At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and integration of advanced control systems in safety-critical environments.
- Company: Join a leading engineering and technology organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical infrastructure projects while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in systems engineering with strong technical knowledge and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Sheffield (WHF 2 days a week), flexible working available
Salary: To be discussed on application
Permanent Office / Project based site work
Start Date: ASAP
About the Role
Technical Partners are supporting a leading engineering and technology organisation in the appointment of a Principal Engineer. This is a senior technical leadership role focused on the design, development, and integration of advanced control systems across highly regulated and safety‑critical environments. You will take full ownership of complex technical solutions, leading projects from concept through to commissioning and handover, while ensuring compliance, performance, and client satisfaction. Alongside hands‑on technical responsibility, you will provide leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction to multi‑disciplinary engineering teams. This role offers significant influence across project delivery, technical governance, client engagement, and continuous improvement, making it ideal for an experienced engineer looking to shape engineering excellence at a senior level.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave, 8 Bank Holidays, plus the ability to buy and sell up to 5 days per year
- Flexible start and finish times, including flexi‑Fridays
- Competitive Employee Referral Award Scheme
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life Assurance
- Pension
- Payment of professional membership fees
- Healthy Extras – Employee Assistance Programme, access to a practising GP, Confidential Advice
- Enhanced family friendly policies
Key Responsibilities
- Leading and approving complex system architectures, designs, and technical specifications
- Owning system integration, ensuring compatibility, performance, and regulatory compliance
- Taking accountability for system testing, validation, and commissioning activities
- Producing and approving high‑quality technical documentation, including requirements, design specifications, test plans, manuals, and quality records
- Translating client requirements into clear functional and non‑functional specifications
- Chairing and leading technical discussions, identifying and resolving engineering issues
- Planning and leading commissioning activities at client sites
- Managing and controlling project resources, budgets, and expenditure, including authorisation
- Coordinating testing and troubleshooting of bespoke control systems
- Driving continuous improvement and innovation opportunities within projects
- Providing technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to engineers across disciplines
- Supporting team capability development, training, and skills planning
- Acting as the senior technical interface for clients, including leading project and technical meetings
- Providing technical sign‑off during bid and tender stages, including approval of estimates and effort
- Collaborating closely with software, hardware, manufacturing, and project management teams
- Delivering accurate project reporting, including progress, risks, and recovery plans
- Ensuring compliance with internal quality management systems, processes, and procedures
- Leading technical and quality reviews and acting as subject‑matter expert
- Maintaining excellent knowledge of client‑specific and international engineering standards
- Ensuring full compliance with health, safety, and wellbeing requirements
- Line management and functional responsibility for assigned team members
- Successfully closing out projects to client and internal standards
Experience & Knowledge Required
- Minimum 7 years’ experience in systems engineering, hardware, control systems, or electrical design
- Strong technical knowledge of relevant engineering tools and software, such as: AutoCAD Electrical, PLC, SCADA, and HMI platforms
- Experience delivering projects within highly regulated or safety‑critical industries (e.g. nuclear, energy, industrial manufacturing)
- Solid understanding of systems engineering principles and integration methodologies
- Experience managing full project lifecycles, including cost control and client engagement
- Awareness of basic contractual and commercial requirements
- Proven experience of software development and/or hardware integration
- Experience working on customer sites and leading commissioning activities
- Strong knowledge of quality management systems, processes, and compliance standards
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
- Ability to develop and defend technical solutions during bid and tender stages
- Strong technical leadership and decision‑making capability
- Confident managing teams, performance, and challenging situations
- Collaborative, proactive, and solutions‑focused mindset
Values Fit
- A strong commitment to delivery and accountability
- A safety‑first mindset with uncompromising standards
- Technical mastery and professional credibility
- A passion for continuous learning and development
- A collaborative approach to working with teams and clients
- Willingness to challenge convention and drive innovation
Why Apply?
Our clients are a specialist engineering and technology partner delivering automation, control, and digital transformation solutions to clients across the energy, nuclear, and industrial manufacturing sectors. With decades of industry expertise, they design and integrate systems that improve safety, reliability, and operational performance across critical infrastructure. Their work supports organisations in delivering secure, sustainable, and future‑ready operations. This is a high‑impact leadership role offering the chance to work on technically complex projects that support critical infrastructure and advanced industrial systems. You'll have the opportunity to influence engineering strategy, mentor talent, and deliver solutions that make a tangible difference.
Principle Engineer in England employer: Ec&I Partners Limited
Contact Detail:
Ec&I Partners Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principle Engineer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your technical expertise. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you admire. A well-crafted email expressing your interest can set you apart and show your enthusiasm for their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Principal Engineer role. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative and show genuine interest in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Principle Engineer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in control systems and project management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Engineer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've mentored teams or led projects successfully. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and guide others!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ec&I Partners Limited
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
As a Principal Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in control systems and engineering principles. Brush up on relevant tools like AutoCAD Electrical and PLC platforms, and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. Show them you can lead complex technical discussions with confidence!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves mentoring and leading multi-disciplinary teams, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement, and discuss how you've handled challenging situations while keeping the team motivated.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Make sure you can translate client requirements into clear specifications. Research the company’s previous projects and their clients to understand their expectations. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to engage with clients and provide tailored solutions that meet their needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making capabilities. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to manage project lifecycles or ensure compliance with safety standards. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.