Principal Controls System Engineer
Principal Controls System Engineer

Principal Controls System Engineer

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 significant 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 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 supportive environment where your contributions directly impact major projects across power generation and utilities.
VGC Group

Contact Detail:

VGC Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups related to control systems and energy sectors. It's a great way to meet potential employers and get your name out there.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects, especially those involving control system architecture and automation solutions. This will give you an edge when chatting with hiring managers.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical questions related to DCS platforms and industrial communication protocols. We recommend practising with a friend or using mock interview tools to boost your confidence.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! We have loads of opportunities in the energy sector, and applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of landing that dream job.

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

Control System Architecture
Control Philosophy Development
Control Narrative Development
DCS Platforms (Emerson Ovation, Emerson DeltaV, Siemens SPPA-T3000)
Ethernet/IP
Profinet
Modbus
Industrial Network Design
System Configuration
FAT/SAT Testing
Commissioning
Operational Optimisation
P&IDs Understanding
Cause & Effect Diagrams
IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Principles

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 control narratives.

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 projects and how they relate to what we do at StudySmarter.

Showcase Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise! Highlight your knowledge of industrial communication protocols and cybersecurity principles. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of complex systems and standards.

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 shows you’re keen on joining our team!

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 P&IDs, Cause & Effect diagrams, and Control Strategies. 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 operational optimisation to show how you can contribute to their team.

✨Understand Cybersecurity Principles

Familiarise yourself with IEC 62443 cybersecurity principles and be ready to discuss how they apply to critical energy infrastructure. This knowledge is crucial for the role, so showing that you understand the importance of cybersecurity in control systems will set you apart.

Principal Controls System Engineer
VGC Group

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