Control & Instrumentation Engineer (PLCs) (Permanent) in Derby

Control & Instrumentation Engineer (PLCs) (Permanent) in Derby

Derby Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Rolls-royce

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and support cutting-edge aerospace test facilities with innovative measurement and control systems.
  • Company: Join Rolls-Royce, a leader in aerospace innovation and technology.
  • Benefits: Flexible benefits, generous leave, retirement savings, and employee assistance programmes.
  • Other info: Great training opportunities and career growth in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a global team shaping the future of aerospace technology.
  • Qualifications: Background in data acquisition, control systems, or avionics preferred but not essential.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

We are looking for Controls & Instrumentation Engineers to help design, deliver and support the next generation of Civil Aerospace test facilities globally. This includes Test Bed 80, the world's largest and most advanced indoor aerospace test bed.

The Experimental Systems design team are responsible for delivering a wide range of measurement and control system technologies. The team have just completed the design, installation, and commissioning of all the data systems on Test Bed 80 from concept to first engine run and helped complete the first run on the UltraFan, our highest instrumented engine ever. Successful candidates have the opportunity to either specialise in a key skill or obtain a broad range of engineering skills which are required to provide data systems and services that support Rolls-Royce's core aero-engine products throughout their lifecycle.

What you will be doing:

  • Design of new measurement and control system solutions, including high speed data acquisition.
  • Aircraft to engine controller interface communication and simulation systems, including flight support.
  • New signal conditioning integration and commissioning.
  • Integration of IT systems including networks, data movement and storage.
  • Requirements capture and analysis, and the preparation of system specifications.
  • Design, monitor and acceptance of third party supplied systems.
  • Possibility of travel to our test facilities or suppliers around the world.

The successful candidate will have the confidence and ability to work as part of a team and take the lead on technical projects. The role will be based in Derby, but the global nature of the business requires the flexibility to support the Civil Aerospace global business model, and the requirement for short-term assignments around the globe.

Who we're looking for:

  • People with a background in some, not necessarily all of the following:
  • Data Acquisition, including high speed measurement techniques.
  • Understanding of sensors, signal conditioning, measurement chains and their application.
  • Design and integration of control systems with machinery, including product selection and safety implications (e.g. PLC).
  • Experience with aircraft avionics.
  • Experience with NI products including LabVIEW.
  • Experience in requirements capture/analysis methods, such as Systems Engineering.
  • System architecture design.
  • Good knowledge of current products, technologies and methods.

You will have a demonstrable track record of delivering under pressure to both tight and changing project deadlines. Highly self-motivated and enthusiastic, you will be able to produce work of a consistently high standard. This position could suit an experienced engineer or equally an early career engineer who has an interest in test systems and electronics and is keen and willing to learn and develop on the job. There will be plenty of training opportunities and the position offers excellent prospects for growth within the role and the wider Measurement and Test organisation.

Regional Benefits:

  • Flexible benefits from life insurance to gym discounts and tax free cycling.
  • Generous Annual Leave.
  • Retirement Savings through the Rolls-Royce Retirement Savings Trust.
  • Group Life Assurance provides for a lump sum benefit if you die whilst employed by Rolls-Royce.
  • Group Income Protection provides an income in the event that you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
  • Your Shares: Matched is a simple way to own Rolls-Royce shares and invest in our future, together. Buy one share, get one free!
  • Digital GP provides a convenient way for you to access GP consultations.
  • Employee Assistance (EAP) and Live Well programmes.

Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.

Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.

Closing Date: 10th July 2026. As part of our selection process, candidates in certain locations may be asked to complete an online assessment, which can include cognitive and behavioural aptitude testing relevant to the role. If required, full instructions for the next steps will be provided.

Control & Instrumentation Engineer (PLCs) (Permanent) in Derby employer: Rolls-royce

At Rolls-Royce, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in our Bristol/Hybrid location. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that shape the future of technology. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our collective success.

Rolls-royce

Contact Details:

Rolls-royce Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Control & Instrumentation Engineer (PLCs) (Permanent) in Derby

Get Involved in Control Systems Communities

Dive into control systems forums and relevant LinkedIn groups to showcase your expertise. Engage in discussions, answer questions, and share your knowledge—this can help us get noticed by potential employers looking for someone just like you!

Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops

Join conferences or workshops specifically tailored to control systems engineering, like the IEEE conference. These events are goldmines for networking with industry leaders and might just lead us to that perfect role at Rolls-royce.

Get Practical Experience Through Projects

Start or contribute to projects that highlight your control systems skills. Whether it’s a simulated environment or real-world application, having tangible results will give us a huge edge when chatting with Rolls-royce.

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Focus on niche job boards that specialise in engineering roles. Channels like Engineers.co or similar can help ensure that we’re not only applying to random jobs but targeting positions that align perfectly with our control systems engineering skills!

We think you need these skills to ace Control & Instrumentation Engineer (PLCs) (Permanent) in Derby

Data Acquisition
High Speed Measurement Techniques
Understanding of Sensors
Signal Conditioning
Measurement Chains
Control Systems Design and Integration
PLC Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Technical Skills:When applying for the Control & Instrumentation Engineer (PLCs) (Permanent) role, make sure to showcase your technical expertise in control systems. Be specific about the software and programming languages you’ve worked with—mention anything from MATLAB to PLC programming. This will help us see your proficiency in the tools that are essential for the job.

Quantify Your Achievements:In the engineering world, numbers speak volumes! Use your CV to quantify your achievements—whether it’s a percentage improvement in system efficiency or successful project completions under budget. This will not only make your application stand out but also showcase your problem-solving capabilities to us.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Don’t hesitate to get personal in your cover letter! Talk about why you’re passionate about control systems engineering and how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role at Rolls-royce. We want to see your genuine interest and motivation to contribute to our projects.

Professional Documentation:For a full-time role, ensure that your application documents are professional and well-structured. Include a clear CV format and cover letter that highlights key projects or systems you've worked on. Don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications or training that would make you a valuable addition to us at Rolls-royce.

How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-royce

Brush Up on Control Systems Concepts

Make sure we're up to speed with control systems theory—think stability analysis, PID tuning, and state-space representation. Revising these fundamentals will help us answer technical questions more confidently and demonstrate our expertise during the interview.

Familiarise Yourself with Simulation Tools

Get hands-on with popular simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink or LabVIEW. A lot of interviews might include technical assessments or practical tasks to gauge our understanding of system modelling and control design using these tools, so being proficient could really set us apart.

Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios

We should expect scenario-based questions where we'll have to solve real-world control system challenges. Practising how to approach problems logically and articulately will help us show our analytical thinking to the interviewer at Rolls-royce.

Show Your Passion for Engineering

As this role is full-time, it's crucial we convey our genuine enthusiasm for control systems engineering. Sharing personal projects or experiences where we tackled interesting engineering tasks can illustrate our commitment and eagerness to contribute to the team at Rolls-royce.