Control Engineer/ Automation Engineer

We are a specialist provider of support services to distribution network operators, developers and industrial energy users making the transition to net zero by electrifying heat, transport and industry.

UKNetworks Services (UKNS) is an engineering company at the forefront of the UK’s transition to a smarter, more flexible electricity system. Our work spans two core areas:

• Technical grid consulting – advising on complex grid connections, regulatory strategy, and power system planning for some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects.
• Smart grid control systems – designing and deploying advanced automation, monitoring, and control solutions that enable customers to connect, manage and optimise energy assets across large, distributed networks.

Within the smart grid side of the business, we design and integrate systems that combine PLC-based control, SCADA, metering, protection, and real-time data platforms. These systems are deployed on projects such as grid-scale load management, site-wide export limitation, substation automation and dynamic network control.

We are seeking a Control Systems Engineer/ Automation Engineer to join our smart grid systems team. This is a technical, hands-on role requiring both PLC programming expertise and control panel/hardware design skills. You will work closely with our CTO, panel build team and existing automation engineers to design, integrate and commission intelligent control systems used on major grid-connected infrastructure projects. This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys working across the full project lifecycle — from concept design, through detailed engineering and build, to final testing and commissioning — and wants to be part of a company shaping the future of how power networks are controlled and optimised.

What you’ll be doing:

• Design and develop PLC-based control systems for smart grid applications including load management, export limitation, and automation of HV/LV infrastructure.
• Produce detailed hardware designs: panel layouts, terminal plans, fusing, protection devices, I/O allocation, and wiring schematics.
• Create professional EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical drawings, bills of materials, and panel documentation.
• Specify and select PLC hardware, field devices, communication components, and network interfaces in line with relevant standards (BS EN 60204, BS EN 61439, etc.).
• Develop PLC programs (ladder logic, structured text, or function block) and integrate with SCADA platforms, metering systems, and protection relays.
• Configure and test industrial communication protocols (MODBUS RTU/TCP, DLMS/COSEM, IEC 61850, etc.).
• Support FAT, SAT, and commissioning activities alongside the wider engineering team.
• Contribute to system architecture design and interface specifications for large, distributed control projects.

Requirements:

• Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Control Systems, Automation or related discipline (HNC/HND considered with strong experience).
• 5+ years’ experience in control systems engineering, PLC programming, or automation design.
• Proficiency with major PLC platforms (e.g. Schneider, Siemens, Allen‑Bradley).
• Experience in panel design, electrical schematics, and hardware specification.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols and networked control systems.
• Competence with EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical.
• Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status (IEng/CEng) or working towards professional registration.
• Experience with SCADA platforms, real-time data acquisition systems, or substation automation.
• Background in power networks, renewables, or grid connection projects.
• Experience in system commissioning, FAT and SAT plans and documentation.

What’s in it for you:

• £50,000 – £70,000 salary depending on experience.
• Opportunity to work on some of the UK’s most advanced smart grid control projects.
• Mentorship from senior engineers and exposure to complex, real-world energy systems.
• Clear career progression within a growing, innovation-focused company.
• Company bonus scheme.
• Salary sacrifice scheme (Bike2work, Electric Vehicles).
• 25 Days of annual leave plus local bank holidays.
• Days available to volunteer for local clubs/charities.
• £300 available for sponsorship of local club or charity.
• Professional registration fees paid annually.
• On-site parking.
• Training & Development.

Note: To be eligible for this job you must have the right to work in the UK, we currently do not sponsor applications for employment visa status. UKNS values diversity in the workplace and is a fair and equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an equal and inclusive working environment, with the aim that our employees will be truly representative of all sections of society and that each person feels respected and able to give their best.