Lead Controls SI Engineer

westlakesrecruit; Grangemouth; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering recruitment agency is seeking a Lead Controls SI Engineer for a permanent role involving complex controls system projects. You will manage a team, transforming user requirements into streamlined systems using PLC and SCADA technologies. The position allows for a blend of office and remote work, and you'll be heavily involved in on-site commissioning to ensure smooth system operations. This role is focused on the nuclear sector and offers the opportunity to lead in a high-stakes environment.

Qualifications

• Versatile systems engineer with a breadth of experience in PLC programming and site-wide integrations.
• Skilled in using at least two PLC platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, Mitsubishi, or Schneider).
• Hands-on experience with SCADA systems and Variable Speed Drives (VSDs).

Responsibilities

• Manage workload and progress of your team as Lead Engineer.
• Transform user requirements and existing software into control systems.
• Work closely with clients during system commissioning.

Skills

PLC & HMI software development

Communication protocols

SCADA systems

Electrical safety knowledge

Health and safety leadership

Job description

Westlakes Recruit are currently recruiting for a Lead Controls SI Engineer to be engaged on a permanent basis. The role will be located in Grangemouth, Derby, Warrington and Stafford.

What will you be doing?

You’ll be working on complex control system projects. Acting as Lead Engineer, you’ll be managing the workload and progress of your team, working closely with the Project Manager to meet project milestones. You’ll turn user requirements and existing software into powerful, streamlined control systems - giving old tech new life. From PLC and SCADA configuration to writing HMI logic, you’ll create the systems that make everything work smoothly and safely. Spending your time between the office and home, bench testing your software. When it’s time to go live, you’ll be there - working side by side with clients to fine-tune systems during on‑site commissioning and ensure everything’s running smoothly during SAT.

What you’ll bring

• Versatile systems engineer with a breadth of experience, from first PLC programme to complex, site‑wide integrations.
• Skilled in PLC & HMI software development using at least two platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, Mitsubishi, or Schneider).
• Familiar with communication protocols: EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, PROFIBUS DP/PA, and Modbus TCP/IP.
• Hands‑on experience with SCADA systems.
• Experienced in working with Variable Speed Drives (VSDs).
• Strong knowledge of electrical safety and safe working practices.
• Leads by example in health and safety – high standards are part of ethos.

Why We’re Different

Westlakes Recruit are a people solutions business that understands the complexities of nuclear and the importance of our clients’ mission‑critical objectives.

Smarter, faster, more agile – we have a laser focus on nuclear, with deep sectoral knowledge.

We develop nuclear talent pools before you know you need them! We do Nuclear. We only do Nuclear. We do all of Nuclear.

Powering a Diverse Nuclear Future: As an equal‑opportunity business, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities.