Electrical Design Engineer Control Systems (EPLAN) in Watford

UK Networks Services (UKNS) is an engineering company at the forefront of the UKs transition to a smarter, more flexible electricity system. Our work spans two core areas:

• Technical grid consulting - advising on complex grid connections, regulatory strategy, and power system planning for some of the UKs most significant infrastructure projects.
• Smart grid control systems - designing and deploying advanced automation, monitoring, and control solutions that enable customers to connect, manage and optimise energy assets across large, distributed networks.

Within the smart grid side of the business, we design and integrate systems that combine PLC-based control, SCADA, metering, protection, and real-time data platforms. These systems are deployed on projects such as grid-scale load management, site-wide export limitation, substation automation and dynamic network control.

As our smart grid systems team continues to expand, we are seeking an Electrical Design Engineer (Control Systems) with strong EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical experience to support the detailed design and documentation of control panel systems used on critical grid-connected infrastructure.

The Role

This is a specialist design-focused role within our smart grid engineering team. You will be responsible for producing high-quality electrical schematics, panel layouts, bills of materials, and associated technical documentation for PLC-based control panels and automation systems. You will work closely with our Lead Controls Engineer, automation engineers and panel build team to ensure designs are structured, compliant, and ready for manufacture and commissioning. This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys structured, detail-oriented electrical design and wants exposure to advanced smart grid and energy infrastructure projects.

What you'll be doing

• Produce detailed electrical schematic drawings using EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical.
• Develop panel GA layouts, internal arrangements and component placement drawings.
• Create terminal plans, cable schedules, I/O schedules and bills of materials.
• Interpret control philosophies and functional specifications into practical hardware designs.
• Support selection and integration of PLC hardware, power supplies, network components and field devices.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant standards (BS EN 60204, BS EN 61439 and associated guidelines).
• Incorporate revisions and red-line updates following FAT and commissioning.
• Work closely with the panel build team to support manufacturing queries.
• Contribute to the preparation of professional O&M documentation packs.

Requirements

Essential qualifications & experience:

• HNC/HND or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years experience in electrical design of control panels or industrial systems.
• Strong proficiency in EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical.
• Experience producing structured electrical schematics and panel layout drawings.
• Understanding of LV control systems, protection devices, relays and PLC I/O.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation standards.

Desirable:

• Experience working with PLC-based control systems.
• Knowledge of industrial communication components (e.g. MODBUS, TCP/IP networks).
• Experience in power networks, renewables or grid-connected projects.
• Familiarity with EMC considerations and control panel best practice.
• Experience contributing to FAT documentation or as-built packs.

Benefits

What's in it for you

• £45,000 - £60,000 salary depending on experience.
• Opportunity to work on advanced smart grid and infrastructure projects.
• Exposure to complex, real-world energy systems.
• Clear career progression within a growing engineering team.
• Company bonus scheme.
• Enhanced employers contribution pension scheme.
• Death in Service benefit policy.
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Bike2work, Electric Vehicles).
• 25 Days of annual leave plus local bank holidays.
• Days available to volunteer for local clubs/charities.
• £300 available for sponsorship of local club or charity.
• Professional registration fees paid annually.
• On-site parking.
• Training & Development.

Note: To be eligible for this job you must have the right to work in the UK, we currently do not sponsor applications for employment visa status. UKNS values diversity in the workplace and is a fair and equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an equal and inclusive working environment, with the aim that our employees will be truly representative of all sections of society and that each person feels respected and able to give their best.