely recruited nationally. Universal has pledged around 80 per cent local hiring across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes, but that average hides real variation — specialisms like this one are usually recruited nationally or internationally.

Engineering & technical

Controls & automation engineer

PLCs, safety systems and building controls.

Indicative pay: £45,000–£72,000
Paid: per year
Entry level: Specialist
Hiring volume: Small numbers

Pay is an indicative market range, not an offer. We hold no vacancies for this role.

What the job involves

Programming and commissioning control systems for rides, building services and show systems, including the safety-related control functions that govern ride operation.

How to get into it

Controls, automation or electrical engineering background with PLC experience.

What you need before you start

The cards, tickets and checks this role normally requires.

CSCS White (Professionally Qualified)

£100–£200 · valid 5 years

For people holding a relevant professional body membership or construction-related degree.

18th Edition

£300–£550 · valid Until regulations are updated

The current wiring regulations qualification for electrical work.

When this role is needed

Indicative windows based on the typical sequence for a project of this size. Not Universal’s published programme.

Building services (MEP)
Roughly 2029–2031
Electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, HVAC and fire alarm engineers. This is where the trade mix shifts decisively from civils to services.
Ride & attraction installation
Roughly 2029–2031
The least local phase. Ride systems engineers, controls engineers, specialist welders and commissioning technicians are recruited internationally. Local support roles around them are still substantial.
Operations
Roughly 2031–2041
Overwhelmingly hospitality, retail, ride operations, entertainment, facilities and corporate roles. Ongoing maintenance keeps a permanent core of electricians, mechanical fitters and building services engineers on site.

Other engineering & technical roles

Setting out engineer

Experience needed

Engineering & technical

£38,000–£55,000 per year

Puts the design on the ground, accurately.

Steady need

Civil engineer

Specialist

Engineering & technical

£40,000–£70,000 per year

Designs and oversees the physical works.

Steady need

Ride systems engineer

Specialist

Engineering & technical

£45,000–£75,000 per year

The most specialist engineering discipline on the project.

Small numbers