Principal Control Systems Engineer

ZipRecruiter; London; Hybrid; GBP 62,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK defence sector is seeking a Principal Control Systems Engineer ready to lead the development of complex control systems. The ideal candidate will have extensive Siemens PLC and SCADA expertise, with a proven ability to handle full software lifecycle projects. A competitive salary, flexible working options, and career development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Flexible and hybrid working options

Private healthcare

Career development and mentoring opportunities

Performance-based bonus scheme

Relocation support may be available

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a PLC engineering environment.
• Deep knowledge of Siemens tools and fault-tolerant control systems.
• Experience in regulated sectors like Defence or Oil & Gas.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and testing of Siemens-based PLC control systems.
• Manage SCADA/PLC interfacing and support integration activities.
• Capture and develop complex customer requirements.

Skills

Siemens PLC

SCADA

System integration

Industrial protocols

Education

HND, HNC, or Degree in Electrical/Electronic, Control & Instrumentation, or Systems Engineering

Tools

Siemens Step 7 Classic

Job description

Job Description

Are you an experienced engineer ready to lead the development of complex control systems within a secure and highly regulated defence environment? Our client, a key player in the UK defence sector, is seeking a Principal Control Systems Engineer with extensive Siemens PLC and SCADA expertise to join their specialist team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Capture, interpret, and develop complex customer requirements.
• Lead the design and testing of Siemens-based PLC control systems (S7-300/400).
• Develop software using block diagrams, flow charts, or pseudo-code.
• Produce and review high-quality technical documentation.
• Manage SCADA/PLC interfacing and industrial communications (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, ModBus, TCP/IP).
• Support system integration and commissioning activities.
• Provide technical leadership to junior engineers and project teams.
• Contribute to project planning, risk management, and customer liaison.
• Assist with proposal development and contract changes.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a PLC engineering environment, ideally in a lead or senior capacity.
• Deep knowledge of Siemens Step 7 Classic and associated tools.
• Experience with fault-tolerant and safety-integrated control systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial protocols and system integration.
• Proven ability to work across the full software lifecycle.
• HND, HNC, or Degree in Electrical/Electronic, Control & Instrumentation, or Systems Engineering.
• Background in Defence, Maritime, Aerospace, or other regulated sectors (e.g., Oil & Gas, Pharma, Petrochem).

Benefits:

• Competitive salary: £62,000 – £75,000, depending on experience.
• Flexible and hybrid working options, including compressed working weeks (e.g., every other Friday off).
• Private healthcare.
• Career development, professional training, and mentoring opportunities.
• Performance-based bonus scheme.
• Relocation support may be available for eligible candidates.

Please note: Due to the nature of this role, UK citizenship is required. Applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Check (SC) clearance.