Senior Control Systems Design Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK engineering business is seeking a Senior Control Systems Design Engineer for flexible working on high-integrity, safety-critical projects. You will define control system specifications and lead designs across complex engineering projects. A degree in engineering is required, along with experience in hardware and software. Strong knowledge of functional safety is essential. This role offers opportunities to work on technically demanding projects across various sectors.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Salary sacrifice pension scheme

Long service awards

Employee referral scheme

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experienced across both hardware and software aspects.
• Strong grounding in functional safety.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver control system specifications.
• Design and integrate safety-critical controls.
• Produce documentation including FDS and SDS.

Skills

Control systems specifications

Design of safety-critical controls

Functional safety standards

PLC/HMI software development

Communication skills

Education

Degree in relevant engineering discipline

Tools

SISTEMA

EPLAN

Amtech

Job description

Job Description

Senior Control Systems Design Engineer – Flexible Working | High-Integrity, Safety-Critical Projects

What’s on offer

• Flexible start and finish times around core hours.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to buy extra.
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution.
• Long service awards and employee referral scheme.
• Involvement in some of the UK’s most technically demanding and safety-critical projects.

A leading UK engineering business, recognised for delivering innovative mechanical handling and control systems across defence, aerospace, nuclear, and infrastructure sectors, is looking for a Senior Control Systems Design Engineer.

This is a wide-ranging role, ideal for an all-rounder who can join the EC&I team and work across hardware, software, and functional safety. You’ll be instrumental in the specification, design, verification, and validation of safety systems, while also supporting the full lifecycle of bespoke control solutions.

The role

• Define and deliver control system specifications in line with demanding client requirements.
• Design and integrate safety-critical controls into complex engineering projects.
• Produce documentation including Basis of Design, Functional Design Specifications (FDS) and Safety Design Specifications (SDS).
• Carry out reliability calculations and SIL-based safety reports using tools such as SISTEMA.
• Generate and check electrical schematics and control drawings (EPLAN).
• Develop PLC/HMI software (Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider) and interface logic.
• Support Factory and Site Acceptance Testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Lead design risk assessments and ensure compliance with functional and machinery safety standards (BS EN 13849, BS EN 61508, BS EN 62061).
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to training on functional safety.
• Oversee subcontractors and suppliers to ensure compliance and quality.

About you

• Degree-qualified in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experienced across both hardware (schematics, panels, drives, instrumentation) and software (PLC/HMI).
• Strong grounding in functional safety with knowledge of standards and tools such as SISTEMA.
• Familiar with Amtech and modern variable speed drives.
• Confident communicator, able to lead design reviews and liaise directly with clients.
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility for site visits.

Desirable: Chartership or functional safety certification, experience with cranes, heavy machinery, or large-scale automated systems