Lead System Integration Engineer

The Role: As a Systems Integration Lead Engineer at Bridges, you will deliver high-quality control and automation solutions for the water industry while helping to strengthen the long-term capability of the Systems Integration (SI) team. Alongside your technical work, you will play a guiding role within the team — supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, and mentoring junior engineers and graduates. This role is about leading by example, enabling others to grow, and ensuring Bridges continues to deliver sustainable and trusted SI solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Delivery: Lead the design, development, testing, and commissioning of PLC, SCADA, and automation systems across the full project lifecycle. Produce and manage documentation including control philosophies, URS, FDS, IO schedules, and commissioning plans in line with Bridges and client standards. Apply structured design assurance processes to ensure consistency, compliance, and reliability of solutions.
• Collaboration & Integration: Work closely with design, panel build, and delivery teams to ensure seamless integration of control systems within wider EICA projects. Liaise with clients, suppliers, and delivery partners to ensure technical requirements are fully understood and met. Support and strengthen Bridges' reputation as a trusted Systems Integrator within major frameworks.
• Mentoring & Development: Act as a role model within the SI team, demonstrating technical excellence and collaborative behaviours. Mentor and support junior engineers, graduates, and apprentices through guidance, feedback, and shared project work. Contribute to the Bridges SI team's culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing by embedding mentoring and development into everyday delivery.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the development of standardised templates, tools, and approaches to improve quality and efficiency. Engage in vendor certification programmes (e.g. Schneider, Rockwell, Siemens) to demonstrate team competence and align with framework requirements. Identify opportunities for innovation, simplification, and long-term maintainability in control system design.

At Bridges we are more than Engineers. We are listed on the Sunday Times Top 100 Places to Work 2024. As a team we shape and support engineering and construction for our clients who in turn touch the daily lives of millions of people across the UK. We have a large diverse team of talented Safe & Happy People, combining their strengths and ambition to bring innovation and evolution which ensures Sustainability for all stakeholders. Across our key sectors – Water, Power, Energy and Aggregates, and supported through our regional office network supported by our manufacturing hub located in the heart of Somerset which forms part of our 60,000ft head office complex – we deliver diverse and interesting projects and programmes throughout UK infrastructure. Our projects range in value from £5k to £15m, taking the role of Principal Contractor and Principal Designer on various schemes, and supporting our valued Tier 1 contractor clients in a subcontractor and off-site manufacturing capacity.

Requirements

Essential Skills:

• Strong knowledge of industrial control systems, including SCADA, PLCs, telemetry, and instrumentation.
• Proficiency in systems engineering principles such as requirements management and system architecture design.
• Practical experience in developing, configuring, and testing control system software.
• Ability to manage project timelines, prioritise tasks, and manage risks to ensure successful delivery.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Commitment to mentoring and knowledge sharing, supporting the Bridges SI team's collaborative and development culture.
• Team-focused approach with the right attitude and aptitude to support Bridges' values of Safe People, Happy People, Sustainable Business.

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of WIMES and other relevant industry standards.
• Experience in water or wastewater treatment processes and associated control systems.
• Understanding of telemetry protocols and data integration methods.
• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Automation, or a related discipline — whilst not essential, this would support formal recognition of competence.
• Familiarity with vendor certification programmes (e.g. Schneider, Rockwell, Siemens) and willingness to engage in structured training to build formal competence.

Benefits

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR BRIDGES: RoSPA Gold Medal winner, Bridges - is an excellent company to work for and a great place to develop your career. Our goal is to exceed the very highest standards and ensure our people work in a culture of health, safety and well-being. We are currently holders of the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, which reinforces our commitment to supporting the armed forces community. We are a family-run business with a friendly and welcoming culture, and we are dedicated to helping our employees learn, develop, and achieve success - along with us and throughout their careers. Bridges also offers an excellent benefits package:

• Competitive salaries
• Company car/car allowance
• Health cash plan with Healthshield
• Standard Life Pension Scheme - 5% company contribution
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Bike 2 Work scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee referral scheme - £1,000 if you successfully introduce someone
• Employee recognition schemes
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay

When you join us, you'll be part of our exciting journey. Wherever your journey begins with us, through mutual engagement, we'll make sure you are supported and invested in. We believe in 'team bridges' and leadership at all levels with our guiding principles: Safe People, Happy People, Sustainable Business. Come and be part of our team. Bridges is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring equality and diversity within the workplace.