Principal Controls Engineer

Orbital People Ltd; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Orbital People Ltd, on behalf of an established energy sector engineering business, seeks a Principal Controls Engineer to lead PLC-based control systems for critical rotating equipment in power generation and oil and gas.

You will act as design authority, mentor engineers, shape standards, and support bids and customer discussions. The role involves UK and international travel, including offshore assignments.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical, Control or Automation Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience designing PLC-based control systems (Siemens and/or Allen-Bradley).
• Background in turbines, compressors, engines or other rotating equipment controls.
• Experience leading or mentoring engineers.
• Willingness to travel in the UK and internationally, including offshore.

Responsibilities

• Technical lead and design authority for PLC-based control systems.
• Lead design reviews and mentor a team of controls engineers.
• Shape control standards and the future product range.
• Support bids and customer technical discussions.
• Oversee FAT, SAT and commissioning, including UK and international travel.

Skills

PLC design

Siemens/Allen-Bradley

Leadership

Travel readiness

Education

Electrical/Control/Automation Eng degree

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Job description

Principal Controls Engineer – Energy & Rotating Equipment

East Midlands | Full-time | Permanent | Office-based with UK and international travel

Orbital People are working with an established engineering business in the energy sector that’s investing in its controls capability. They’re looking for a Principal Controls Engineer to lead the technical direction of control system projects for critical rotating equipment in power generation and oil and gas.

The role

• Technical lead and design authority for PLC-based control systems
• Lead design reviews and mentor a team of controls engineers
• Shape control standards and the future product range
• Support bids and customer technical discussions
• Oversee FAT, SAT and commissioning, including UK and international onshore and offshore travel

About you

• Degree in Electrical, Control or Automation Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Significant experience designing PLC-based control systems (Siemens and/or Allen-Bradley)
• Background in turbines, compressors, engines or other rotating equipment controls
• Experience leading or mentoring engineers
• Happy to travel in the UK and internationally, including offshore

Why apply

• A senior technical role with real influence over standards and direction
• A growing team with investment behind it
• Travel uplifts for onshore and offshore work