Principal Controls System Engineer in England
Principal Controls System Engineer

Principal Controls System Engineer in England

England Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
VGC Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and develop advanced control systems for major energy projects.
  • Company: Leading firm in the energy sector with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with exciting projects across various energy sectors.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the energy industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in control systems and strong technical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced C&I Engineer with a strong systems-engineering background to support major projects across the energy sector, including power generation, CCGT, utilities, oil & gas, and process industries. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in technically demanding environments and has hands-on experience developing and delivering advanced control system solutions for large-scale energy assets.

The ideal candidate will bring practical expertise in control system architecture, control philosophy, and control narrative development, along with familiarity with leading DCS platforms such as Emerson Ovation, Emerson DeltaV, or Siemens SPPA-T3000.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop Control Narratives, Control Philosophy documents, and Functional Logic Specifications for energy-sector automation systems.
  • Design robust control system network architectures, including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, and redundant industrial networks.
  • Lead or support system configuration, testing, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and operational optimisation activities.
  • Interface with OEMs, EPC partners, and multidisciplinary engineering teams on system design, upgrades, migrations, and modernization projects.
  • Develop and maintain system backup strategies, cybersecurity policies, and ensure compliance with relevant instrumentation and energy-sector standards.
  • Prepare high-quality technical documentation, engineering reports, and change-management records.
Required Experience & Skills
  • Proven experience in C&I control systems within power plants, CCGT, utilities, oil & gas, or process industries.
  • Experience working with a major EPC contractor on complex FEED or Detailed Design projects.
  • Strong understanding of P&IDs, Cause & Effect diagrams, and Control Strategies used in energy and industrial facilities.
  • Hands-on knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP, and Ethernet/IP.
  • Experience with OPC UA for data exchange and system integration.
  • Familiarity with DCS, ESD, and F&G systems.
  • Understanding of IEC 62443 cybersecurity principles and their application to critical energy infrastructure.

Principal Controls System Engineer in England employer: VGC Group

As a Principal Controls System Engineer, you will join a forward-thinking company that prioritises innovation and excellence in the energy sector. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities and hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits and a commitment to employee well-being, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking a meaningful career in a dynamic industry.
VGC Group

Contact Detail:

VGC Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Controls System Engineer in England

✨Tip Number 1

Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with professionals in the energy sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and practical experience. Be ready to discuss your hands-on projects and how you've tackled challenges in control systems. We want you to showcase your expertise and passion for the field!

✨Tip Number 3

Tailor your approach for each opportunity. Research the company and its projects, and think about how your skills in control system architecture and automation can add value. We believe that a personalised touch can make all the difference in landing that dream job!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team in making a difference in the energy sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Controls System Engineer in England

Control System Architecture
Control Philosophy Development
Control Narrative Development
DCS Platforms (Emerson Ovation, Emerson DeltaV, Siemens SPPA-T3000)
Control Network Design (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus)
System Configuration and Testing
FAT/SAT and Commissioning
Operational Optimisation
Technical Documentation Preparation
P&IDs Understanding
Cause & Effect Diagrams
Industrial Communication Protocols (Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP)
OPC UA for Data Exchange
Cybersecurity Principles (IEC 62443)
Collaboration with OEMs and EPC Partners

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in control systems and energy sectors. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your hands-on experience with DCS platforms and complex projects.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Principal Controls System Engineer role. Share specific examples of your past work that align with our needs, especially in developing control narratives and system architectures.

Showcase Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise! Highlight your familiarity with industrial communication protocols and cybersecurity principles. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge of P&IDs and control strategies relevant to our industry.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at VGC Group

✨Know Your Control Systems Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of control system architecture and the specific DCS platforms mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with Emerson Ovation, DeltaV, or Siemens SPPA-T3000, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to face technical questions related to control narratives, control philosophy documents, and functional logic specifications. Practise explaining these concepts clearly and concisely, as this will demonstrate your expertise and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

✨Showcase Your Project Experience

Be prepared to share specific examples from your past work, especially those involving major EPC contractors or complex FEED projects. Highlight your role in system configuration, testing, and commissioning, as well as any challenges you overcame during these processes.

✨Understand Cybersecurity Principles

Since cybersecurity is crucial in the energy sector, make sure you can discuss IEC 62443 principles and how they apply to critical infrastructure. This will show that you not only have technical skills but also understand the importance of security in control systems.

Principal Controls System Engineer in England
VGC Group
Location: England

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