Senior Control Systems Engineer

First Recruitment Group; Warrington; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist engineering business in the UK seeks a PLC Control Systems Engineer to design and implement PLC-based control systems. Ideal candidates will possess strong programming skills and experience in regulated industries, particularly EC&I or nuclear. This role involves producing engineering documentation and collaborating with other engineers to deliver robust control systems.

Qualifications

• Strong track record in PLC control systems design and delivery.
• Comfortable producing all levels of technical documentation.
• Experience in regulated environments, ideally EC&I or nuclear.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement and test PLC-based control systems.
• Produce high-quality engineering documentation.
• Collaborate closely with SCADA, HMI, and database engineers.

Skills

PLC control systems design and delivery

Hands-on programming experience with IEC 61131-based systems

Strong fault-finding skills and attention to detail

Deep understanding of industrial control systems

Confident communicator and collaborative team player

Education

Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience

Tools

Rockwell ControlLogix

Schneider M580

Job description

PLC Control Systems Engineer Contract Opportunity

Location: Warrington OR Sellfafield OR Stockton
Sector: EC&I / Nuclear / Regulated Industries
Salary: Contract Rate Negotiable (INSIDE IR35)
Start: ASAP

I'm supporting one of our long-standing clients a specialist engineering business operating across regulated industries who are looking to strengthen their Control Systems team with an experienced PLC Engineer.

This role will suit a detail-oriented engineer with proven experience in the design, development, testing, and documentation of PLC-based control systems. While nuclear sector experience is a strong advantage, they re open to talent from other highly regulated environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, implement and test PLC-based control systems.

• Produce high-quality engineering documentation, including:

  • User Requirements and Traceability (URS/RTM)

  • Functional and System Design Specs (FDS/SDD)

  • Software Specifications (SSS)

  • Test Documentation (Module/Integration/System/Hardware)

  • I/O Schedules, Alarm Lists, O&M Manuals

• Develop PLC software (IEC 61131 languages), ideally in Rockwell, Schneider, or Siemens platforms.

• Collaborate closely with SCADA, HMI, and database engineers to define and deliver control system architecture.

• Generate network diagrams and interface documentation with cyber security best practices in mind.

• Support and conduct in-house and on-site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT).

• Assist with installation, commissioning, and producing operator/maintainer training documentation.

• Read and interpret engineering drawings related to control panels and enclosures.

• Work closely with Lead Engineers and Project Managers to meet delivery schedules and flag scope or technical issues.

What They re Looking For:

Essential:

• Strong track record in PLC control systems design and delivery.

• Hands-on programming experience with IEC 61131-based systems.

• Comfortable producing all levels of technical documentation.

• Deep understanding of industrial control systems, communications protocols, and electrical panel design.

• Strong fault-finding skills and attention to detail.

• Experience in regulated environments, ideally EC&I or nuclear.

• Confident communicator and collaborative team player.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with Rockwell ControlLogix and/or Schneider M580.

• Exposure to integrated SCADA/HMI systems.

• Understanding of cyber-secure control system design.

• Experience working to BS 61508 / 61511 (Functional Safety).

• Knowledge of Sellafield Ltd V-Model and engineering standards.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience in EC&I with PLC focus)

• Professional membership (e.g., IET) and/or vendor certifications (Rockwell/Schneider) preferred