Lead the design of high-integrity PLC control systems at the heart of the UK's most regulated and safety-critical environments.
Senior/Lead PLC Control systems engineer
12 month contract – open rate
Office-based with a Hybrid working scheme.
2 openings available in either Warrington, Cumbria and Stockton (1 position available in either location)
Role Description
We are seeking an experienced PLC Control Systems Engineer to design, develop, implement, and test high-integrity PLC-based control systems within a regulated engineering environment.
This role offers exposure to complex control systems, cyber-secure architectures, and highly regulated industries such as Nuclear.
Key Responsibilities
Design, develop, implement, and test PLC-based control systems to agreed engineering standards.
Produce high-quality engineering documentation, including:
User Requirement Specifications (URS) and Requirements Traceability Matrices (RTM)
System and Functional Design Specifications (SDD/FDS)
Software System Specifications (SSS) and Test Specifications (Module, Integration, System, Hardware)
Operation & Maintenance Manuals (O&M)
System rebuild documentation and I/O, alarm, and message schedules
Project Lifetime Records and Material Traceability Records
Support the Lead Engineer and Project Manager by:
Maintaining delivery schedules
Reporting technical issues, scope changes, and programme variations
Program PLC platforms (Rockwell, Schneider, Siemens) using IEC 61131 languages, producing robust function blocks and logic aligned with design documentation and engineering standards.
Collaborate with HMI/SCADA and database engineers to define control system architectures, including:
Network Architecture Diagrams, Interface documentation and Cyber-secure SCADA integration
Conduct formal in-house Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), ensuring strict change control and traceability.
Support Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) and commissioning activities when required.
Contribute to installation and commissioning documentation, operator and maintainer training, and post-delivery technical site support.
Interpret and work with engineering drawings related to PLC cubicles, enclosures, and interface panels, identifying design constraints and site impacts.
Engage with engineering teams and stakeholders to deliver high-quality, compliant PLC solutions.
Essential Experience
Significant experience designing and implementing PLC control systems.
Strong knowledge of IEC 61131 PLC programming languages, PLC hardware/software, and industrial communication protocols.
Demonstrable experience within the EC&I industry, preferably within Nuclear.
High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy, reliability, and quality.
Proven experience producing:
Functional and detailed design documentation
Formal test specifications
Experience performing structured testing, validation, and verification activities.
Excellent fault-finding and troubleshooting capability across complex control systems.
Good understanding of engineering drawings (electrical enclosures, control panels, MCCs, etc.).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong technical documentation skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Desirable Experience
Experience in highly regulated industries (Nuclear, MOD, Pharmaceutical).
Hands-on experience with Rockwell ControlLogix and/or Schneider M580 PLCs.
Familiarity with integrated HMI and SCADA systems.
Experience with OT Cyber Security and cyber-secure system design.
Delivery experience aligned with BS 61508 and/or BS 61511 (Functional Safety).
Essential:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrable experience with a strong focus on EC&I engineering using PLCs.
Desirable:
Membership of a relevant professional institution (e.g. IET).
Certified training on Rockwell and/or Schneider PLC systems.
Certified Cyber Security training.
Company information
At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Control Systems Engineer looking for new employment.
As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.
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