Lead Control Systems Engineer

Meritus; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Meritus, based in Glasgow, is seeking a Lead Control Systems Software Engineer to drive design, development and delivery of industrial control software for critical energy assets.

You will own Siemens PLC-based solutions across the full project lifecycle, mentor engineers, and collaborate with clients to ensure safe, reliable and compliant performance on complex projects.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Control Systems Engineer or Lead Automation Engineer in industrial or energy sectors.
• Strong Siemens PLC expertise (TIA Portal, S7, PCS7) and PLC/SCADA/DCS delivery experience.
• Knowledge of IEC 61131-3 languages (Ladder, FBD, Structured Text).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of control system software solutions, primarily using Siemens PLC platforms (TIA Portal, S7, PCS7).
• Oversee full project lifecycle delivery including requirements capture, system design, software development, testing, and commissioning.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to engineers within project teams.
• Work closely with clients and stakeholders to ensure technical alignment and successful project delivery.
• Support FAT, SAT, and on-site commissioning activities.
• Develop and maintain PLC software in line with IEC 61131-3 standards (Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text).
• Ensure control system solutions meet safety, reliability, and performance requirements for critical energy infrastructure.
• Contribute to technical problem solving, system optimisation, and continuous improvement activities.
• Maintain engineering documentation in accordance with project and regulatory standards.
• Support multiple concurrent projects across different stages of delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Client communication

Mentoring

Problem solving

Regulatory awareness

Tools

Siemens PLC (TIA Portal/S7/PCS7)

IEC 61131-3

SCADA/DCS

Job description

MERITUS are working with a leading engineering and systems integration organisation based in Glasgow, delivering complex control and automation solutions across critical energy and power infrastructure projects.

As a Lead Control Systems Software Engineer, you will play a key role in the design, development, and delivery of industrial control system software within a highly regulated energy environment. You will take ownership of Siemens PLC-based solutions across the full project lifecycle, ensuring robust, safe, and efficient control system performance for critical energy assets.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Control Systems Engineer with strong Siemens PLC expertise and a background in PLC/SCADA/DCS systems, ideally within energy, power generation, utilities, or other complex industrial environments. You will also provide technical leadership, mentoring engineers and supporting client-facing delivery activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of control system software solutions, primarily using Siemens PLC platforms (TIA Portal, S7, PCS7).
• Oversee full project lifecycle delivery including requirements capture, system design, software development, testing, and commissioning.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to engineers within project teams.
• Work closely with clients and stakeholders to ensure technical alignment and successful project delivery.
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and on-site commissioning activities.
• Develop and maintain PLC software in line with IEC 61131-3 standards (Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text).
• Ensure control system solutions meet safety, reliability, and performance requirements for critical energy infrastructure.
• Contribute to technical problem solving, system optimisation, and continuous improvement activities.
• Maintain engineering documentation in accordance with project and regulatory standards.
• Support multiple concurrent projects across different stages of delivery.

Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience as a Control Systems Engineer, Senior PLC Engineer, or Lead Automation Engineer within industrial or energy sectors.
• Strong hands‑on experience with Siemens PLC systems including TIA Portal, S7, and PCS7.
• Experience delivering PLC, SCADA, and/or DCS-based control system solutions.
• Strong understanding of IEC 61131-3 programming languages (Ladder Logic, FBD, Structured Text).
• Experience working across full project lifecycles including commissioning and site‑based activities.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capability within engineering teams.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with clients and stakeholders.
• Experience in energy, power generation, utilities, or other regulated industrial environments preferred.