At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of cutting-edge control systems for HS2 projects.
- Company: Join a leading engineering firm shaping the future of transportation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a focus on safety and sustainability.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for mentoring and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major infrastructure projects while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Control Systems or related field with 10+ years of experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, and delivery of control and automation systems across the HS2 programme. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership for all aspects of industrial control systems, SCADA, PLCs, Building Management Systems (BMS), telemetry, and integrated station and tunnel control solutions. Working within a multidisciplinary MEICA environment, you will be responsible for ensuring that control systems are safe, reliable, compliant, and fully integrated with mechanical and electrical infrastructure. This is a senior technical role requiring strong engineering leadership, stakeholder management, and experience delivering complex control systems within rail, transportation, infrastructure, or critical environment projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership
- Act as the lead technical authority for controls, automation, and SCADA systems across allocated HS2 projects.
- Provide technical direction and mentoring to Controls Engineers and Design Engineers.
- Establish engineering standards, design methodologies, and best practices for control systems delivery.
- Support the Engineering Manager in developing engineering capability and technical excellence within the business.
- Controls & Automation Design
- Lead the design and specification of:
- PLC-based control systems
- SCADA systems
- Building Management Systems (BMS)
- Tunnel Ventilation Control Systems (TVCS)
- Station Control Systems
- Integrated Operational Control Systems
- Telemetry and remote monitoring systems
- Networked industrial communications systems
- Energy monitoring and management systems
- Develop control philosophies, functional design specifications, cause and effect matrices, and system architecture documents.
- Review and approve control panel designs, software architecture, I/O schedules, and network topologies.
- System Integration
- Manage interfaces between controls systems and:
- Mechanical systems
- Electrical distribution systems
- Fire and life safety systems
- Communications systems
- Security systems
- Asset management platforms
- Ensure seamless integration of third-party systems and equipment.
- Lead multidisciplinary design coordination activities and technical workshops.
- Design Assurance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with:
- HS2 Technical Standards
- Railway interoperability requirements
- BS EN and IEC standards
- Cyber security requirements
- Functional safety standards
- CDM Regulations 2015
- Client specifications and contractual obligations
- Lead technical reviews, design assurance activities, and engineering approvals.
- Support hazard identification, risk assessments, and safety assurance processes.
- Project Delivery
- Manage controls engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle from concept design through commissioning and handover.
- Monitor engineering progress, budgets, and resource requirements.
- Review subcontractor and supplier technical submissions.
- Support procurement activities and factory acceptance testing (FAT).
- Testing & Commissioning
- Lead controls system testing and commissioning strategies.
- Witness Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and integrated system testing.
- Support dynamic testing, operational readiness, and project handover activities.
- Resolve complex technical issues during commissioning and operation.
- Stakeholder Management
- Act as the primary controls engineering interface with clients, consultants, supply chain partners, and project stakeholders.
- Present technical solutions and engineering proposals to senior management and clients.
- Support bids, tenders, and technical submissions for future opportunities.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Degree qualified in Control Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 10 years' experience in industrial controls, automation, SCADA, or systems engineering.
- Proven experience delivering major infrastructure, rail, transportation, utilities, or critical facilities projects.
- Strong understanding of:
- PLC programming principles
- SCADA architectures
- Industrial networking
- Control panel design
- Instrumentation systems
- BMS and integrated control systems
- Functional safety concepts
- Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering interfaces.
- Strong understanding of engineering assurance and governance processes.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
Desirable
- Previous experience on HS2, Network Rail, Crossrail, London Underground, or major infrastructure projects.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards chartership.
- Membership of a relevant professional institution (IET, InstMC, Engineering Council, etc.).
- Experience with:
- Siemens PCS7, WinCC, TIA Portal
- Schneider EcoStruxure
- Rockwell Automation platforms
- Wonderware / AVEVA systems
- Ignition SCADA
- OPC and industrial communication protocols
- IEC 61508 / IEC 61511 Functional Safety
- IEC 62443 Industrial Cyber Security
Key Competencies
- Technical Leadership
- Controls & Automation Expertise
- Systems Integration
- Engineering Assurance
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Stakeholder Management
- Commercial Awareness
- Risk Management
- Team Development & Mentoring
- Project Delivery Focus
Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibilities
- Promote and lead a positive safety culture.
- Ensure all control systems are designed with safety and operational resilience at the forefront.
- Support safe‑by‑design principles and compliance with CDM Regulations.
- Contribute to environmental sustainability and energy‑efficient engineering solutions.
Performance Measures
- Delivery of controls engineering packages to programme and budget.
- Successful completion of design assurance and approval milestones.
- Compliance with HS2 and industry standards.
- Quality and reliability of commissioned control systems.
- Effective management of technical risk and system integration challenges.
- Client and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Development and mentoring of engineering team members.
Principle Controls Engineer employer: Mane Energy
As a Principal Controls Engineer at our company, you will be part of a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to delivering cutting-edge control and automation systems for the HS2 programme. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth through mentorship and technical leadership, while also offering competitive benefits and a commitment to safety and sustainability in all our projects. Join us in shaping the future of transportation infrastructure in a role that not only challenges your engineering expertise but also contributes to meaningful advancements in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principle Controls Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and meetups to connect with professionals in the field. Don't be shy—introduce yourself and share your passion for control systems engineering!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice common interview questions related to controls and automation, and be ready to showcase your experience with SCADA and PLC systems.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Create a portfolio that highlights your previous work in control systems, including any major infrastructure projects you've been involved in. This will give potential employers a clear picture of your capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your application to highlight your leadership skills and experience in multidisciplinary environments.
We think you need these skills to ace Principle Controls Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Controls Engineer role. Highlight your experience with control systems, SCADA, and automation projects. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your technical leadership and project delivery experience. Let your personality shine through while keeping it professional!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical expertise in PLC programming, BMS, and system integration. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge and experience in these areas.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mane Energy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLC programming, SCADA systems, and control panel design. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those related to rail or infrastructure. This will show that you have the technical expertise needed for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Controls Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've mentored junior engineers or led multidisciplinary teams in past projects. Highlight your experience in establishing engineering standards and best practices.
✨Understand the Compliance Landscape
Familiarise yourself with HS2 Technical Standards and relevant safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, particularly regarding functional safety and cyber security. This will show that you understand the importance of safety in engineering.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is key in this role, think about how you've effectively communicated technical solutions to clients and project partners. Prepare to share examples of successful presentations or proposals you've made, as well as how you’ve handled any challenges in stakeholder relationships.
