Control Systems Technician

National Grid; Rochester; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative energy company is looking for a Controls System Technician to join their team at the largest LNG terminal in Europe. This role involves maintaining and troubleshooting control systems to ensure safe operations and optimize efficiency. You will collaborate with various teams, manage system changes, and adhere to safety guidelines. With a competitive salary and generous benefits, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the clean energy transition while working in a dynamic environment. If you are passionate about engineering and energy, this is the perfect role for you!

Benefits

Standby allowance

Annual performance bonus

26 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Generous pension scheme with company matching

Qualifications

• Experience in process control and functional safety.
• Knowledge of safety systems and emergency shutdowns.
• Control systems experience in pharmaceutical or petrochemical environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot control system equipment.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to maximize efficiency.
• Ensure the reliability of safety and process-critical systems.

Skills

Fault-finding

Customer-focused

Knowledge of field control and instrumentation

Understanding of gas plant and machinery

Knowledge of industry standards (COMAH, ATEX)

Understanding of Cyber Security fundamentals

Tools

ICSS

PLCs

SCADA

DCS systems

Job description

About the role

National Grid Grain LNG is a key part of the UK’s energy infrastructure, being the largest liquefied natural gas terminal in Europe and the eighth largest globally, supplying up to 25% of the UK's natural gas.

We are investing in innovative engineering and advanced technology to promote the clean energy transition. To succeed, we seek passionate individuals with potential to solve future energy challenges and help shape a sustainable, fair, and affordable energy future.

We are currently hiring a Controls System Technician onsite at Grain to ensure the safe and reliable operation of Grain LNG’s assets through effective maintenance of the terminal control and safety systems, covering all aspects of operation, modification, and maintenance activities.

The Controls System Technician will be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and modifying control system equipment, supporting operational projects, and assisting with commissioning activities to optimize efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

If you have experience and understanding of process control and functional safety, we would love to hear from you!

The position is based onsite at Grain (Kent). Due to the location, candidates must be able to drive there and hold a full, clean driver’s license.

Key Accountabilities

1. Collaborate with Process, Commercial operations, stakeholders, and contractors to maximize efficiency through the annual plan.
2. Identify training needs within your area to ensure competency and flexibility for current and future workloads.
3. Maintain accurate data recording for management and regulatory reporting of KPIs.
4. Keep detailed records of system changes.
5. Ensure the availability and reliability of all safety and process-critical systems.
6. Participate in standby and emergency response readiness to meet terminal requirements.
7. Supervise contract personnel involved in projects or maintenance.
8. Perform work independently and in remote locations within the site boundary.
9. Adhere to safety guidelines, including Golden Rules, and complete relevant documentation (MoC, NRO, PTW, etc.).

About you

We seek candidates who are current or potential experts in their field, with the following qualities:

• Innovative, forward-thinking with good understanding of gas plant and machinery.
• Customer-focused with strong interpersonal skills.
• Experienced in fault-finding.
• Knowledge of field control and instrumentation.
• Experience with ICSS, PLCs, SCADA, and DCS systems.
• Familiarity with safety systems, emergency shutdowns, HIPPS, and gas detection.
• Knowledge of industry standards like COMAH, ATEX, DSEAR, EMMUA 191, BS EN 61508, BS EN 61511, and UKAS.
• Understanding of Cyber Security fundamentals for industrial control systems.
• Control systems experience in pharmaceutical or petrochemical environments is advantageous.
• Experience in project development within IACS is a bonus.

What you'll get

• A competitive salary ranging from £43,000 to £53,000, depending on capability.
• Market supplement of £5,500 annually (paid monthly).
• Standby allowance and annual performance bonus.
• 26 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with options to buy or sell holiday days.
• Generous contributory pension scheme with company matching up to 12%.

About us

National Grid Ventures manages a diverse portfolio of energy businesses delivering competitive products and services across the UK and US. Our activities include renewable energy transport, interconnectors, and LNG storage, all aimed at making energy reliable, clean, and affordable.

More Information

This role closes on 8th May 2025 at 23:59. We encourage early applications as the closing date may vary.

At National Grid, we value diversity and support our employees to thrive and excel. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and offer flexible support options, both at home and in the office.