Student Control Systems Engineer (12 month Undergraduate placement)
Wednesday 13 May 2026
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About Niftylift
Founded in 1985 by Roger Bowden, Niftylift has grown to be one of the world's leading manufacturers of mobile elevated work platforms, with over 500 employees in the UK and USA.
Our Culture
Our culture is one of openness, participation, accountability, flexibility and teamwork. We believe people to be our prime asset and highly value and rely on employee involvement to achieve our goals. We operate as a single-status organisation and all employees are treated fairly and equally, whatever their role within the organisation.
Staff Benefits
Our staff welfare program includes benefits such as staff healthcare, staff discounts, subsidised food, death in service, a cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, a dedicated on-site staff induction and training centre as well as regular staff events. e.g. company luncheons, family open days and Christmas parties.
Type
Location
Description
1 Overview
The Undergraduate Control Systems Engineer works closely with the other Engineers to assist in developing hardware and software solutions for Niftylift’s Mobile Elevating Work Platforms.
2 Relationships
Responsible to: Principal Control Systems Engineer
Liaison with: Design Engineers, Development Engineers, Development Technicians,
Test Engineers.
3 Main tasks
· Assist in designing and developing aspects of control systems to meet specified requirements.
· Grow and expand knowledge to develop code following the software development process.
· Create electrical component drawings in 2D and 3D CAD.
· Support the commissioning of products, from initial debug to functionality verification.
· Assist in performing control system tests that verify specific component or sub-system requirements.
· Support continuous improvement by being involved in the research and updating of design processes.
· Interface with other areas of the Engineering function to gain an understanding of how the control systems integrates into the wider product.
· Be able to work on projects ranging from research to hands-on machine debugging.
· Manage project work and be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
· Undertake initial professional development considering UK-SPEC competencies.
· The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role and the organisation’s overall business objectives, this may include the training and mentoring of colleagues.
4 Qualifications & experience
The ideal candidate would have:
· A strong academic background.
· Be enrolled on a degree in a relevant field.
· Exposure to software development for electro-mechanical systems.
· Experience in using 2D and 3D CAD tools.
· Interest in PLC logic, programming and test (preferably using CODESYS)
· An appreciation of how the control system integrates with mechanical and hydraulic systems.
· Experience in software development using C, C#, C++, Python advantageous.
· Experience in PCB Design advantageous.
5 Qualifications & experience
Required
· Working towards a degree in an Engineering field.
Desirable
· Engineering coding experience in industry
6 Characteristics
· Methodical and systematic approach
· Able to work as part of a team or individually
· Pragmatic
· Good attention to detail
· Strong problem-solving ability
· Excellent communication skills
· Desire to learn
· Ability to consistently produce a high quality of work
7 Benefits
• Annual bonus (for indication only) based on recent average £500 per annum
• 25 days holiday (increases with service, up to 30 days), plus bank holidays
• Staff discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Referral Scheme
• Discounted gym memberships
• Free on-site parking
• Subsidised refreshments (lunch and drink options).
• Free quarterly company lunches
• Free family events
• Health cover scheme for dental, optical etc. (Kids membership included for free)
• 5% contributory pension
• Life insurance scheme
• Workwear (including safety shoes and PPE)
• On-site changing rooms and showers
8 Salary
Competitive
9 Closing Date
Friday 3rd July 2026
Please note that the advert can close early if we reach a substantial number of applications.
How To Apply
If you'd like to apply for this role you can contact us via any one of the following methods:
Apply Online- Send us an email with your CV and a covering letter to hr@niftylift.com
- Give us a call on +44 1908 223456 and ask to speak to the HR department.
- Request a call-back from Niftylift (candidates only):
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to all candidates. If you do not hear from us within 28 days of your application, unfortunately, you have been unsuccessful.
All data supplied will be used for recruitment purposes only and will not be shared with third parties.
