Job Specification: Controls Engineer (Water Industry) Leeds
Job Title: Controls Engineer
Location: Leeds (with occasional travel to regional sites)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Department: Engineering / Automation & Controls
Overview
We are seeking a skilled Controls Engineer to join our engineering team supporting projects across the water and wastewater sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining control systems that ensure reliable operation of water treatment, pumping, and monitoring assets. This role combines hands-on engineering, system integration, and project delivery within a regulated environment.
Key ResponsibilitiesDesign & Development**
Develop control system architectures for clean and wastewater treatment processes.
Produce functional design specifications (FDS), control philosophies, and instrumentation schedules.
Program, test, and deploy PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider, Wonderware, ClearSCADA).
Project Delivery
Support the full project lifecycle from concept design through commissioning and handover.
Participate in site surveys, installation support, FAT/SAT testing, and commissioning activities.
Ensure compliance with DWI, WIMES, EA, and relevant UK water industry standards.
Integration & Support
Troubleshoot and optimise existing control systems across operational water assets.
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to deliver integrated solutions.
Provide technical support to site operations teams and respond to control system-related issues.
Documentation & Compliance
Maintain accurate design, configuration, and testing documentation.
Ensure adherence to health & safety standards, CDM regulations, and company procedures.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and digitalisation projects.
Required Skills & Experience
Technical Skills
Proven experience with PLC programming (Siemens S7/TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley, or equivalent).
Experience with SCADA/HMI development and telemetry systems.
Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, etc.).
Understanding of instrumentation, process control theory, and automation networks.
Industry Experience
Experience in the water or wastewater industry (AMP project experience desirable).
Familiarity with WIMES specifications and UK water utility requirements.
Professional Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical drawings, and control philosophies.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally.
Full UK driving licence and ability to travel to operational sites.
Preferred Qualifications
Degree or HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering, Control & Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.
Experience with DCS or SCADA platforms used by UK water companies (e.g., AVEVA, Geo SCADA).
Knowledge of cybersecurity standards for industrial control systems.
ECS/CSCS card, EUSR, or water hygiene certification (desirable).
What We Offer
Competitive salary based on experience.
Opportunities for overtime, site uplift, or call-out rota (depending on role).
Training and development including water industry standards, PLC/SCADA certifications, and safety qualifications.
Hybrid working options for design-based tasks.
Pension, holiday allowance, and other company benefits.