We are a leading engineering organisation specialising in the delivery of complex, safety-critical control and automation systems within the Nuclear sector. We pride ourselves on engineering excellence, innovation, and delivery excellence. You’ll be joining a collaborative, supportive team where leadership is both technical and people-focused.
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Control Systems Engineer to play a key role in the delivery of complex control and automation projects. Working as part of an integrated, multi-disciplinary team, you will take technical responsibility for the design, implementation, testing, and commissioning of PLC, HMI / SCADA-based control systems across the full project lifecycle.
This is a hands-on senior engineering role, ideal for an engineer who enjoys technical ownership, problem-solving, and mentoring others, while supporting Lead Engineers and Project Managers in delivering high-quality solutions in regulated environments.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Delivery
* Deliver detailed design, implementation, testing, and commissioning of control systems in line with project requirements.
* Take ownership of assigned control system deliverables, ensuring they are produced to a high technical and quality standard.
* Configure and develop PLC software, control philosophies, and system configurations using industry-standard platforms.
* Develop and deploy simulator applications to support the testing and verification of PLC software.
* Support integration of control systems with electrical, mechanical, and wider engineering disciplines.
Design & Documentation
* Produce comprehensive and high-quality control system documentation including:
* Functional Design Specifications
* Detailed Design Specifications
* Test Specifications
* Rebuild & Recovery Documentation
* Operation & Maintenance Manuals
* Control System Training Material
* Review and check design documentation and software produced by other engineers.
* Interpret and work from engineering design drawings including PLC/SCADA control enclosures, I/O interfacing and marshalling cubicles and operator control panels.
* Support site visits to identify constraints, risks and design impacts.
Testing, Validation & Commissioning
* Plan and execute formal verification and validation testing including internal testing (FAT), customer witness testing (CAT) and site acceptance / commissioning activities.
* Undertake fault-finding and troubleshooting during in-house testing and site activities, resolving complex technical issues efficiently.
* Ensure systems are delivered in line with safety, quality, and performance requirements.
Project & Team Support
* Work closely with the Lead Engineer and Project Manager to support delivery against programme and milestones.
* Provide accurate effort estimates for scope changes or additional works, including input to project schedules (plans).
* Contribute to and support design reviews and technical workshops.
* Interface effectively with the integrated design team, facility teams, systems engineering, and other project functions.
Compliance & Safety
* Produce reports and documentation required to comply with CDM regulations.
* Ensure control system designs align with applicable standards, client requirements, and regulatory expectations.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Criteria
* HND or Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Control Systems, Automation) or equivalent experience.
* Proven experience in the design and implementation of PLC-based control systems.
* Strong knowledge of IEC 61131 PLC programming languages, PLC hardware, software, and industrial communication protocols.
* Experience delivering projects through detailed design, implementation, testing, and commissioning.
* Demonstrated experience of formal testing, validation and verification activities, with use of simulator tools/applications where applicable.
* Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting skills across complex control systems.
* Good understanding of electrical and control system design drawings.
* Ability to work independently and as part of an integrated delivery team, often to challenging timescales.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong technical documentation capability.
* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively at all levels.
Desirable Experience
* Experience working in regulated or safety-critical industries such as Nuclear, MOD, or Pharmaceuticals.
* Experience with Rockwell and/or Schneider PLC and HMI/SCADA platforms.
* Knowledge of OT cyber security principles and secure-by-design control systems.
* Experience of functional safety systems.
* Awareness of Sellafield Engineering Standards.
* Professional registration (CEng, IEng) or equivalent.
* Certified training on Rockwell and/or Schneider PLC systems.
Location: Warrington / Cumbria
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Type: Full-time, Permanent
Reports to: Lead Engineer/Project Manager