Lead Engineer - Automation/Controls

Core Control Solutions; Ilkeston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits package

Support for leadership development

Job summary

Core Control Solutions (CCSL) is seeking an experienced Lead Engineer to provide technical leadership and mentor engineers. In this role, you will ensure the successful delivery of complex engineering projects, acting as the technical authority and guiding teams.

You will have the opportunity to work on high-impact projects within a culture that values excellence and supports professional growth. Applicants should have strong control systems and PLC/SCADA experience.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in control systems, automation, or related engineering fields.
• Proven leadership experience, mentoring capability, and confidence in technical authority roles.
• Expertise in PLC/SCADA design and development.
• Strong understanding of engineering standards, regulations, and compliance.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work closely with clients and project teams.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary technical authority for clients and project managers.
• Lead, coach, and develop engineers to become fully rounded professionals.
• Translate client requirements into practical, cost-effective engineered solutions.
• Develop and review PLC, HMI, and SCADA software in line with CCSL standards.
• Deliver accurate as-built drawings and compliance documentation.

Skills

Control systems experience

PLC/SCADA design and development

Strong leadership and mentoring skills

Excellent communication

Job description

Core Control Solutions (CCSL) delivers high-quality engineering, automation, and control solutions across a wide range of industries. We pride ourselves on technical excellence, innovation, and delivering projects that meet the highest safety, compliance, and quality standards.

We are now seeking an experienced Lead Engineer to provide technical leadership, drive engineering quality, mentor developing engineers, and ensure successful delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary projects.

The Role

As a Lead Engineer, you will be the technical authority for your projects responsible for design integrity, compliance, testing, and delivering engineered solutions that meet client, regulatory, and CCSL standards. You will guide your project team, support your Project Manager, and lead engineering activities from concept through commissioning and handover.

If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, shaping design strategy, and developing engineering talent, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Compliance

• Act as the primary technical authority for clients, Project Managers, and engineers.
• Ensure all engineering outputs comply with relevant regulations, standards, and CCSL Codes of Practice.
• Identify technical risks, support mitigation strategies, and promote a strong culture of quality.
• Remain up to date with industry best practice, new technologies, and regulatory expectations.
• Support the development and improvement of internal Codes of Practice.

Team Leadership & Mentoring

• Lead, coach, and develop engineers to become fully rounded professionals capable of design, development, installation, commissioning, and testing.
• Provide daily technical guidance and constructive feedback.
• Foster a collaborative, solution-focused team environment.
• Support Project Managers with understanding team capability and development needs.

Design & Engineering

• Translate client requirements into practical, cost-effective engineered solutions.
• Produce system schematics, process diagrams, flow charts, state diagrams, and other technical documentation.
• Design PLC/SCADA systems, networks (Ethernet, fibre, serial), and hardware layouts.
• Ensure hardware is compliant, suitable, and free from obsolescence issues.
• Develop DPS, mimics, pop-ups, and compliance matrices.
• Ensure designs are deliverable within budget, scope, and timescale.

Production & Software Engineering

• Support procurement, negotiate with suppliers, and oversee hardware builds.
• Develop and review PLC, HMI, and SCADA software in line with CCSL standards.
• Create additional software tools where required for project delivery.

Testing Factory & Site

• Develop and execute Factory Test Specifications and test cases.
• Support testing with internal teams and clients and manage defect resolution.
• Produce method statements, risk assessments, and Site Test Specifications.
• Undertake site testing, commissioning supervision, and defect close‑out.

Documentation, Handover & Warranty

• Deliver accurate as‑built drawings, O&M manuals, compliance documentation, and H&S files.
• Oversee packing, logistics, and delivery to site.
• Provide support during the warranty period, including defect investigation and lessons learned.

What Were Looking For

• Strong experience in control systems, automation, or related engineering fields.
• Proven leadership experience, mentoring capability, and confidence in technical authority roles.
• Expertise in PLC/SCADA design and development.
• Strong understanding of engineering standards, regulations, and compliance.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work closely with clients and project teams.
• Ability to manage deadlines, deliver high‑quality outputs, and maintain project oversight.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to lead technically challenging, high‑impact engineering projects.
• A culture that values technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support to grow and develop as a leader within a high‑performing engineering team.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.