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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; must be eligible for Security Check clearance.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 75000 £ 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 will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field during interviews.
✨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 compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your leadership experience by preparing examples of how you've mentored junior engineers or led project teams. Emphasising your ability to guide others will be crucial for a Principal role.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Control Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Siemens PLC and SCADA systems. Emphasise your leadership roles and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to manage complex control systems in regulated environments.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Discuss your experience in developing control systems, your understanding of industrial protocols, and how you can contribute to the team.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your achievements in PLC engineering, particularly in defence or other regulated sectors. Use quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate technical questions related to Siemens Step 7 Classic and fault-tolerant systems. Be ready to discuss your approach to system integration and how you've led teams in past projects.
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
Since the role involves providing technical leadership to junior engineers, share examples of how you've mentored others or led project teams. Discuss your experience in project planning and risk management to show that you can handle responsibilities effectively.
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and regulations of the defence industry. Be ready to discuss how your background in regulated sectors like Defence, Maritime, or Aerospace has prepared you for this role, especially regarding compliance and security protocols.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions related to PLC engineering and industrial communications. Brush up on your knowledge of protocols like Profibus, Profinet, and ModBus, and be ready to explain how you would manage SCADA/PLC interfacing in real-world scenarios.
