Job Description
Principal Controls Engineer
Elevation Recruitment are working in partnership with a forward-thinking engineering business in Lincolnshire to recruit a Principal Controls Engineer.This senior-level position will take ownership of delivering high-quality control system solutions across a range of complex retrofit and upgrade projects. The role combines technical leadership, hands-on design, and cross-functional collaboration, making it ideal for an experienced engineer with strong PLC, automation, and systems design expertise.
The Principal Controls Engineer will be instrumental in driving control system development, supporting project delivery, and mentoring other engineers within the team, ensuring high standards of technical excellence, compliance, and innovation.
Principal Controls Engineer Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Collaboration
* Provide technical leadership for all aspects of control system design, programming, and integration.
* Work closely with Engineering, Projects, and Quality teams to ensure smooth project execution.
* Mentor and support other engineers, fostering continuous learning and professional growth.
* Represent Controls Engineering in design reviews, client meetings, and technical discussions.
* Assist in business development activities, including technical input to tenders, site assessments, and presentations.
Safety & Compliance
* Ensure all control system designs, testing, and commissioning activities meet company and regulatory safety standards.
* Promote safe and sustainable engineering practices throughout design and implementation stages.
* Participate in Factory and Site Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT) to validate safety and performance before project handover.
* Encourage a proactive, safety-first culture within the engineering function.
Technical Accountability
* Lead the development of PLC-based control systems, including architecture design, programming, and documentation.
* Oversee detailed design, functional design specifications, flow diagrams, PLC logic, and test documentation.
* Approve control software and hardware designs, ensuring alignment with project and quality standards.
* Provide expert input on bids, tenders, and feasibility studies to support commercial and technical decision-making.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
* Maintain high standards of technical quality, documentation accuracy, and code reliability.
* Evaluate new technologies, suppliers, and components to enhance system performance.
* Work collaboratively with design teams to ensure schematics and documentation meet project needs.
* Contribute to the ongoing improvement of engineering processes and control philosophies.
Project Delivery
* Drive on-time, on-budget delivery of control system projects that meet customer and business expectations.
* Provide technical support throughout installation, commissioning, and post-delivery phases.
* Support continuous innovation in control systems and help shape future technical strategies.
* Demonstrate a proactive, solutions-focused approach with a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Principle Controls Engineer Qualifications & Experience
Education / Training
* Degree in Electrical, Control, Automation, or related Engineering discipline (or equivalent experience).
* 5+ years’ experience in PLC-based control system design, development, and commissioning.
* Proven experience in software and hardware integration for complex industrial systems.
* Site-based installation and commissioning experience (office and field environments).
Skills & Attributes
* Strong technical leadership and ability to guide multi-disciplinary teams.
* Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
* Confident communicator with the ability to influence and engage across all levels.
* Competent with Microsoft Office tools and ERP or project management systems.
* Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and commitment to delivering engineering excellence.
What’s on Offer
* A key technical leadership role within a respected and growing engineering organisation.
* Opportunity to mentor engineers and shape control system design strategy.
* Involvement in varied, technically challenging projects with real-world impact.
* Competitive salary and strong benefits package, with clear opportunities for career progression