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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop PLC control systems for naval platforms, ensuring mission-critical operations.
- Company: Join Northrop Grumman UK, a leader in defence technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, career development, and performance bonuses.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact on national defence while growing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with Siemens PLCs and a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or related field.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
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. Our recruitment team can answer questions and guide you through the process: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com
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: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com 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.
Principal Control Systems Engineer employer: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Contact Detail:
Northrop Grumman Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Control Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Northrop Grumman or similar companies on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your Siemens PLC knowledge and relevant protocols. We want to see your passion for control systems shine through, so practice explaining your past projects and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving skills! During interviews, be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in high-stakes environments like Defence or Maritime.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to innovate and protect.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Control Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with Siemens PLCs and SCADA systems. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: When detailing your experience, focus on your knowledge of fault-tolerant systems and industrial networking protocols. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in these areas, so be as detailed as possible!
Keep It Professional: While we love a friendly tone, remember to maintain professionalism in your written application. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. This helps us understand your qualifications better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northrop Grumman Corporation
✨Know Your PLCs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Siemens PLCs, especially Step 7 Classic and TIA Portal. Be ready to discuss your experience with these systems in detail, as well as any projects you've worked on that involved designing or integrating large-scale control systems.
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and requirements of the defence industry. Research Northrop Grumman's role within UK Defence and be prepared to discuss how your skills can contribute to national security and mission-critical systems.
✨Prepare Technical Documentation Examples
Since producing high-quality technical documentation is key for this role, gather examples of your previous work. Be ready to explain your process for creating documentation and how it aligns with customer and company standards.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
During the interview, highlight your experience with fault-tolerant and safety-integrated PLC solutions. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've successfully solved complex problems in your previous roles, particularly in regulated industries like Defence or Maritime.