At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement PLC control systems for exciting industrial projects.
- Company: Join a growing engineering team in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and long-term career development.
- Other info: Work on varied and technically challenging projects with ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with innovative control solutions across diverse energy sectors.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; strong PLC programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Kent (Hybrid – 2/3 days office-based, remainder working from home)
Salary: Competitive (DOE)
Hours: Full Time, Permanent
The Opportunity
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Electrical Controls Engineer to join a growing engineering team delivering bespoke electrical control systems across industrial projects. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer with a strong background in PLC programming, control systems and electrical design who enjoys taking ownership of projects from concept through to commissioning.
Working within a collaborative engineering environment, you will be responsible for designing and delivering control systems, producing technical documentation, supporting commissioning activities and ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and to customer specifications. This is a hybrid position, with approximately 2–3 days per week based in the Kent office and the remainder working remotely, alongside occasional travel to customer sites for commissioning and support activities. Candidates from industrial automation, manufacturing, process engineering, power generation, utilities, renewable energy or wider energy sectors are encouraged to apply.
The Role
As a PLC Controls Design Engineer, you will take technical ownership of multiple projects, working closely with customers, suppliers and internal engineering teams to deliver high-quality control solutions. You will be responsible for developing PLC software, reviewing electrical schematics, supporting commissioning activities and ensuring projects meet both technical and commercial objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop and implement PLC control systems for industrial and process applications.
- Produce project-specific engineering and technical documentation.
- Deliver projects on time, within budget and in line with customer specifications.
- Interpret LV and HV electrical schematics for system integration and fault diagnosis.
- Develop PLC software using platforms such as Allen-Bradley or Schneider Electric.
- Develop and modify HMI and SCADA interfaces for system monitoring and operator control.
- Develop and implement circuit breaker control logic, switching sequences and protection schemes.
- Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) and commissioning activities.
- Produce technical documentation including: Control philosophies, I/O schedules, Functional design documentation, Test procedures.
- Ensure designs comply with customer specifications and relevant industry standards.
- Maintain awareness of contractual requirements, project milestones and technical deliverables.
About You
We're looking for a proactive and technically capable Controls Engineer who enjoys solving complex engineering problems and delivering high-quality control system solutions.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Degree, HND or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems or a related discipline.
- Proven experience as a PLC Controls Engineer, Controls Design Engineer or Automation Engineer / Electrical Design Engineer.
- Background within industrial automation, manufacturing, process engineering, utilities, energy, renewable energy or power generation.
- Strong PLC programming experience using: Allen-Bradley / Schneider Electric.
- Experience developing HMI and SCADA systems.
- Strong understanding of LV electrical schematics.
- Working knowledge of HV control systems and switchgear.
- Experience interpreting electrical drawings and control schematics.
- Knowledge of circuit breaker control logic and electrical protection systems.
- Excellent fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work directly with customers and project teams.
Desirable Experience
- Experience with generator control systems, including ComAp controllers.
- Knowledge of generator synchronisation and load-sharing.
- Experience with G99 / G59 grid protection requirements.
- Familiarity with Modbus, TCP/IP and industrial communications protocols.
- Experience using AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
- HV switching or electrical safety qualifications.
- Knowledge of renewable energy or hybrid energy systems.
What's on Offer
- Hybrid working (2–3 days office / remainder home-based).
- Competitive salary.
- Long-term career development.
- Varied and technically challenging projects.
- Supportive engineering team.
- Opportunity to work across industrial automation, control systems and energy projects.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
Electrical Control Engineer in Maidstone employer: LTEK Recruitment
Ltek Recruitment is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Southampton, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the marine industry. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in project management.
