Principal Control Systems Engineer in London

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: UK-Security Check (SC)

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

What’s your possible? At Northrop Grumman UK, you’ll be part of a team driving innovation where it matters most — solving tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. It’s what we call Defining Possible. This mindset goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community.

The Opportunity: This is more than just a job; it’s a mission. We’re looking for a Control Systems Engineer to join our UK Defence business — a sovereign UK software and systems centre of excellence supporting multi-domain command and control systems and the backbone of Royal Navy platforms. In this role, you’ll design, develop and maintain PLC and HCI solutions for naval platform management systems, deployed across the UK submarine fleet. You’ll be integral to both product development and ongoing in‑service support, helping to ensure mission‑critical systems remain secure, reliable and operational throughout their lifecycle. If you’re passionate about Siemens PLCs, SCADA systems, safety, and product security, and you want your work to have a real‑world impact, this is an exciting opportunity to grow, innovate and contribute to national defence.

What you’ll be doing:

• Interpreting, developing and capturing customer requirements.
• Designing, developing and testing PLC control system solutions.
• Producing high‑quality technical documentation aligned with customer and company standards.
• Managing data communications with third‑party equipment.
• Developing PLC software using block diagrams, flowcharts or pseudo code.
• Validating designs through analysis, testing and reviews.
• Contributing to project meetings, proposals and contract changes.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience designing and integrating large‑scale PLC control systems using Siemens products (e.g. Step 7 Classic, TIA Portal).
• Knowledge of fault‑tolerant, high‑availability and safety‑integrated PLC solutions.
• Understanding of industrial networking protocols such as Profibus, Profinet, EtherNet/IP, ModBus, TCP/IP, UDP or ASCII.
• Experience producing technical documentation.
• SCADA/PLC interfacing and driver configuration experience.
• Understanding of software development lifecycles, testing and commissioning.
• Degree/HNC/HND in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience within Defence, Maritime, Aerospace or regulated industries (Oil & Gas, Pharma, Petrochemical).

If you meet some, but not all of the criteria, we still encourage you to apply — we’re committed to developing talent.

Security Clearance: Due to the nature of our work, you must be a UK national. You must be able to gain and maintain SC (Security Check) clearance.

What we offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working options, including compressed fortnight.
• Private healthcare.
• Cash health plan.
• Holiday buy/sell options.
• Career development programmes and professional training.
• Performance‑based bonuses.

Why join Northrop Grumman UK?

• A Mission to Believe In: Every day we contribute to building a more secure and connected world, working on technology that protects those who protect us.
• A Place to Belong and Thrive: Our culture celebrates diversity of thought, background and experience. Every voice is valued, and every contribution matters.
• Your Career, Your Way: Shape your development journey with access to diverse roles, leadership support, mentoring and training to help you grow.

Ready to apply? Yes — Submit your application online today. Possibly — Want more information? Contact our team: No — Not the right role? Explore other opportunities. We’re growing across the UK.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.