At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of advanced control systems for smart grid applications.
- Company: Join a pioneering engineering firm driving the UK's energy transition.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, enhanced pension, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a commitment to diversity in the workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy with innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; 8-15 years experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
UK Networks 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.
This is a high‑responsibility engineering leadership role focused on technical governance, design quality, and full lifecycle ownership of control system engineering. The Lead Controls Engineer will provide technical leadership across all PLC‑based control system and panel designs delivered by UKNS. You will define engineering standards, oversee hardware and software design quality, and ensure robust, compliant and fully documented control solutions are delivered across the project lifecycle. You will work closely with the CTO, automation engineers, and panel build team — providing oversight, mentorship and structured engineering discipline to ensure designs are right‑first‑time and high quality.
What You’ll Be Doing
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys:
- Setting engineering standards
- Improving technical rigour
- Leading design reviews
- Owning technical sign‑off
- Working across both software and hardware domains
Technical Authority & Governance
- Lead the detailed design of PLC‑based control systems for smart grid applications.
- Establish and maintain internal Control System Design Standards.
- Conduct structured design reviews prior to issue for manufacture (IFC).
- Approve schematic drawings, panel layouts, and hardware specifications.
- Define best practice for panel segregation, EMC, earthing, protection and wiring standards.
Hardware & Electrical Design Oversight
- Oversee production of panel layouts, terminal plans, protection coordination, I/O schedules, and wiring schematics.
- Ensure compliance with relevant standards including BS EN 60204, BS EN 61439, and applicable grid/utility requirements.
- Specify and validate PLC hardware, network components, metering interfaces and field instrumentation.
Software & System Architecture
- Provide technical oversight of PLC programming (ladder logic, structured text, function block).
- Define structured control philosophies and system architectures.
- Ensure appropriate integration with SCADA, protection relays, meters and DNO/IDNO interfaces.
- Validate communication design (MODBUS RTU/TCP, DLMS/COSEM, IEC 61850, etc.).
Project Lifecycle Leadership
- Lead engineering through concept design, detailed design, build support, FAT, SAT and commissioning.
- Ensure delivery of complete, professional documentation packs including:
- Schematics
- Bills of materials
- O&M manuals
- Test plans
- As‑built documentation
- Support client technical discussions and resolve design queries.
Mentorship & Team Development
- Mentor and develop automation engineers and drafting engineers.
- Improve consistency and technical maturity across the engineering team.
- Help shape the future direction of UKNS control system capability.
Requirements
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Automation or related discipline (HNC/HND considered with significant experience).
- 8–15+ years’ experience in control systems engineering or automation design.
- Proven experience leading control system design on industrial or infrastructure projects.
- Strong background in LV control panel design and electrical schematics.
- Proficiency with major PLC platforms (Schneider, Siemens, Allen‑Bradley).
- Strong understanding of networked control systems and industrial protocols.
- Experience conducting design reviews and technical sign‑off.
- Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status (CEng / IEng) or working towards registration.
- Experience in power networks, grid connections, renewables, or HV/LV infrastructure.
- Experience with G100 export limitation systems or utility compliance.
- Prior experience mentoring junior engineers.
What’s in it for you
- £70,000 – £90,000 salary depending on experience
- Opportunity to lead engineering on some of the UK’s most advanced smart grid control projects
- Strategic technical influence within a growing, innovation‑focused company
- Company bonus scheme
- Enhanced employers’ contribution pension scheme
- Death in Service benefit policy
- Salary sacrifice schemes (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
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.
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.
Lead Controls Engineer in England employer: Networks Services Limited
At UK Networks Services, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of the UK's transition to a smarter electricity system, offering our employees the chance to lead innovative projects that make a real impact on the environment. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth through mentorship and structured development opportunities, while our competitive benefits package, including a generous salary, enhanced pension contributions, and support for local community initiatives, ensures that our team members feel valued and engaged in their roles. Join us in Bishops Stortford, where your expertise as a Lead Controls Engineer will not only shape the future of energy but also contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Controls Engineer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your expertise in PLC-based control systems. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for roles that excite you, especially in smart grid technology!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Controls Engineer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Controls Engineer role. Highlight your experience with PLC-based control systems and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about smart grid technology and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise in your application. Mention specific PLC platforms you’ve worked with and any design standards you’re familiar with. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at UK Networks Services!
How to prepare for a job interview at Networks Services Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLC-based control systems and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with relevant standards like BS EN 60204 and BS EN 61439, as well as industrial protocols. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role but also genuinely interested in the technical aspects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Controls Engineer, you'll be expected to mentor and guide others. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight how you improved design quality or established engineering standards, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions during your interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with control system design, including any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. Practising common interview questions related to automation and control systems can help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about their current projects, the team dynamics, or how they envision the future of smart grid technology. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
