Lead Controls Engineer

Xcede; Southampton; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Southampton is seeking an experienced Lead Engineer – Drive System Specialist to lead engineering activities across complex projects. This role involves managing teams, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and mentoring junior engineers. The candidate will be responsible for the Functional Safety lifecycle, developing designs, and conducting testing. Strong leadership skills and technical expertise are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage engineering activities across projects, ensuring compliance with client expectations.
• Take full ownership of the Functional Safety lifecycle within projects.
• Supervise, guide, and motivate teams of engineers and contractors.
• Mentor apprentices and junior engineers.
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers to deliver projects on time.
• Participate in the Engineering Management Working Group for internal standards.
• Develop electrical and controls concept designs.
• Produce software design specifications for various systems.
• Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and related testing.
• Maintain and own the Technical Construction File.
• Undertake other duties as required.

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Lead Engineer – Drive System Specialist to take ownership of engineering activities across complex projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage engineering activities across projects, ensuring compliance with client expectations, legal requirements, and industry standards.
• Take full ownership of the Functional Safety lifecycle within projects.
• Supervise, guide, and motivate teams of engineers, including external contractors, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Mentor apprentices, trainees, junior, and graduate engineers to foster professional development.
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers to deliver projects on time and within budget, proactively identifying and mitigating technical risks.
• Participate in the Engineering Management Working Group, contributing to the development of internal standards and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop electrical and controls concept designs, including Functional Design Specifications, Safety Requirements Specifications, Single Line Diagrams, Network Topologies, Device Layouts, Cause & Effect Matrices, and Safety Block Diagrams.
• Produce software design specifications and develop software / configuration deliverables for PLCs, HMI, SCADA, robots, drives, BMS, and related systems.
• Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Commissioning, and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Maintain and own the Technical Construction File.
• Undertake other duties as required to support project and business objectives.