Senior Controls Engineer

NMS Recruit Ltd t/a Russell Taylor Group; Stafford; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

30 days holidays

6% pension

Life assurance

Healthcare scheme

Hybrid work (Mon & Fri home)

Early finish Friday

Job summary

NMS Recruit Ltd t/a Russell Taylor Group is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer in Stafford for a hybrid role. You will lead software engineering on complex projects, designing PLC solutions from scratch using Siemens TIA Portal and STEP 7, and guiding a team through full project lifecycle.

The position involves parameterising and commissioning VSDs, delivering robust control systems, and supporting BD activities. UK residency and DBS/BPSS checks may be required.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Proven PLC programming experience from scratch (Siemens TIA Portal/STEP 7).
• Experience delivering control systems across full lifecycle.
• Experience with ISO 9001/14001/45001 environments.
• UK resident and able to pass DBS/BPSS checks if required.

Responsibilities

• Lead software engineering activities on projects from award to handover.
• Develop complete PLC software solutions from scratch (Siemens TIA Portal/STEP 7).
• Parameterise, commission and integrate VSDs.
• Deliver control systems across the full lifecycle (FDS to FAT/SAT and commissioning).
• Line manage and mentor engineers, promote engineering best practice.
• Plan and manage software resources across projects.
• Support business development, estimating and tender activities.
• Report on software progress to senior management and liaise with clients and contractors.

Skills

Leadership

PLC programming

Siemens TIA Portal

Project management

Education

Engineering Degree

Tools

TIA Portal

STEP 7

VSDs

Job description

Senior Controls Engineer

Location - Stafford (Hybrid)

Are you a Controls Engineer ready to lead software engineering on complex projects?

Do you enjoy writing PLC software from scratch and seeing it through to commissioning?

Would you like to combine hands‑on engineering with technical leadership in the nuclear and defence sectors?

What's in it for you?

• £60,000 basic salary
• Company bonus scheme
• 30 days holiday plus bank holidays
• 6% pension
• Life assurance & healthcare scheme
• Hybrid working (Mondays & Fridays from home)
• 12:30pm finish on a Friday

What will you be doing?

• Leading software engineering activities on specified projects, from contract award through to handover
• Developing complete PLC software solutions from scratch, ideally using Siemens TIA Portal / STEP 7
• Parameterising, commissioning and integrating Variable Speed Drives
• Delivering control systems across the full lifecycle, from FDS through to FAT, SAT and on‑site commissioning
• Line managing and mentoring a team of engineers, and promoting engineering best practice
• Planning and managing software resources across your projects
• Supporting business development, estimating and tender activitiesReporting on software engineering progress to the senior management team
• Liaising with clients, contractors and the wider engineering team on technical and commercial issues

Where you'll be doing it?

You’ll be joining a specialist engineering organisation delivering control and functional safety systems to the nuclear and defence sectors. Their work covers the full project lifecycle, from requirements capture and design through to build, testing, installation and commissioning. The business is part of a wider engineering group with a 50-year history and locations across the UK, Europe and North America.

What you'll need:

• A degree in a relevant engineering discipline
• Proven experience writing complete PLC programs from scratch (Siemens TIA Portal / STEP 7 preferred)Hands‑on experience parameterising, commissioning and integrating VSDs
• Full lifecycle delivery experience, from FDS to FAT, SAT and on‑site commissioning
• At least 4 years' software development experience, including leading teams in a project environment
• Experience working within ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 environments
• Commercial awareness, including managing project budgets
• UK National (no dual passports), resident in the UK for the last 5 years, and able to pass DBS and BPSS checks
• SCADA design and integration experience is highly desirable

Important Information:

We endeavour to process your personal data in a fair and transparent manner. In applying for this role, Russell Taylor will be acting within your interest and will contact you in relation to the role, either by email, phone or text message. For more information see our on our website. It is important you are aware of your individual rights and the provisions the company has put in place to protect your data. If you would like further information on the policy or GDPR please get in touch with us