Principal Controls Engineer

Principal Controls Engineer

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
VVB Engineering

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and support engineering projects from design to completion, ensuring safety and quality.
  • Company: Join a leading engineering firm focused on innovative controls and communications solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training and mentoring within a collaborative team.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering while working on exciting projects with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: HND in Engineering, Chartered Engineer status, and extensive experience in electrical engineering.

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

Providing Controls and Communications Engineering support and leadership to projects through design to completion. This will involve all stages from tendering, design, installation, testing, commissioning and handover. Management of Controls and Communications installations throughout the projects to ensure successful delivery from a HSE, programme, quality, compliance and commercial perspective.

Key Responsibilities

  • Act as the Comms CRE (Contractors Responsible Engineer) on Network rail projects.
  • Supervise design and engineering activities across multiple disciplines on projects, overseeing a team of engineers, specialists and BIM/CAD technicians.
  • Proficient in Controls and Communications design inline with all current standards. Key considerations should be safety, maintainability, ease of installation, design sustainability and environmental impact.
  • Designing the following typical systems:
    • Control systems including DCS, SCADA, PLC and BMS
    • Public Address and Voice Alarm Services (PAVA) including to EN54
    • Fixed Telecoms Network (FTN and FTNx)
    • GSM-R Networks including IP networking, Fibre, Ethernet, Modbus, Wireless, BACnet etc
    • CCTV including IP
    • Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP)
    • Trackside telecommunication equipment and infrastructure
    • RF Radio including leaky feeders
  • Undertake design modelling with relevant design programmes e.g. Prodesign-Amtech.
  • Undertaking formal design review verification (CAT2 checking) in line with current standards and to ensure buildability and constructability.
  • Identify any weakness or errors in the design that could jeopardise the functionality.
  • Ensure HSE best practices are always followed.
  • Familiarity with HAZID, HAZOP and HAZCON studies as required.
  • Ensure designer risk registers are compliant with installation parameters.
  • Provide engineered solutions to key project problems to satisfy clients expectations, project restrictions and budget considerations.
  • Management of all associated design registers, meeting minutes, drawing registers etc. as appropriate inline VVB and project requirements.
  • Ensure all formal communication is undertaken and managed (RFI’s, TQ’s, EWN’s, MAR’s etc.)
  • Direct liaison with the CAD/BIM team to ensure correct drawing modelling, to BIM or other standards.
  • Review drawings for clash detection and associated interface problems.
  • Development of scope documents for tenders and procurement processes.
  • Liaison with manufacturers to determine product suitability, in partnership with procurement.
  • Attendance at FAT and SAT (and any other required stage) to ensure compliance with requirements.
  • Direct liaison with installation teams to ensure design suitability, works methodology and solve key installation issues/constructability.
  • Working with the commercial department to track design change and variances.
  • Working with the planning department to plan design, installation and T&C works.
  • Provision of accurate assessment on forecast works to complete and provide suitable readjustments to ensure project programme is maintained.
  • Management of subcontractor works as appropriate including assisting commercial department in valuation and contract support.
  • Ensure design and works comply with VVB and client quality management systems.
  • Keep up to date with all electrical, construction and relevant legislation, law, standards and best practice.
  • Management of the Controls and Communications engineering and design teams.
  • Review and management of the team’s time and allocation.
  • Training and mentoring of the engineering team.

Qualifications

  • HND in relevant Engineering
  • Engineering Council Registration as Chartered Engineer (CEng)
  • Registered member of either CIBSE or IET or other recognised Engineering Council Institutions
  • CSCS Card – AQP or PQP min
  • Full UK drivers license

Experience

  • Previous experience as a Network Rail CRE
  • Good working knowledge of NR 02009 standard
  • Good working knowledge of NR and LUL control and communications standards
  • Seven years’ experience within a Senior/Principal Electrical Engineering position

Principal Controls Engineer employer: VVB Engineering

As a Principal Controls Engineer, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that prioritises safety, innovation, and professional growth. Our company fosters a collaborative culture where your expertise will be valued, and you will have the opportunity to lead diverse engineering teams on impactful projects. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on sustainable practices, we offer a rewarding career path in a location that supports both personal and professional advancement.

VVB Engineering

Contact Details:

VVB Engineering Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Controls Engineer

Tip Number 1

Network and connect with professionals in the industry. Attend relevant events, webinars, or workshops where you can meet people who work in Controls and Communications Engineering. Don't be shy to reach out on LinkedIn; a simple message can open doors!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and project management skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with design modelling and compliance with standards like NR 02009. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our projects!

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! As a Principal Controls Engineer, you'll be supervising teams and managing projects. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or solved complex engineering problems in past roles.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your experience with HSE practices and your familiarity with design standards. We’re excited to see how you can contribute to our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Controls Engineer

Controls and Communications Engineering
Design and Engineering Management
HSE Compliance
DCS, SCADA, PLC, BMS Design
Public Address and Voice Alarm Services (PAVA)
Fixed Telecoms Network (FTN and FTNx)
GSM-R Networks

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Controls Engineer role. Highlight your experience with controls and communications engineering, especially in relation to Network Rail projects. 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 the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've worked on that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. Let us know what makes you tick!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves supervising a team, make sure to highlight any leadership experience you have. Talk about how you've managed teams or projects in the past, and how you ensure quality and compliance in your work. We love a good leader!

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply 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 StudySmarter and what we stand for!

How to prepare for a job interview at VVB Engineering

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific controls and communications systems mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of DCS, SCADA, PLC, and BMS systems, as well as relevant standards like NR 02009. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re the right fit for the role.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Controls Engineer, you'll be supervising a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past. Think about challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in terms of HSE compliance and project delivery.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to design modelling and verification processes. Familiarise yourself with design programmes like Prodesign-Amtech and be ready to discuss how you ensure buildability and constructability in your designs. This will demonstrate your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.

Understand the Bigger Picture

Be prepared to discuss how your role fits into the overall project lifecycle, from tendering to handover. Show that you understand the importance of communication with various departments, such as commercial and planning, and how this collaboration contributes to successful project outcomes.