System Engineer

NES Fircroft; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

NES Fircroft in Middlesbrough is seeking a Mid-Level EC&I Systems Engineer to own control and automation work packages across the full project lifecycle, from requirements through to commissioning. The role offers hands-on work in a collaborative, close-knit team with travel to client sites as needed.

The ideal candidate has 5-10+ years’ experience in EC&I, automation and systems engineering, with exposure to platforms such as Siemens PCS7/TIA Portal or Rockwell/Allen-Bradley.

Qualifications

• Degree in EC&I, Electrical/Electronic Engineering or related discipline.
• 5-10+ years' experience in control systems design, configuration and commissioning.
• Hands-on with major control system platforms (Siemens PCS7/TIA Portal or Rockwell/AB) and SCADA/HMI.
• Knowledge of IEC 61511/61508 and ATEX/DSEAR; HAZOP/LOPA exposure preferred.
• UK driving licence and willingness to travel to client sites.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of EC&I and automation work packages from concept to FAT/SAT and commissioning.
• Develop and maintain URS, FDS/SDS, I/O lists, P&ID mark-ups, cable schedules and loop diagrams.
• Configure and program PLC, DCS and SCADA systems (Siemens PCS7, TIA Portal, Rockwell).
• Support system integration, panel specs and OT network interfaces.
• Plan FAT/SAT activities, commissioning, loop checks and plant start-up.
• Lead technical fault-finding and system optimisation on site.
• Apply IEC 61511/61508 and ATEX/DSEAR; contribute to HAZOP/LOPA reviews.
• Manage tasks, provide progress updates and support change control.
• Collaborate with clients and colleagues, ensuring safety and quality in documentation.

Skills

EC&I Engineering

Control Systems

Automation

SCADA/HMI

Siemens PCS7

TIA Portal

Rockwell ControlLogix

P&ID

URS/FDS

LOPA

Functional Safety

IEC 61511/61508

ATEX/DSEAR

FAT/SAT

EPLAN

AutoCAD

OT Cybersecurity

UK Driving Licence

Travel to sites

Education

EC&I/Electrical Engineering Degree

Tools

EPLAN

AutoCAD

Job description

Location: Middlesbrough (office/site based, with UK travel)

The Opportunity

An established and growing engineering business specialising in electrical, control and instrumentation (EC&I) and automation solutions is looking to recruit a Mid-Level EC&I Systems Engineer to join its team in Middlesbrough.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer with approximately 5-10+ years' relevant experience who has a strong background in control systems, automation and systems engineering.

You will take ownership of EC&I and automation work packages across the full project lifecycle, from initial requirements and engineering design through to system configuration, testing and commissioning. Working across a range of process industry projects, you will have the opportunity to operate autonomously, develop client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of the engineering team.

The role will suit someone who enjoys a hands-on technical position, takes pride in delivering quality engineering solutions and is comfortable working collaboratively within a close-knit team.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of control and automation work packages from concept and design through to FAT/SAT and site commissioning.
• Develop and maintain key engineering documentation, including URS, FDS/SDS, cause and effect diagrams, I/O lists, P&ID mark-ups, cable schedules and loop diagrams.
• Configure and programme PLC, DCS and SCADA systems, working with platforms such as Siemens PCS 7, TIA Portal, Rockwell ControlLogix and associated HMI technologies.
• Support system integration, panel specifications and interface definition across electrical, instrumentation and IT/OT networks.
• Plan and undertake FAT/SAT activities, commissioning, loop checks and plant start-up.
• Lead technical fault-finding and system optimisation during site-based activities.
• Apply relevant functional safety and industry standards, including IEC 61511/61508 and ATEX/DSEAR, contributing to HAZOP and LOPA reviews where required.
• Manage engineering tasks, provide project progress updates and support change control, technical proposals and project planning.
• Work closely with colleagues and clients, sharing technical knowledge and maintaining high standards of safety, quality and engineering documentation.

Skills & Experience

• Degree or equivalent experience in EC&I, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Control Systems, Automation or a related discipline.
• Approximately 5-10+ years' experience in control systems design, configuration and commissioning, ideally within process industries such as chemicals, energy, pharmaceuticals or food manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with at least one major control system platform, such as Siemens PCS 7/TIA Portal or Rockwell/Allen-Bradley.
• Experience with modern SCADA/HMI systems.
• Strong understanding of EC&I engineering deliverables, including functional specifications, technical drawings, schedules and testing documentation.
• Practical experience of commissioning, site acceptance testing and start-up activities within live plant environments.
• Working knowledge of relevant industry standards and compliance requirements, including IEC 61511/61508 and ATEX/DSEAR.
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel to client sites when required.
• Right to work in the UK.Experience working across multiple control system vendor platforms.
• Awareness of industrial networking and OT cybersecurity.
• Experience overseeing panel design and specification, with familiarity with EPLAN or AutoCAD.
• Exposure to functional safety lifecycle activities, including SIL determination and verification.
• Familiarity with quality management requirements, such as GAMP 5 within regulated industries.
• Relevant site safety qualifications, such as CCNSG, and experience working alongside contractors.