Control Systems Engineer (Outside IR35) in Birmingham

Control Systems Engineer (Outside IR35) in Birmingham

Birmingham Freelance 60 £ / hour No working from home possible
April Quest

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and develop Siemens control systems for exciting automation projects.
  • Company: Leading systems integration team in the energy sector.
  • Benefits: Competitive rate of £60 p/h, flexible working, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Remote and on-site work with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Join a team delivering impactful automation solutions and tackle technically challenging projects.
  • Qualifications: Strong Siemens TIA Portal programming experience and problem-solving skills.

Location: Birmingham

Contract Length: 6 Months (minimum)

Rate: £60 p/h (Outside IR35)

Start Date: ASAP

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Control Systems Engineer to join a leading systems integration team delivering automation solutions in the energy sector. You'll be responsible for developing and commissioning Siemens based control systems, supporting projects from software development through to site commissioning. This is an ideal opportunity for an engineer who enjoys technically challenging projects and is comfortable working both remotely and on customer sites.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design and develop PLC software using Siemens TIA Portal
  • Configure Siemens HMI/SCADA systems where required
  • Produce and modify functional design specifications
  • Carry out software testing, FAT and SAT activities
  • Diagnose and resolve technical issues during commissioning
  • Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and to specification

Experience Required:

  • Strong experience programming Siemens TIA Portal (S7-1200/1500)
  • Proven background delivering industrial automation or process control projects
  • Experience commissioning PLC control systems
  • Excellent fault-finding and problem-solving skills

Control Systems Engineer (Outside IR35) in Birmingham employer: April Quest

April Quest is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a supportive work culture and providing ample opportunities for professional growth. Located in the United Kingdom, the company offers a competitive benefits package, including 25 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and a shares scheme, ensuring that team members feel valued and motivated in their roles.

April Quest

Contact Details:

April Quest Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Control Systems Engineer (Outside IR35) in Birmingham

Get Involved in Automation Communities

Join online groups and forums where automation enthusiasts hang out, like certain subreddits or dedicated Facebook groups. Share your insights, ask questions, and connect with others in the field—it's a great way to find freelance opportunities and showcase your expertise.

Build a Standout Portfolio

Make sure you’ve got a killer portfolio that highlights your past automation projects. Whether you’ve developed control systems or automated industrial processes, displaying your work visually can help attract clients. Don’t forget to include testimonials from previous collaborations to boost your credibility!

Reach Out to Local Businesses

Many companies are on the lookout for freelancers with automation skills but don’t know where to find them. Visit local manufacturers or businesses that could benefit from optimising their systems, and pitch your services. A personal connection can make all the difference!

Explore Industry Events and Conferences

Keep an eye out for automation and control systems conferences or networking events happening nearby. Attend these gatherings to meet potential clients or collaborators face-to-face—plus, it’s a chance to keep up with industry trends that can inform your freelance projects.

We think you need these skills to ace Control Systems Engineer (Outside IR35) in Birmingham

Siemens TIA Portal
PLC Programming
HMI/SCADA Configuration
Functional Design Specifications
Software Testing
FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing)
SAT (Site Acceptance Testing)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Projects:When applying for a freelance role in automation control systems, it's all about showcasing your projects. Include detailed case studies or examples of past work in your portfolio that demonstrate your technical skills and innovative solutions, especially the ones that highlight your experience with control systems or automation processes relevant to April Quest.

Highlight Relevant Certifications:Get your certifications front and centre! Many clients in the automation and control systems field value industry-specific qualifications. Be sure to emphasise any relevant certificates you've earned that pertain to automation technologies or software; this can really help you stand out to April Quest.

Include Your Rates and Availability:As a freelancer, transparency is key. In your application, clearly state your rates and your availability for projects. This allows April Quest to assess if you’re a good fit for their budget and timelines without back-and-forth discussions.

Tailor Your CV Specifically to the Role:Your CV should be tailored for the automation control systems niche. Focus on sector-specific skills, such as familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and any relevant software. Make sure to adapt your experience to showcase how it aligns with the needs of April Quest!

How to prepare for a job interview at April Quest

Show Off Your Portfolio

Make sure you bring along a well-curated portfolio that highlights your past automation and control system projects. We want to showcase not just the final results but also the process, challenges, and solutions you implemented. This gives potential clients like April Quest real insight into how you work and what you can deliver.

Get Ready for Technical Questions

In this field, you might be quizzed on specific automation tools and programming languages you’ve used. Brush up on common queries about PLCs, SCADA systems, or any relevant software like Siemens TIA Portal or Rockwell Automation. Being prepared to discuss these will certainly set you apart from other freelancers.

Understand Their Needs

Since you’ll be freelancing, it’s important to grasp what April Quest actually requires beyond just the technical skills. Get a good grip on their current systems and any pain points they’re facing. Tailoring your proposal to show how you can resolve these issues will elevate your standing in the interview.

Be Transparent with Rates

Freelance roles are all about negotiation, so be upfront about your rates based on your experience and the value you bring. Be prepared to discuss not just your hourly rate but also project-based costs. We need to demonstrate flexibility while still ensuring you're fairly compensated for your expertise in automation-control systems.