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- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of complex control systems in a collaborative engineering team.
- Company: A top engineering firm specialising in safety-critical automation within the Nuclear sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on engineering excellence and safety compliance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vital industry while mentoring and leading innovative projects.
- Qualifications: HND or Degree in Engineering with proven PLC control systems experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
We are a leading engineering organisation specialising in the delivery of complex, safety‑critical control and automation systems within the Nuclear sector. We pride ourselves on engineering excellence, innovation, and delivery excellence. You’ll be joining a collaborative, supportive team where leadership is both technical and people‑focused.
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Control Systems Engineer to play a key role in the delivery of complex control and automation projects. Working as part of an integrated, multi‑disciplinary team, you will take technical responsibility for the design, implementation, testing, and commissioning of PLC, HMI / SCADA‑based control systems across the full project lifecycle. This is a hands‑on senior engineering role, ideal for an engineer who enjoys technical ownership, problem‑solving, and mentoring others, while supporting Lead Engineers and Project Managers in delivering high‑quality solutions in regulated environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Delivery
- Deliver detailed design, implementation, testing, and commissioning of control systems in line with project requirements.
- Take ownership of assigned control system deliverables, ensuring they are produced to a high technical and quality standard.
- Configure and develop PLC software, control philosophies, and system configurations using industry‑standard platforms.
- Develop and deploy simulator applications to support the testing and verification of PLC software.
- Support integration of control systems with electrical, mechanical, and wider engineering disciplines.
- Design & Documentation
- Produce comprehensive and high‑quality control system documentation including: Functional Design Specifications, Detailed Design Specifications, Test Specifications, Rebuild & Recovery Documentation, Operation & Maintenance Manuals, Control System Training Material.
- Review and check design documentation and software produced by other engineers.
- Interpret and work from engineering design drawings including PLC/SCADA control enclosures, I/O interfacing and marshalling cubicles and operator control panels.
- Support site visits to identify constraints, risks and design impacts.
- Plan and execute formal verification and validation testing including internal testing (FAT), customer witness testing (CAT) and site acceptance / commissioning activities.
- Undertake fault‑finding and troubleshooting during in‑house testing and site activities, resolving complex technical issues efficiently.
- Ensure systems are delivered in line with safety, quality, and performance requirements.
- Project & Team Support
- Work closely with the Lead Engineer and Project Manager to support delivery against programme and milestones.
- Provide accurate effort estimates for scope changes or additional works, including input to project schedules (plans).
- Contribute to and support design reviews and technical workshops.
- Interface effectively with the integrated design team, facility teams, systems engineering, and other project functions.
- Compliance & Safety
- Produce reports and documentation required to comply with CDM regulations.
- Ensure control system designs align with applicable standards, client requirements, and regulatory expectations.
What We’re Looking For
- HND or Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Control Systems, Automation) or equivalent experience.
- Proven experience in the design and implementation of PLC‑based control systems.
- Strong knowledge of IEC 61131 PLC programming languages, PLC hardware, software, and industrial communication protocols.
- Experience delivering projects through detailed design, implementation, testing, and commissioning.
- Demonstrated experience of formal testing, validation and verification activities, with use of simulator tools/applications where applicable.
- Strong fault‑finding and troubleshooting skills across complex control systems.
- Good understanding of electrical and control system design drawings.
- Ability to work independently and as part of an integrated delivery team, often to challenging timescales.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong technical documentation capability.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively at all levels.
- Experience working in regulated or safety‑critical industries such as Nuclear, MOD, or Pharmaceuticals.
- Experience with Rockwell and/or Schneider PLC and HMI/SCADA platforms.
- Knowledge of OT cyber security principles and secure‑by‑design control systems.
- Experience of functional safety systems.
- Awareness of Sellafield Engineering Standards.
- Professional registration (CEng, IEng) or equivalent.
- Certified training on Rockwell and/or Schneider PLC systems.
Location Warrington / Cumbria
Salary Competitive + Benefits
Type Full‑time, Permanent
Reports to Lead Engineer/Project Manager
Senior Control System Engineer employer: WJF Technical Support Limited
Contact Detail:
WJF Technical Support Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Control System Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the Nuclear sector on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous projects, especially those involving PLC and HMI/SCADA systems. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common technical questions related to control systems and automation. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Control System Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Control Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience with PLC programming, control systems design, 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 working in the Nuclear sector and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about this role!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills in your application. Mention specific tools, languages, and methodologies you’ve used, especially those related to IEC 61131 and HMI/SCADA platforms. We love seeing your hands-on experience!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at WJF Technical Support Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLC programming languages and control systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving complex control and automation systems in regulated environments like Nuclear.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your troubleshooting abilities. Think of times when you resolved complex technical issues during testing or commissioning phases, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since this role involves collaboration with various teams, practice articulating your ideas clearly. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders in the past.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentoring
As a Senior Control Systems Engineer, you'll likely mentor others. Share experiences where you've taken ownership of projects or guided junior engineers, showcasing your leadership skills and ability to work within a team.