Controls and Instrumention Engineer

ALTEN LTD - UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance

Cycle & Tech Scheme

Employee assistance programme

Life insurance & Pension Scheme

Social atmosphere, regular gatherings

Flexible working (role dependent)

Job summary

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy seeking a Controls & Instrumentation Engineer to support the development of cutting‑edge industrial systems in an innovative engineering environment in London, onsite. The role focuses on assembly, testing, commissioning and optimisation of bespoke equipment throughout design to validation phases.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team, bringing first‑of‑its‑kind test rigs to life and contributing to safe, reliable system performance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (or equivalent military experience).
• Strong hands-on electrical and instrumentation experience.
• Proven experience with PLC-based control systems, commissioning and diagnostics.
• Experience with SCADA systems for monitoring, control and fault investigation.

Responsibilities

• Support installation, wiring and integration of industrial control and instrumentation systems.
• Assist with development and commissioning of new test stands and equipment.
• Troubleshoot electrical, instrumentation and control system issues during development and testing.
• Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams and technical documentation.
• Perform system validation, fault-finding, diagnostics and root cause analysis.
• Support hardware integration activities and ensure safe operation of systems.
• Collaborate with design, test and development engineers to improve performance and reliability.
• Participate in commissioning, verification and acceptance testing, including occasional international sites.

Skills

Controls & Instrumentation

Automation Engineer

PLC-based control systems

SCADA systems

Electrical schematics reading

Panel wiring

Field instrumentation

Fault finding

Engineering standards

International commissioning

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering

Military experience (equivalent)

Job description

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting‑edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

ALTEN is seeking a talented Controls & Instrumentation Engineer to support the development of cutting‑edge industrial systems within an innovative engineering environment.

This is a highly practical, hands‑on position focused on the assembly, testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimisation of bespoke industrial equipment and test facilities. You'll be involved in building and supporting brand‑new systems throughout their design, development, and validation phases.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will play a key role in bringing first-of-a-kind test rigs and control systems to life, helping drive projects from concept through to operation.

• Location: London
• On Site: Onsite
• Clearance: Clearable
• Experience Level: Mid - Senior

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the installation, wiring, and integration of industrial control and instrumentation systems.
• Assist with the development and commissioning of new test stands and engineering equipment.
• Troubleshoot electrical, instrumentation, and control system issues during development and testing activities.
• Interpret and work from electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Perform system validation, fault‑finding, diagnostics, and root cause analysis.
• Support hardware integration activities and ensure systems are operating safely and effectively.
• Work closely with design, test, and development engineers to improve system performance and reliability.
• Contribute to commissioning, verification, and acceptance testing activities.
• Participate in occasional international commissioning and site support activities.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Experience working as a Controls & Instrumentation Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, or Automation Engineer within an industrial environment.
• Strong hands‑on electrical and instrumentation experience.
• Proven experience with PLC-based control systems, including commissioning, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and hardware integration.
• Experience working with SCADA systems for system monitoring, control, and fault investigation.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and technical documentation.
• Experience with panel wiring, field instrumentation, sensors, actuators, and industrial control hardware.
• Strong fault‑finding and debugging skills across electrical and control systems.
• Knowledge of industrial control system standards and engineering best practices.
• Comfortable working in a highly practical engineering environment where equipment is being developed, tested, and refined.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Exposure to PLC programming, modifications, and commissioning activities.
• Experience supporting prototype systems, R&D facilities, pilot plants, or test rigs.
• Experience with commissioning complex industrial systems.
• Previous international commissioning or site support experience.

Additional Information

Why join us?

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech‑driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get:

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.