Lead/Principal Controls Engineer

Company: Hernshead Recruitment Ltd
Apply for the Lead/Principal Controls Engineer
Location: Shrewsbury
Job Description:

About this position

We are supporting a specialist systems integration company within the process industry who are seeking a Lead / Principal Engineer to take ownership of complex automation projects from concept through to completion. This is a senior technical and leadership role requiring strong full lifecycle experience across DCS-based control systems and the ability to guide multidisciplinary engineering teams through delivery.

Job Responsibilities

  • Lead the full lifecycle delivery of automation and control system projects within the process industry (concept, design, configuration, testing, commissioning, and handover)
  • Act as technical authority for DCS-based control systems across multiple projects
  • Manage and coordinate engineering teams, ensuring high-quality design and implementation standards
  • Oversee system architecture design, control philosophy development, and functional specifications
  • Interface directly with clients, stakeholders, and suppliers to define requirements and manage expectations
  • Provide technical leadership during FAT/SAT, commissioning, and site acceptance phases
  • Ensure projects are delivered in line with scope, schedule, budget, and safety standards
  • Support continuous improvement of engineering processes, standards, and best practices

Experience Required

  • Proven full lifecycle experience in control systems engineering within the process industry
  • Strong background working with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) from design through to commissioning
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex automation or control system projects
  • Experience in a Lead Engineer, Principal Engineer, or similar technical leadership role
  • Strong understanding of process control principles and industrial automation systems
  • Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and lead engineering teams effectively
  • Experience in client-facing roles, including technical presentations and solution definition

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Posted: May 23rd, 2026