At a Glance
- Tasks: Design, program, and commission industrial control systems for power solutions projects.
- Company: Leading engineering firm in Cambridge with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, training support, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Flexible working pattern with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the engineering field.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience; PLC programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
About the Role
We’re seeking an experienced PLC Control Systems Engineer (5-10 years) to design, program, test and commission industrial control systems across power solutions projects. This includes diesel generator controls, switchgear/ATS/AMF panels, load sharing/synchronisation, and associated HMI/SCADA interfaces. The role spans the full project lifecycle (FDS/DDS, coding, FAT/SAT, on-site commissioning), working closely with electrical design, project managers, and clients to deliver robust, safe, and maintainable systems that meet industry standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Design & Development
- Produce and own control system deliverables: User Requirements (URS), FDS, DDS/SDS, I/O lists, Cause & Effect, alarms, and test plans.
- Develop PLC/HMI/SCADA applications to internal coding standards and client specifications.
- Configure and integrate generator controllers (Deep Sea Electronics (DSE), ComAp, Woodward), synchronising and load‑sharing schemes, ATS/AMF logic, and black‑start/priority management.
- Interface PLCs with protection relays, meters, breakers, UPS, and BMS/EMS systems.
- Collaborate with electrical design for wiring schematics (e.g., EPLAN/AutoCAD Electrical) and panel build liaison.
- Testing & Commissioning
- Lead FAT/SAT, I/O checks, loop testing, simulation, and site commissioning.
- Troubleshoot PLC, HMI/SCADA, and communications networks; implement robust fixes and design improvements.
- Produce handover packs, as‑built software, change logs, and training for end users (O&M).
- Documentation, Quality & Compliance
- Maintain version control, change management, and code libraries (e.g., Git-based workflows).
- Ensure compliance with functional safety and electrical standards where applicable (e.g., IEC 60204-1, SIL principles/IEC 61511), PUWER, and Machinery Directive/UKCA.
- Contribute to RAMS for site works; uphold ISO 9001 quality procedures and good engineering practice.
- OT Networking & Cybersecurity
- Design and commission industrial Ethernet networks (managed switches, VLANs, NAT, routing).
- Implement and document secure architectures and segmentation, harden PLC/HMI/SCADA assets, and apply password/backup policies and access controls in line with best practices.
- Configure and troubleshoot common industrial protocols: Modbus TCP/RTU, Profinet, Profibus, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA; (nice to have: IEC 61850, DNP3).
- Continuous Improvement & Support
- Mentor junior engineers, contribute to coding standards, reusable function blocks, and templates.
- Provide remote and on‑site support, root‑cause analysis, and preventive maintenance recommendations.
- Suggest design enhancements for reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle cost reduction.
Technical Skills
- PLC / HMI / SCADA: Allen Bradley, Siemens TIA Portal (SCL/ladder), WinCC/Unified; Rockwell Studio 5000 (Ladder/Structured Text), FactoryTalk View. Optional: Schneider EcoStruxure, Mitsubishi GX Works, Beckhoff TwinCAT, AVEVA/Wonderware, Ignition. Must have written system code from conception / from design.
- Generator & Power Integration: DSE/ComAp/Woodward controller integration, breaker control, load management, protection interfaces. Familiarity with UPS systems, power meters, and protection relays.
- Networks & Protocols: Layer‑2/3 concepts, VLANs, NAT, routing, industrial firewalls; Modbus, Profinet, Profibus, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA.
- Electrical & Safety: Read/mark up schematics, panel layouts, and cable schedules. Awareness of IEC 60204-1, functional safety (SIL concepts), BS 7671 principles, PUWER; RAMS.
Qualifications & Certifications (Desired)
- Degree/HND in Electrical, Electronic, Control/Automation, or Mechatronics Engineering (or equivalent experience).
- ECS/CSCS or safety passports.
- Full UK driving licence and ability to work on client sites.
- Nice to have: Functional Safety awareness (e.g., TÜV), CompEx/ATEX awareness where applicable.
Personal Attributes
- Methodical, safety‑first, and quality‑driven, strong attention to detail.
- Clear communicator with clients, site teams, and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Proactive problem solver, comfortable under time pressure during commissioning.
- Team player who can also work independently and mentor others.
- Willing to travel to sites across the UK.
Benefits
- Competitive salary £65,000-£70,000
- Company pension; 25 days’ holiday & bank holidays.
- Company laptop & mobile phone.
- Training & certification support (APM/PRINCE2/18th Edition/Siemens/Allen‑Bradley).
- Professional membership support (IET/APM).
- Flexible site travel expenses.
- Private health care (post probation).
Working Pattern
- 70% Office / 30% site as needed by projects.
- UK travel to customer sites, factories, and FAT locations.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK, have a British passport or settlement status.
Plc Engineer in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire employer: Energy Jobline CVL
Contact Detail:
Energy Jobline CVL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Plc Engineer in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
✨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 refer you to their company.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your PLC projects, coding samples, and any relevant documentation. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions related to PLC systems and control engineering. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Plc Engineer in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the PLC Engineer role. Highlight your experience with control systems, programming, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical expertise! Mention specific PLCs, HMI/SCADA systems, and protocols you’ve worked with. The more detail you provide, the better we can understand your capabilities.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points for key achievements and responsibilities to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline CVL
✨Know Your PLCs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLC programming and control systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving Allen Bradley or Siemens TIA Portal. Highlight your experience with generator controls and load management, as these are key areas for the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex issues during testing and commissioning. Discuss any troubleshooting you've done with PLCs, HMI/SCADA systems, or communications networks. Employers love to see a proactive problem solver who can think on their feet!
✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Standards
Understand the relevant compliance standards like IEC 60204-1 and SIL principles. Be prepared to talk about how you've ensured quality and safety in your previous roles. This shows that you take regulations seriously and can deliver safe, maintainable systems.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, especially for non-technical stakeholders. Being a clear communicator is crucial, so consider how you would explain your design choices or troubleshooting steps to someone without a technical background.