Principal Control Systems Engineer

Mane Contract Services; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Defence contractor in the UK is seeking an experienced Control Systems Engineer to design and maintain PLC and HCI systems for naval platforms. Ideal candidates will have strong expertise in PLC and SCADA systems, excellent documentation skills, and experience in regulated industries. This role offers flexible working options and a chance to contribute to vital defence systems.

Benefits

Flexible and hybrid working options

Optional compressed working schedule

Private health care

Career development opportunities

Performance bonuses

Qualifications

• Over five years' experience in PLC-focused engineering roles.
• Qualified with a degree, HNC, HND, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain advanced PLC and HCI systems.
• Capture and interpret customer requirements.
• Produce technical documentation and manage third-party communications.

Skills

PLC System Design & Implementation

Industrial Networking & SCADA Integration

Software Lifecycle & Technical Documentation

Regulated Industry Knowledge

Education

Degree in Electrical, Electronic, Control & Instrumentation, or Systems Engineering

Job description

What we can offer you

• Flexible and hybrid working options - choose how and where you work.
• Optional compressed working schedule - every other Friday off.
• Private health care - access to medical coverage.
• Career development opportunities - training, progression, or upskilling.
• Performance bonuses - additional reward based on achievements.

The role

We are seeking an experienced Control Systems Engineer with expertise in PLC and SCADA systems to join a team delivering mission-critical naval platform management solutions. This role offers the opportunity to design, develop, and maintain advanced PLC and HCI systems for the UK submarine fleet, supporting both product development and through-life operational capability. Ideal candidates will have experience with Siemens PLCs and large-scale SCADA infrastructures, with a strong focus on functional safety and product security. Key responsibilities include capturing and interpreting customer requirements, producing technical documentation, designing and testing PLC solutions, managing third-party communications, and validating software designs through analysis and testing. This position provides a chance to contribute to high-profile defence systems in a highly regulated and innovative engineering environment.

What we want from you

• PLC System Design & Implementation - Develop and implement large-scale Siemens S7-300/400 control systems, including solutions with high reliability, fault tolerance, and integrated safety features.
• Industrial Networking & SCADA Integration - Configure and manage industrial communication protocols such as Profibus, Profinet, EtherNet/IP, ModBus, TCP/IP, UDP, and ASCII; set up SCADA interfaces and drivers.
• Software Lifecycle & Technical Documentation - Apply structured software development processes and produce clear, detailed technical documentation.
• Professional Experience & Education - Over five years' experience in PLC-focused engineering roles; qualified with a degree, HNC, HND, or equivalent in Electrical, Electronic, Control & Instrumentation, or Systems Engineering.
• Regulated Industry Knowledge - Hands-on experience in Defence, Maritime, Aerospace, or other strictly regulated sectors (e.g., Oil & Gas, Pharmaceutical, Petrochemical), including testing and commissioning practices.

If you would like to an opportunity to work for one of the biggest names in the Defence industry then click 'Apply now'!