At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement control systems for innovative tidal turbines.
- Company: Join Orbital Marine Power, a leader in renewable energy technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical care, generous holiday allowance, and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of renewable energy with cutting-edge technology and real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in control-related discipline and experience in control systems.
- Other info: Collaborate with experts and gain hands-on experience in offshore renewable systems.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Orbital Marine Power is a visionary Scottish renewable energy company focused on the global application of its pioneering floating turbine technology that can supply predictable power from tidal streams and ocean currents, every day, regardless of the weather. The technology has already been proven at full scale, with the company operating the world’s most powerful tidal turbine since July 2021. This provides invaluable operational insight while clearly demonstrating the technology’s commercial viability. With global interest in tidal energy accelerating, Orbital is expanding its team to support larger-scale manufacture, multi‑turbine delivery and the next stage of commercial growth. The company recently secured an additional £7m investment and won a major new project in Canada that will see at least six turbines deployed in one of the world’s most promising locations for tidal energy generation. Orbital enters this next phase with strong momentum and a clear pathway to larger deployments and long‑term expansion.
What this role is about
You will join Orbital’s Control & Instrumentation team to support the design, development and implementation of the control systems that underpin safe, remote and highly reliable turbine operation. This role blends software development, instrumentation design and hands‑on engineering, with involvement across the full lifecycle of control hardware and software delivery. It suits someone who enjoys working at the intersection of automation, real‑time systems and multidisciplinary engineering.
What you will be doing
- Supporting the design and implementation of turbine control system hardware and software, working closely with the Control & Instrumentation Manager and senior engineers.
- Assisting with installation and commissioning of PLCs, embedded PCs, I/O modules, control cabinets and associated control hardware.
- Specifying instrumentation and communications hardware/software, overseeing onboard installation and integration into the wider control system.
- Designing, implementing and testing control routines along with HMI/SCADA interfaces for safe, remote turbine operation.
- Working with mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and communications engineers to ensure seamless control system interfaces across all subsystems.
- Coordinating with external suppliers and contractors for equipment procurement and specialist services.
What you will bring
- A degree (or higher education) in a control‑related discipline.
- Experience designing, installing and commissioning control systems (minimum 2 years for Engineer level; 5+ for Senior).
- Strong teamworking and communication skills.
- Experience with object‑oriented programming languages, Visual Studio and Git‑based software control.
- Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, OPC or Modbus.
- Useful but not essential:
- Knowledge of Beckhoff/TwinCAT environments and SCADA systems.
- Experience with control systems in marine renewables or wind energy.
- Familiarity with IEC 61131‑3 standards and industrial network design/maintenance.
Why the role matters and why it’s interesting
Orbital is entering an exciting phase of multi‑turbine deployment and scaling, and the control system lies at the heart of safe and efficient turbine operation. In this role, you will help shape the next generation of turbine control architecture, influence how Orbital’s systems evolve, and contribute to engineering challenges that span automation, real‑time systems, power generation and environmental constraints. You will work closely with specialists across the organisation, gaining hands‑on exposure to complex offshore renewable systems while helping deliver technology with global significance.
Interested in taking things further?
If you want more information or would like to discuss your suitability, please apply or contact Eden Scott in confidence at anita.galbraith@edenscott.com. Even if you are not actively looking or do not have an updated CV, you are very welcome to get in touch for an initial conversation.
Eden Scott is working exclusively on this appointment. Any direct or 3rd‑party applications to Orbital Marine Power will be directed to Eden Scott for consideration.
Remuneration Package
Orbital offers a competitive salary based on experience, a robust benefits package designed to support the wellbeing, security and long‑term growth of Orbital employees, including private medical care and generous holiday allowance, and excellent opportunities for professional growth as the business continues to expand.
Control Systems Engineer employer: Orbital Marine Power Ltd
Contact Detail:
Orbital Marine Power Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Control Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the renewable energy sector, especially those working at Orbital Marine Power. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with control systems or programming, consider creating a small project or demo that showcases your abilities. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial communication protocols. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Orbital team.
We think you need these skills to ace Control Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Control Systems Engineer role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in control systems design and implementation. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about renewable energy and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about working with Orbital Marine Power.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical skills, especially in programming languages and industrial communication protocols. We’re keen on seeing your hands-on experience with control systems, so make it stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orbital Marine Power Ltd
✨Know Your Control Systems Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of control systems, especially those related to marine renewables. Be ready to discuss your experience with PLCs, embedded PCs, and industrial communication protocols like EtherCAT or Modbus. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical insights too.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various engineering disciplines, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. Highlight any projects where you coordinated with mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic engineers to demonstrate your ability to work across different subsystems.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that dive deep into your programming skills and experience with software tools like Visual Studio and Git. Brush up on object-oriented programming concepts and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past projects. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can hit the ground running.
✨Express Your Passion for Renewable Energy
Orbital Marine Power is all about innovation in renewable energy, so make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the field. Share any relevant experiences or projects that showcase your commitment to sustainability and how you see yourself contributing to the future of tidal energy technology.