Senior Control System Engineer

Senior Control System Engineer

Warrington Full-Time 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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First Recruitment Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and implement PLC control systems while collaborating with a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join First Recruitment Group, a leader in engineering recruitment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the EC&I industry, especially in nuclear projects.
  • Qualifications: Experience in PLC programming and control system design is essential.
  • Other info: Work in a supportive environment with a focus on innovation and quality.

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

We are seeking an experienced Senior Control Systems Engineer to lead and deliver complex control and automation projects. You will work within a multi‑disciplinary team, taking technical ownership for the design, implementation, testing, and commissioning of PLC, HMI, and SCADA‑based control systems throughout the full project lifecycle.

This hands‑on senior role is ideal for engineers who thrive on problem‑solving, technical ownership, and mentoring colleagues, while supporting Lead Engineers and Project Managers to deliver high‑quality, safe, and compliant solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Delivery

  • Deliver detailed design, implementation, testing, and commissioning of control systems in line with project requirements.
  • Configure and develop PLC software, control philosophies, and system configurations using industry‑standard platforms.
  • Develop simulator applications to support PLC testing and verification.
  • Integrate control systems with electrical, mechanical, and wider engineering disciplines.

Design & Documentation

  • Produce comprehensive design documentation, including Functional Design Specifications, Detailed Design Specifications, Test Specifications, Operation & Maintenance Manuals, and training materials.
  • Interpret and work from engineering drawings, including control enclosures, I/O interfaces, marshalling cubicles, and operator panels.
  • Conduct site visits to identify constraints, risks, and design impacts.
  • Plan and execute formal verification and validation testing, including FAT, CAT, and site acceptance activities.
  • Undertake fault‑finding and troubleshooting during in‑house testing and on‑site commissioning.
  • Ensure systems meet safety, quality, and performance requirements.

Project & Team Support

  • Support Lead Engineers and Project Managers in delivering projects on schedule.
  • Provide effort estimates for scope changes and input to project schedules.

What We’re Looking For

  • HND or Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Control Systems, Automation) or equivalent experience.
  • Proven experience in PLC‑based control system design and implementation.
  • Strong knowledge of IEC 61131 PLC programming languages, PLC hardware, software, and industrial communication protocols.
  • Experience delivering projects from design through to commissioning.
  • Experience in formal testing, validation, and verification, including simulator tools.
  • Strong fault‑finding and troubleshooting skills.
  • Understanding of electrical and control system drawings.

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Senior Control Systems Engineer looking for new employment.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.

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Senior Control System Engineer employer: First Recruitment Group

At First Recruitment Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our office-based roles in Warrington, Cumbria, or Stockton come with a hybrid working scheme, providing flexibility while ensuring our engineers have access to cutting-edge projects in the EC&I industry, particularly within the Nuclear sector. We are committed to employee growth, offering opportunities for professional development and a supportive environment where meticulous attention to detail is valued and rewarded.
First Recruitment Group

Contact Detail:

First Recruitment Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Control System Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to the job poster directly on LinkedIn or through their company page. A friendly message expressing your interest can make you stand out and show you're proactive.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your PLC programming skills and understanding the latest in SCADA systems. We want you to be ready to impress with your technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your experience with detailed examples during interviews. Talk about specific projects where you designed and implemented control systems, especially in regulated industries like Nuclear. This will highlight your expertise!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream job!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Control System Engineer

PLC Programming (IEC 61131)
Control System Design
Requirements Capture and Traceability
Functional Design Specifications
Test Specifications
Fault-Finding and Troubleshooting
Attention to Detail
Communication Protocols in Industrial Control Systems
Experience in EC&I Industry (Nuclear preferred)
HMI/SCADA Integration
Cyber Security in Control Systems
Knowledge of BS 61508 & BS 61511
Project Management Support
Ability to Work Under Time Constraints
Experience with Rockwell ControlLogix and Schneider M580 PLCs

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Control System Engineer role. Highlight your experience with PLC programming and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that relate to the job description, especially your work in regulated industries like Nuclear or Pharmaceutical.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills in your application. Mention your familiarity with IEC 61131 languages and any specific PLCs you’ve worked with, like Rockwell or Schneider. We love seeing those details!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it’s super easy!

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, or Siemens systems, and have examples of your past projects at hand.

✨Showcase Your Documentation Skills

Since the role involves producing high-quality engineering design documentation, prepare to talk about your experience with requirements capture, functional design specifications, and test specifications. Bring samples if possible!

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Prowess

Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've identified and solved complex issues in control systems. Highlight your fault-finding skills and how you approach troubleshooting in regulated environments.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Cyber Security

Given the emphasis on cyber secure designs, make sure you understand OT Cyber Security principles. Be ready to discuss how you've integrated security into your control system designs in the past.

Senior Control System Engineer
First Recruitment Group
Location: Warrington
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