At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex control systems projects and guide multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Company: Leading engineering and technology solutions provider in Sheffield.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, 25 days leave, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Great opportunity for professional growth and mentoring within a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the nuclear sector with advanced technology.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in systems engineering with strong control systems knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Location
Sheffield South Yorkshire
Employment Type
Permanent
The Role
A leading engineering and technology solutions provider is looking for a Principal Systems Engineer to join its specialist Safety & Control team in the Sheffield area.
Working across the nuclear and highly regulated engineering sectors, you will take technical ownership of complex control systems projects, leading the design, development and integration of advanced software and hardware solutions.
This is a senior position combining hands‑on systems engineering expertise with technical leadership, project delivery and client engagement.
You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, guiding projects from initial concept through to commissioning and successful delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development and integration of complex control systems, reviewing and approving system architectures, engineering designs and technical specifications.
- Translate client requirements into functional and non-functional specifications, ensuring solutions meet relevant technical and compliance standards.
- Oversee systems integration, testing, validation and troubleshooting to ensure performance, compatibility and reliability.
- Lead technical documentation, including design specifications, requirements, test plans and quality documentation.
- Plan and lead commissioning activities at client sites.
- Provide technical leadership, guidance and mentoring to engineering teams, supporting their professional development.
- Manage project resources, expenditure, timesheets and allocated budgets, ensuring successful delivery against agreed scopes.
- Lead technical discussions, client meetings and relationship management throughout the project lifecycle.
- Provide technical input and approval during the bidding process, including estimating engineering time and delivery requirements.
- Work collaboratively with software, hardware, workshop and project management teams to resolve technical challenges and deliver project objectives.
- Ensure engineering outputs comply with quality management systems, client-specific requirements and relevant industry standards.
About You
The ideal candidate will have
- A minimum of 7 years' experience within systems engineering.
- Strong technical knowledge of control systems software, including SCADA, PLC and HMI packages.
- Experience applying systems engineering principles, methodologies and integration processes.
- Background in software development and hardware integration.
- Experience working within highly regulated engineering environments, ideally nuclear.
- Previous experience working on client sites, including commissioning and technical delivery.
- A good understanding of project management principles, cost control and client management.
- Experience providing technical leadership, mentoring and managing engineering teams.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to lead technical discussions and engage confidently with clients.
- An understanding of contractual and commercial requirements.
- Experience within the nuclear industry or other highly regulated engineering sectors.
- Experience contributing to technical bids, estimating engineering time and approving technical solutions.
- Knowledge of client-specific and international engineering standards.
- Previous responsibility for project budgets, resource planning and full project delivery.
- What's on Offer
- Hybrid working, typically 3 days in the office and 2 from home.
- Flexible start and finish times, including Flexi Fridays. Core hours 10-3
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Buying and selling of additional annual leave
- Private medical insurance and life assurance.
- Payment of professional membership fees.
- Employee assistance and wellbeing benefits.
Principal System Engineer in Sheffield employer: DCS Engineering
Join a leading business aviation MRO at Farnborough Airport, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to safety, quality, and customer service. With over 40 years of industry experience, we offer competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and extensive personal development opportunities, including in-house training and access to LinkedIn Learning. Our supportive work culture prioritises work-life balance through structured shift patterns and provides unique benefits such as employee assistance programmes and volunteering days.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal System Engineer in Sheffield
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal System Engineer role you’re after at DCS Engineering.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at DCS Engineering a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at DCS Engineering.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal System Engineer at DCS Engineering, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal System Engineer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal System Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at DCS Engineering a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to DCS Engineering specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at DCS Engineering
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with DCS Engineering, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like DCS Engineering want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
