At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of Integrated Control and Safety Systems for process industries.
- Company: Join ABB, a global leader in technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive benefits including health cover and bonuses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on industries while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and experience in ICSS design required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving change in energy and technology.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen. It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world.
This Position reports to: Project Execution Support Manager
The ICSS Principal Engineer leads the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of Integrated Control and Safety Systems (ICSS) for process industries. This role ensures compliance with IEC 61508/61511 functional safety standards, ABB engineering practices, and TÜV-certified methodologies. Acting as a technical authority, the Principal Engineer drives system architecture, safety integrity, and project execution while mentoring teams and advising clients on best practices for safe, reliable, and cyber-secure operations.
Our Team Dynamics
Our teams support each other, collaborate, and never stop learning. Everyone brings something unique, and together we push ideas forward to solve real problems. Being part of our team means your work matters—because the progress we make here creates real impact out there.
What’s in it for you?
We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.
Your Role And Responsibilities
- Design and integrate ICSS architectures including Basic Process Control Systems (BPCS) and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) for complex process industry applications.
- Lead functional safety activities across the entire lifecycle, ensuring compliance with IEC 61508/61511 and SIL requirements.
- Develop and review key engineering deliverables such as control logic, safety logic, cause & effect diagrams, and Safety Requirement Specifications (SRS).
- Manage project execution from concept through commissioning, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and vendors to meet technical and schedule requirements.
- Ensure quality and compliance with ABB standards, TÜV-certified safety practices, and cybersecurity guidelines for industrial control systems.
- Drive change control and alarm management strategies, ensuring robust system performance and operational integrity.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship, guiding engineers on ICSS technologies, functional safety principles, and best practices.
- Act as a subject matter expert, offering consultancy to clients on integrated safety systems and advanced ABB solutions.
- Support factory acceptance tests (FAT), site acceptance tests (SAT), and commissioning, ensuring systems meet design and safety specifications.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities for innovation in ICSS design, configuration, and lifecycle management.
- Collaborate with global ABB teams, sharing knowledge and leveraging best practices across projects worldwide.
Qualifications For The Role
- Degree in Electrical, Control, or Instrumentation Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- Significant experience in ICSS design and implementation for oil & gas, chemical, or power sectors
- Strong knowledge of IEC 61508/61511 standards and SIL determination
- Proficiency in ABB systems (e.g., System 800xA High Integrity) and familiarity with industrial cybersecurity
- Chartered Engineer status preferred; TÜV Functional Safety Engineer certification desirable
- Excellent leadership, decision-making, and project management skills
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Competitive contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Flexible benefits scheme (Includes options to buy/sell holidays, health checks, dental, eye care, gym memberships, cycle to work, gadget discounts and more)
- Internal mobility opportunities, mentorships & access to projects globally
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Generous employee referral scheme
- Hybrid/Flexible working
- Private medical cover for yourself
- Generous bonus scheme
For the 5th consecutive year ABB UK has been recognised as a Top Employer in UK. Being certified as a Top Employer showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work and exhibits this through excellent HR policies and people practices.
More About Us
The Energy Industries Division serves a wide range of industrial sectors, including hydrocarbons, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, power generation and water. With its integrated solutions that automate, digitalize and electrify operations, the Division is committed to supporting traditional industries in their efforts to decarbonize. The Division also supports the development, integration and scaling up of new and renewable energy models. The Division’s goal is to help customers adapt and succeed in the rapidly changing global energy transition.
Join us. Be part of the team where progress happens, industries transform, and your work shapes the world. Run What Runs the World.
Principal Engineer - ICSS employer: ABB
Contact Detail:
ABB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer - ICSS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at ABB through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can seriously boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into ABB's projects and values. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their mission of running what runs the world.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and be ready to discuss your past projects. They’ll want to see how you’ve tackled challenges in ICSS design and implementation, so have some solid examples up your sleeve.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer - ICSS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your experience with ICSS design and implementation, and don’t forget to mention your knowledge of IEC 61508/61511 standards. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Share specific examples of your past projects that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Principal Engineer, leadership is key. Make sure to highlight any mentoring or team-leading experiences in your application. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and guide others while driving project success.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at ABB
✨Know Your Standards
Make sure you’re well-versed in IEC 61508/61511 standards and SIL requirements. Brush up on how these apply to Integrated Control and Safety Systems (ICSS) and be ready to discuss your experience with compliance during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership and project management abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in complex process industries like oil & gas or chemicals.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ABB Systems
Get to know ABB's systems, particularly System 800xA High Integrity. If you have experience with these systems, be ready to share specific instances where you’ve used them effectively in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to ICSS design, safety logic, and alarm management strategies. Review key engineering deliverables you’ve worked on, such as control logic and Safety Requirement Specifications (SRS), so you can discuss them confidently.