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- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of advanced control systems for smart grid applications.
- Company: Join UK Networks Services, a leader in the UK's energy transition.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, enhanced pension, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy with innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; 8+ years in control systems engineering.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for professional growth and community involvement.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
UK Networks Services (UKNS) is an engineering company at the forefront of the UK’s transition to a smarter, more flexible electricity system. We provide technical grid consulting advising on complex grid connections, regulatory strategy, and power system planning for some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects.
Our focus includes 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 project complexity increases, we are seeking a Lead Controls Engineer to act as the senior technical authority within our smart grid systems team. This is a high-responsibility engineering leadership role focused on technical governance, design quality, and full lifecycle ownership of control system engineering.
The Lead Controls Engineer will provide technical leadership across all PLC-based control system and panel designs delivered by UKNS. You will define engineering standards, oversee hardware and software design quality, and ensure robust, compliant, and fully documented control solutions are delivered across the project lifecycle. You will work closely with the CTO, automation engineers, and panel build team providing oversight, mentorship, and structured engineering discipline to ensure designs are right-first-time and high quality.
- Setting engineering standards
- Working across both software and hardware domains
- Lead the detailed design of PLC-based control systems for smart grid applications
- Conduct structured design reviews prior to issue for manufacture (IFC)
- Hardware & Electrical Design Oversight
- Oversee production of panel layouts, terminal plans, protection coordination, I/O schedules, and wiring schematics
- Specify and validate PLC hardware, network components, metering interfaces, and field instrumentation
- Software & System Architecture
- Provide technical oversight of PLC programming (ladder logic, structured text, function block)
- Project Lifecycle Leadership
- Lead engineering through concept design, detailed design, build support, FAT, SAT, and commissioning
- Support client technical discussions and resolve design queries
- Mentor and develop automation engineers and drafting engineers
- Improve consistency and technical maturity across the engineering team
- Help shape the future direction of UKNS control system capability
Qualifications:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Automation or related discipline (HNC/HND considered with significant experience)
- ~815+ years experience in control systems engineering or automation design
- Proven experience leading control system design on industrial or infrastructure projects
- Strong background in LV control panel design and electrical schematics
- Proficiency with major PLC platforms (Schneider, Siemens, Allen-Bradley)
- Strong understanding of networked control systems and industrial protocols
- Experience in power networks, grid connections, renewables, or HV/LV infrastructure
- Experience developing internal engineering standards
Salary: £70,000 - £90,000 depending on experience
Benefits:
- Opportunity to lead engineering on some of the UK’s most advanced smart grid control projects
- Strategic technical influence within a growing, innovation-focused company
- 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
UKNS values diversity in the workplace and is a fair and equal-opportunity employer. We currently do not sponsor applications for employment visa status.
Lead Controls Engineer (Permanent) in Watford employer: UK Networks Services
Contact Detail:
UK Networks Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Controls Engineer (Permanent) in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies of your past projects, especially those related to PLC-based control systems or smart grid applications. This will help you stand out during interviews and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of control systems, electrical schematics, and PLC programming. Mock interviews with friends or mentors can really help you nail it.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with our projects and values, and let’s get the conversation started!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Controls Engineer (Permanent) in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Controls Engineer role. Highlight your experience with PLC-based control systems and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about smart grid technology and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your technical expertise in your application. Mention specific PLC platforms you’ve worked with and any experience in power networks or grid connections. We love seeing your hands-on experience!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Networks Services
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLC-based control systems and smart grid applications. Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, like Schneider and Siemens PLCs, as well as industrial protocols. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role but genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Controls Engineer, you'll be expected to mentor and guide others. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight how you ensured design quality and compliance, and how you tackled challenges during the project lifecycle.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions related to control system design, hardware oversight, and software architecture. Be ready to discuss your approach to conducting structured design reviews and how you ensure high-quality outputs. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's current projects, their engineering standards, and how they envision the future of their control systems. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.