PLC Control Systems Engineer

Job Description

We’re seeking an experienced PLC Control Systems Engineer (5-10 years) to design, program, test, and commission industrial control systems across power solutions projects. This includes diesel generator controls, switchgear/ATS/AMF panels, load sharing/synchronisation, and associated HMI/SCADA interfaces. The role spans the full project lifecycle (FDS/DDS, coding, FAT/SAT, on-site commissioning), working closely with electrical design, project managers, and clients to deliver robust, safe, and maintainable systems that meet industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

1) Design & Development

• Produce and own control system deliverables: User Requirements (URS), FDS, DDS/SDS, I/O lists, Cause & Effect, alarms, and test plans.
• Develop PLC/HMI/SCADA applications to internal coding standards and client specifications.
• Configure and integrate generator controllers (Deep Sea Electronics (DSE), ComAp, Woodward), synchronising and load‑sharing schemes, ATS/AMF logic, and black‑start/priority management.
• Interface PLCs with protection relays, meters, breakers, UPS, and BMS/EMS systems.
• Collaborate with electrical design for wiring schematics (e.g., EPLAN/AutoCAD Electrical) and panel build liaison.

2) Testing & Commissioning

• Lead FAT/SAT, I/O checks, loop testing, simulation, and site commissioning.
• Troubleshoot PLC, HMI/SCADA, and comms networks; implement robust fixes and design improvements.
• Produce handover packs, as‑built software, change logs, and training for end users (O&M).

3) Documentation, Quality & Compliance

• Maintain version control, change management, and code libraries (e.g., Git‑based workflows).
• Ensure compliance with functional safety and electrical standards where applicable (e.g., IEC 60204‑1, SIL principles/IEC 61511), PUWER, and Machinery Directive/UKCA.
• Contribute to RAMS for site works; uphold ISO 9001 quality procedures and good engineering practice.

4) OT Networking & Cybersecurity

• Design and commission industrial Ethernet networks (managed switches, VLANs, NAT, routing).
• Implement and document secure architectures and segmentation, harden PLC/HMI/SCADA assets, and apply password/backup policies and access controls in line with best practices.
• Configure and troubleshoot common industrial protocols: Modbus TCP/RTU, Profinet, Profibus, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA; (nice to have: IEC 61850, DNP3).

5) Continuous Improvement & Support

• Mentor junior engineers, contribute to coding standards, reusable function blocks, and templates.
• Provide remote and on‑site support, root‑cause analysis, and preventive maintenance recommendations.
• Suggest design enhancements for reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle cost reduction.

Technical Skills

• PLC / HMI / SCADA
  • Allen Bradley, Siemens TIA Portal (SCL/ladder), WinCC/Unified; Rockwell Studio 5000 (Ladder/Structured Text), FactoryTalk View.
  • Optional: Schneider EcoStruxure, Mitsubishi GX Works, Beckhoff TwinCAT, AVEVA/Wonderware, Ignition.
  • Must have written system code from conception / from design.
• Generator & Power Integration
  • DSE/ComAp/Woodward controller integration, breaker control, load management, protection interfaces.
  • Familiarity with UPS systems, power meters, and protection relays.
• Networks & Protocols
  • Layer‑2/3 concepts, VLANs, NAT, routing, industrial firewalls; Modbus, Profinet, Profibus, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA.
• Electrical & Safety
  • Read/mark up schematics, panel layouts, and cable schedules.
  • Awareness of IEC 60204‑1, functional safety (SIL concepts), BS 7671 principles, PUWER; RAMS.

Qualifications & Certifications (Desired)

• Degree/HND in Electrical, Electronic, Control/Automation, or Mechatronics Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• ECS/CSCS or safety passports.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to work on client sites.
• Nice to have: Functional Safety awareness (e.g., TÜV), CompEx/ATEX awareness where applicable.

Personal Attributes

• Methodical, safety‑first, and quality‑driven, strong attention to detail.
• Clear communicator with clients, site teams, and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Proactive problem solver, comfortable under time pressure during commissioning.
• Team player who can also work independently and mentor others.
• Willing to travel to sites across the UK.

Benefits

• Competitive salary £65,000-£70,000
• Company pension; 25 days’ holiday & bank holidays.
• Company laptop & mobile phone.
• Training & certification support (APM/PRINCE2/18th Edition/Siemens/Allen‑Bradley).
• Professional membership support (IET/APM).
• Flexible site travel expenses.
• Private health care (post probation).

Working Pattern

70% Office / 30% site as needed by projects. UK travel to customer sites, factories, and FAT locations.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…