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- Tasks: Lead the design and testing of complex control systems in a secure defence environment.
- Company: Join a key player in the UK defence sector, shaping advanced technology solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a regulated industry while mentoring junior engineers and leading innovative projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in PLC engineering, with expertise in Siemens Step 7 and industrial protocols.
- Other info: UK citizenship required; eligible for Security Check clearance.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 66000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced engineer ready to lead the development of complex control systems within a secure and highly regulated defence environment? Our client, a key player in the UK defence sector, is seeking a Principal Control Systems Engineer with extensive Siemens PLC and SCADA expertise to join their specialist team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Capture, interpret, and develop complex customer requirements.
- Lead the design and testing of Siemens-based PLC control systems (S7-300/400).
- Develop software using block diagrams, flow charts, or pseudo-code.
- Produce and review high-quality technical documentation.
- Manage SCADA/PLC interfacing and industrial communications (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, ModBus, TCP/IP).
- Support system integration and commissioning activities.
- Provide technical leadership to junior engineers and project teams.
- Contribute to project planning, risk management, and customer liaison.
- Assist with proposal development and contract changes.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a PLC engineering environment, ideally in a lead or senior capacity.
- Deep knowledge of Siemens Step 7 Classic and associated tools.
- Experience with fault-tolerant and safety-integrated control systems.
- Strong understanding of industrial protocols and system integration.
- Proven ability to work across the full software lifecycle.
- HND, HNC, or Degree in Electrical/Electronic, Control & Instrumentation, or Systems Engineering.
- Background in Defence, Maritime, Aerospace, or other regulated sectors (e.g., Oil & Gas, Pharma, Petrochem).
Benefits:
- Competitive salary: £62,000 – £75,000, depending on experience.
- Flexible and hybrid working options, including compressed working weeks (e.g., every other Friday off).
- Private healthcare.
- Career development, professional training, and mentoring opportunities.
- Performance-based bonus scheme.
- Relocation support may be available for eligible candidates.
Please note: Due to the nature of this role, UK citizenship is required. Applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Check (SC) clearance.
Principal Control Systems Engineer employer: TEC Partners - Technical Recruitment Specialists
Contact Detail:
TEC Partners - Technical Recruitment Specialists Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Control Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the defence sector, especially those who have experience with Siemens PLC and SCADA systems. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in control systems engineering, particularly in the context of defence applications. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've led the design and testing of PLC control systems. Be ready to explain your approach to managing complex requirements and how you ensured high-quality technical documentation.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your experience with industrial protocols and system integration during conversations with recruiters. Being able to articulate your hands-on experience with technologies like Profibus, Profinet, and ModBus will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Control Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Principal Control Systems Engineer position. Familiarise yourself with Siemens PLC and SCADA systems, as well as the specific skills mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in PLC engineering, particularly with Siemens Step 7 Classic. Emphasise your leadership roles and any experience in regulated sectors like Defence or Aerospace to align with the ideal candidate profile.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for control systems engineering and your ability to lead projects. Mention specific examples of your work with PLCs and SCADA systems, and how you have contributed to project planning and risk management in previous roles.
Highlight Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to detail your technical skills related to industrial protocols and system integration. Discuss your experience with fault-tolerant and safety-integrated control systems, as these are crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at TEC Partners - Technical Recruitment Specialists
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with Siemens PLC and SCADA systems in detail. Highlight specific projects where you led the design and testing of control systems, and be ready to explain your approach to developing software using block diagrams or flow charts.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Principal Control Systems Engineer, you'll need to provide technical leadership. Share examples of how you've mentored junior engineers or led project teams, focusing on your ability to manage and inspire others in a complex engineering environment.
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and regulations of the defence sector. Be ready to discuss how your background in regulated industries like Defence, Maritime, or Aerospace has prepared you for this role, especially regarding compliance and security.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle system integration and commissioning activities. Think of specific instances where you successfully managed SCADA/PLC interfacing and industrial communications, and be ready to walk through your thought process.
