controls engineer

Costain Group PLC; St Albans; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering services company in the UK is seeking an experienced Controls Project Systems Engineer to manage and lead PLC-based system design projects. The role involves programming Siemens S7-1500 PLCs and delivering technical projects with a strong focus on compliance and client specifications. Ideal candidates will have several years of experience in PLC configuration, excellent communication skills, and a relevant engineering degree. The position also requires UK travel to client sites.

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in PLC configuration and application software development.
• Excellent customer-facing communication skills.
• Experience in planning and delivering technical projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage PLC system design and consultancy projects from start to finish.
• Lead control panel activities and oversee panel assembly.
• Generate documentation for installation and maintenance.

Skills

PLC configuration

Communication skills

HMI/SCADA configuration

Project planning and delivery

Problem-solving

Education

HNC/HND or degree in engineering

Tools

Siemens S7-1500

TIA Portal

WinCC SCADA

Job description

Controls Project Systems Engineer (PLC exp)

We’re urgently seeking an experienced Controls Project Systems Engineer to join a leading engineering services company for new upcoming projects. The role involves programming Siemens S7-1500 PLCs using TIA Portal and WinCC SCADA systems, interfacing with multiple PLCs, with failsafe programming desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage PLC based system design and consultancy projects from point of sale, through initial design and manufacture, to site commissioning.
• Lead control panel activities, review electrical drawings, and oversee panel assembly.
• Generate documentation such as test plans, installation/commissioning & operation/maintenance manuals.
• Act as technical lead for controls projects, supervising workshop technicians during system builds.
• Plan and carry out rigorous system testing, applying problem‑solving and analytical techniques.
• Control project work, including look‑ahead planning, budget and schedule management, change control, estimating, document management, and progress reporting.
• Review client specifications and national/international standards to ensure compliance.
• Develop functional requirements specifications for control systems, SIS, F&G, and instrumentation.
• Participate in design reviews (HAZOP/LOPA, hazardous area, etc.)

Qualifications & Experience

• HNC/HND or degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Several years experience in PLC configuration and application software development (e.g., ABB AC500‑S/800xA, Emerson DeltaV‑SIS, Triconex, HIMA F60 / HiQuad X, Siemens S7‑Failsafe, Allen Bradley ControlLogix/GuardLogix).
• Customer‑facing, excellent communication skills from a technical and commercial perspective.
• HMI/SCADA configuration experience (e.g., Siemens WinCC/PCS7, Emerson DeltaV).
• Industrial communications system architecture and protocol selection/configuration (e.g., Profinet, Profibus, Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC).
• Experience planning and delivery of technical projects.
• Desirable: process safety experience, as projects involve burner management systems.
• Essential: UK driving licence.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to drive a car and travel to client sites (primarily within the UK).
• Strong teamwork skills to support project success.