Lead Control Systems Engineer

We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Control Systems Engineer to be based full time onsite at Warrington or Cumbria.

This is a contract role inside IR35 at the market rates.

Candidates can start with BPSS security clearance whilst higher level clearance is being undertaken. You should be British Citizens and passport holders and not have worked outside the UK during the past 5 years.

ROLE SUMMARY:

We are looking for an experienced Lead Control Systems Engineer to take technical leadership of control systems design, implementation, testing, commissioning, and ongoing support across multidisciplinary projects. You will be the technical authority for control systems engineering, ensuring robust, compliant, and high-quality solutions, and driving engineering excellence across the project lifecycle.

This is a hands-on leadership role with strategic influence - ideal for engineers who want to shape architecture, mentor others, and make high-impact decisions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Leadership & Design Authority

Lead the development of control systems architecture, high-level and detailed design, and technical standards.

Act as the technical authority for control systems, owning approvals and design decisions.

Drive the selection and integration of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, communication protocols, safety systems and related automation technologies.

Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, safety, and regulatory requirements.

PROJECT DELIVERY:

Lead control systems engineering activities throughout the full project lifecycle - from concept and requirements capture to testing, commissioning and handover.

Provide robust control logic design, software development oversight, and verification/validation.

Collaborate closely with project management to ensure quality, schedule, risk, and cost targets are met.

Coordinate with other engineering disciplines to resolve technical interfaces and issues.

TEAM LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of control systems engineers, coach on best practices.

Assign tasks, oversee workload distribution, and review deliverable documentation.

Lead and actively participate in the configuration, programming, and testing of PLC, HMI, and SCADA control systems.

Promote continuous improvement of tools, processes, and standards.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT:

Act as the primary technical liaison with clients, partners, and internal stakeholders for control systems.

Represent control systems discipline in design reviews, technical proposals, and client meetings.

DOCUMENTATION & ASSURANCE:

Drive quality and consistency in deliverables including functional design specifications, software and hardware design documentation, test procedures, commissioning reports, and O&M documentation.

Oversee and approve verification and validation testing including internal testing (FAT), customer witness testing (CAT) and site acceptance / commissioning activities.

ESSENTIAL:

Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Control Systems, Automation) or equivalent experience.

Significant experience (typically 8+ years) in control systems engineering in a technical lead or Senior Engineer role.

Expertise with PLC/HMI/SCADA design, programming, and implementation.

Demonstrable experience in configuring and utilising simulation tools to support system testing, validation and verification activities.

Proficient in producing high?quality technical documentation with clarity, accuracy, and consistency.

Proven track record leading medium to large control system projects from design through commissioning.

Excellent stakeholder communication and collaboration skills.

Demonstrable experience mentoring and leading engineering teams.

Strong problem-solving, documentation, and risk management skills.

Knowledge of safety and compliance standards (eg IEC, ISO, industry-specific).

DESIRABLE:

Experience with multiple control platforms (e.g. Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider).

Experience in regulated or complex technical environments (e.g., Energy, Nuclear etc).

Knowledge of Sellafield Engineering Standards.

Knowledge of functional safety and cybersecurity standards.

Professional registration (CEng, IEng) or equivalent.