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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 options, private healthcare, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in defence technology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in PLC engineering, deep Siemens knowledge, and relevant degree required.
- Other info: UK citizenship and security clearance are essential for this role.
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
Contact Detail:
Tec Partners 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. Include specific projects where you've led the design and testing of control systems, as well as any relevant qualifications in Electrical/Electronic or Systems Engineering.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your leadership experience and ability to manage complex customer requirements. Mention your familiarity with industrial protocols and your background in regulated sectors like Defence or Aerospace.
Showcase Technical Skills: When detailing your technical skills, be specific about your knowledge of Siemens Step 7 Classic and associated tools. Provide examples of how you've developed software using block diagrams or flow charts, and discuss your experience with system integration.
Highlight Team Leadership: If you have experience providing technical leadership to junior engineers or project teams, make sure to include this in your application. Discuss how you've contributed to project planning and risk management, as these are key responsibilities for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tec Partners
✨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 beyond just technical tasks.
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and regulations of the defence environment. 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 Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to troubleshoot complex issues or manage system integration challenges, and be ready to articulate your thought process and solutions.
