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: Flexible working, private healthcare, career development, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with opportunities for mentorship and training.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 ÂŁ per year.
UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
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.
Control Systems Engineer in New Malden employer: Northrop Grumman
Contact Detail:
Northrop Grumman Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Control Systems Engineer in New Malden
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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 researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, especially how they relate to defence and technology. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources. Focus on articulating your experience with PLC systems and how it aligns with the role at Northrop Grumman.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for new opportunities that match your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Control Systems Engineer in New Malden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Control Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Siemens PLCs and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for defence technology and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: When filling out your application, don’t forget to showcase your technical skills, especially in PLC control systems and SCADA. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their expertise in these areas!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, we’re here to help if you have any questions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northrop Grumman
✨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 control systems.
✨Understand the Mission
Familiarise yourself with Northrop Grumman's mission and values, particularly how they relate to national defence. Show your passion for contributing to real-world challenges and be prepared to explain how your skills align with their goals.
✨Technical Documentation is Key
Since producing high-quality technical documentation is part of the role, be ready to discuss your experience in this area. Bring examples of documentation you've created in the past and be prepared to explain your process for ensuring clarity and compliance with standards.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to fault-tolerant systems, industrial networking protocols, and software development lifecycles. Brush up on these topics and think of specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities.