Senior/Lead PLC Control Systems Engineer in London
Senior/Lead PLC Control Systems Engineer

Senior/Lead PLC Control Systems Engineer in London

London Temporary 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and implement high-integrity PLC control systems in regulated environments.
  • Company: First Recruitment Group, dedicated to finding the right talent for engineering roles.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Join a team at the forefront of safety-critical engineering and make a real difference.
  • Qualifications: Experience in PLC control systems and strong knowledge of IEC 61131 programming.
  • Other info: Exciting roles available in Warrington, Cumbria, and Stockton with excellent career prospects.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Lead the design of high-integrity PLC control systems at the heart of the UK’s most regulated and safety-critical environments.

We are seeking an experienced PLC Control Systems Engineer to design, develop, implement, and test high-integrity PLC-based control systems within a regulated engineering environment. This role offers exposure to complex control systems, cyber-secure architectures, and highly regulated industries such as Nuclear.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, implement, and test PLC-based control systems to agreed engineering standards.
  • Produce high-quality engineering documentation, including:
  • User Requirement Specifications (URS) and Requirements Traceability Matrices (RTM)
  • System and Functional Design Specifications (SDD/FDS)
  • Software System Specifications (SSS) and Test Specifications (Module, Integration, System, Hardware)
  • Operation & Maintenance Manuals (O&M)
  • System rebuild documentation and I/O, alarm, and message schedules
  • Project Lifetime Records and Material Traceability Records
  • Support the Lead Engineer and Project Manager by maintaining delivery schedules and reporting technical issues, scope changes, and programme variations.
  • Program PLC platforms (Rockwell, Schneider, Siemens) using IEC 61131 languages, producing robust function blocks and logic aligned with design documentation and engineering standards.
  • Collaborate with HMI/SCADA and database engineers to define control system architectures, including Network Architecture Diagrams, Interface documentation, and Cyber-secure SCADA integration.
  • Conduct formal in-house Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), ensuring strict change control and traceability.
  • Support Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) and commissioning activities when required.
  • Contribute to installation and commissioning documentation, operator and maintainer training, and post-delivery technical site support.
  • Interpret and work with engineering drawings related to PLC cubicles, enclosures, and interface panels, identifying design constraints and site impacts.
  • Engage with engineering teams and stakeholders to deliver high-quality, compliant PLC solutions.
  • Essential Experience
    • Significant experience designing and implementing PLC control systems.
    • Strong knowledge of IEC 61131 PLC programming languages, PLC hardware/software, and industrial communication protocols.
    • Demonstrable experience within the EC&I industry, preferably within Nuclear.
    • High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy, reliability, and quality.
    • Proven experience producing functional and detailed design documentation and formal test specifications.
    • Experience performing structured testing, validation, and verification activities.
    • Excellent fault-finding and troubleshooting capability across complex control systems.
    • Good understanding of engineering drawings (electrical enclosures, control panels, MCCs, etc.).
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Strong technical documentation skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
    Desirable Experience
    • Experience in highly regulated industries (Nuclear, MOD, Pharmaceutical).
    • Hands-on experience with Rockwell ControlLogix and/or Schneider M580 PLCs.
    • Familiarity with integrated HMI and SCADA systems.
    • Experience with OT Cyber Security and cyber-secure system design.
    • Delivery experience aligned with BS 61508 and/or BS 61511 (Functional Safety).
    Essential: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrable experience with a strong focus on EC&I engineering using PLCs.
    Desirable: Membership of a relevant professional institution (e.g. IET). Certified training on Rockwell and/or Schneider PLC systems. Certified Cyber Security training.

    Senior/Lead PLC Control Systems Engineer in London employer: First Recruitment Group

    At First Recruitment Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With opportunities to work on high-integrity PLC control systems in highly regulated environments, our team enjoys a hybrid working scheme and the chance to collaborate with industry experts in locations like Warrington, Cumbria, and Stockton. We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully to our projects.
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    Contact Detail:

    First Recruitment Group Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Senior/Lead PLC Control Systems Engineer in London

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with professionals in the PLC control systems field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews like a pro! Research the company and its projects, especially those related to high-integrity PLC systems. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to boost your confidence.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Showcase your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your previous work, including any design documentation or project summaries that highlight your experience with PLC programming and testing. This will help us see your capabilities in action and set you apart from other candidates.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job!

    We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Lead PLC Control Systems Engineer in London

    PLC Control Systems Design
    IEC 61131 Programming Languages
    High-Integrity Control Systems
    Engineering Documentation Production
    Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
    Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
    Fault-Finding and Troubleshooting
    Industrial Communication Protocols
    Cyber-Secure System Design
    Project Management
    Attention to Detail
    Collaboration with Engineering Teams
    Understanding of Engineering Drawings
    Technical Documentation Skills
    Experience in Regulated Industries

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior/Lead PLC Control Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience with PLC systems, especially in regulated environments like Nuclear, and showcase your technical documentation skills.

    Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on your significant experience in designing and implementing PLC control systems. Mention specific projects where you produced high-quality engineering documentation and any relevant certifications you hold.

    Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points for your achievements and responsibilities to make it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance. Remember, attention to detail is key in this industry!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our team at StudySmarter!

    How to prepare for a job interview at First Recruitment Group

    ✨Know Your PLCs Inside Out

    Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLC programming languages, especially IEC 61131. Be ready to discuss your experience with Rockwell, Schneider, and Siemens platforms, as well as any specific projects you've worked on that highlight your skills.

    ✨Master the Documentation Game

    Since this role involves producing high-quality engineering documentation, be prepared to talk about your experience with User Requirement Specifications (URS) and Functional Design Specifications (FDS). Bring examples of your past work to showcase your attention to detail and technical writing skills.

    ✨Showcase Your Testing Expertise

    Highlight your experience with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT). Be ready to explain how you've ensured strict change control and traceability in your previous roles, as this is crucial in regulated environments like Nuclear.

    ✨Communicate Like a Pro

    Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to engage with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with HMI/SCADA engineers and other teams to deliver compliant PLC solutions.

    Senior/Lead PLC Control Systems Engineer in London
    First Recruitment Group
    Location: London
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