Principle Controls Engineer in EC1

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, and delivery of control and automation systems across the HS2 programme. \nThe successful candidate will provide technical leadership for all aspects of industrial control systems, SCADA, PLCs, Building Management Systems (BMS), telemetry, and integrated station and tunnel control solutions. Working within a multidisciplinary MEICA environment, you will be responsible for ensuring that control systems are safe, reliable, compliant, and fully integrated with mechanical and electrical infrastructure.

\nThis is a senior technical role requiring strong engineering leadership, stakeholder management, and experience delivering complex control systems within rail, transportation, infrastructure, or critical environment projects.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nTechnical Leadership\n\nAct as the lead technical authority for controls, automation, and SCADA systems across allocated HS2 projects.\nProvide technical direction and mentoring to Controls Engineers and Design Engineers.\nEstablish engineering standards, design methodologies, and best practices for control systems delivery.\nSupport the Engineering Manager in developing engineering capability and technical excellence within the business.\n\nControls & Automation Design\n\nLead the design and specification of: \nPLC-based control systems\nSCADA systems\nBuilding Management Systems (BMS)\nTunnel Ventilation Control Systems (TVCS)\nStation Control Systems\nIntegrated Operational Control Systems\nTelemetry and remote monitoring systems\nNetworked industrial communications systems\nEnergy monitoring and management systems\nDevelop control philosophies, functional design specifications, cause and effect matrices, and system architecture documents.\nReview and approve control panel designs, software architecture, I/O schedules, and network topologies.\n\nSystem Integration\n\nManage interfaces between controls systems and: \nMechanical systems\nElectrical distribution systems\nFire and life safety systems\nCommunications systems\nSecurity systems\nAsset management platforms\nEnsure seamless integration of third-party systems and equipment.\nLead multidisciplinary design coordination activities and technical workshops.\n\nDesign Assurance & Compliance\n\nEnsure compliance with: \nHS2 Technical Standards\nRailway interoperability requirements\nBS EN and IEC standards\nCyber security requirements\nFunctional safety standards\nCDM Regulations 2015\nClient specifications and contractual obligations\nLead technical reviews, design assurance activities, and engineering approvals.\nSupport hazard identification, risk assessments, and safety assurance processes.\n\nProject Delivery\n\nManage controls engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle from concept design through commissioning and handover.\nMonitor engineering progress, budgets, and resource requirements.\nReview subcontractor and supplier technical submissions.\nSupport procurement activities and factory acceptance testing (FAT).\n\nTesting & Commissioning\n\nLead controls system testing and commissioning strategies.\nWitness Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and integrated system testing.\nSupport dynamic testing, operational readiness, and project handover activities.\nResolve complex technical issues during commissioning and operation.\n\nStakeholder Management\n\nAct as the primary controls engineering interface with clients, consultants, supply chain partners, and project stakeholders.\nPresent technical solutions and engineering proposals to senior management and clients.\nSupport bids, tenders, and technical submissions for future opportunities.\n\nSkills, Knowledge & Experience\n\nEssential\n\nDegree qualified in Control Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline.\nMinimum 10 years' experience in industrial controls, automation, SCADA, or systems engineering.\nProven experience delivering major infrastructure, rail, transportation, utilities, or critical facilities projects.\nStrong understanding of: \nPLC programming principles\nSCADA architectures\nIndustrial networking\nControl panel design\nInstrumentation systems\nBMS and integrated control systems\nFunctional safety concepts\nExperience managing multidisciplinary engineering interfaces.\nStrong understanding of engineering assurance and governance processes.\nExcellent communication and leadership skills.\n\nDesirable\n\nPrevious experience on HS2, Network Rail, Crossrail, London Underground, or major infrastructure projects.\nChartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards chartership.\nMembership of a relevant professional institution (IET, InstMC, Engineering Council, etc.).\nExperience with: \nSiemens PCS7, WinCC, TIA Portal\nSchneider EcoStruxure\nRockwell Automation platforms\nWonderware / AVEVA systems\nIgnition SCADA\nOPC and industrial communication protocols\nIEC 61508 / IEC 61511 Functional Safety\nIEC 62443 Industrial Cyber Security\n\nKey Competencies\n\nTechnical Leadership\nControls & Automation Expertise\nSystems Integration\nEngineering Assurance\nProblem Solving & Decision Making\nStakeholder Management\nCommercial Awareness\nRisk Management\nTeam Development & Mentoring\nProject Delivery Focus\n\nHealth, Safety & Environmental Responsibilities\n\nPromote and lead a positive safety culture.\nEnsure all control systems are designed with safety and operational resilience at the forefront.\nSupport safe-by-design principles and compliance with CDM Regulations.\nContribute to environmental sustainability and energy-efficient engineering solutions.\n\nPerformance Measures\n\nDelivery of controls engineering packages to programme and budget.\nSuccessful completion of design assurance and approval milestones.\nCompliance with HS2 and industry standards.\nQuality and reliability of commissioned control systems.\nEffective management of technical risk and system integration challenges.\nClient and stakeholder satisfaction.\nDevelopment and mentoring of engineering team members