Control Systems Engineer

SSE PLC; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in the UK is hiring a Control Systems Engineer in Leeds. This role is crucial for supporting infrastructure projects and improving engineering standards. Candidates should have relevant education or experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to safety and compliance. The position offers a competitive salary between £50,100 and £75,100, along with performance-related bonuses and flexible benefits.

Benefits

Discounts on private healthcare

Gym memberships

Interest-free loans on tech

Generous family entitlements

Qualifications

• Understanding plant operation and appropriate risk controls.
• Proven ability in system design and verification.
• Experience applying engineering design and project standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead control systems engineering activities for major capital projects.
• Ensure integrity and performance of operational assets.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards to comply with regulations.

Skills

Control systems engineering

Safety and health practices

Stakeholder communication

Education

Higher level education or relevant industrial experience

Job description

Overview

Base Location: Leeds, Perth, Glasgow, Dublin

Salary: £50,100k - £75,100 + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

As a Control Systems Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the long-term integrity, reliability, and performance of high-risk operational assets and new-build projects. Your technical expertise will directly impact the safety, environmental compliance, and commercial success of thermal generation infrastructure. You will support projects through all phases—from concept and design to commissioning—while also contributing to the continuous improvement of engineering standards and practices across the business.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support control systems engineering activities across all project phases—including concept design, construction, and commissioning—for major capital projects in the thermal generation portfolio.
• Ensure the medium- to long-term integrity and performance of high-risk operational assets by applying advanced control systems knowledge and risk-based strategies.
• Develop and maintain engineering and design standards to ensure compliance with industry regulations, internal governance, and functional safety requirements (e.g., IEC 61508).
• Provide specialist control systems expertise to project teams and operational staff, including guidance on DCS technologies, cybersecurity (OT), digitisation, fiscal metering, and environmental monitoring systems.
• Ensure successful project execution by managing technical deliverables, reviewing design changes, and identifying and mitigating potential deviations during project delivery.

You have

• Higher level education or relevant industrial experience, including understanding plant operation and appropriate risk controls – affiliation with the IET and actively working toward Chartered Engineer status is desirable.
• Proven ability to apply engineering principles to control systems, with progressing experience in areas such as system design, verification, functional safety, and commissioning of new installations or technologies.
• Demonstrated understanding and application of safety, health, and environmental practices within control systems engineering, ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational standards.
• Experience applying engineering design and project standards, with the ability to lead defined work scopes and deliver high-quality outcomes on time and to specification.
• Strong stakeholder communication skills, with the ability to lead technical discussions, develop engineering conclusions, and influence project direction across multidisciplinary teams.

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition - to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We\'re investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future.

SSE Thermal keep the lights on for millions of people while pioneering low-carbon technologies. From ground-breaking carbon capture and storage projects to plans for what might be the world\'s first hydrogen-fired power station, we\'re transforming how we generate energy.

Flexible benefits to fit your life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact Hannah on Hannah. / 01738 341147 to discuss how we can support you.

We\'re dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We\'ll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we\'ll be taking your application further. If you\'re offered a role with SSE, you\'ll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.