Senior/Lead PLC Control Systems Engineer, Mahikeng

Location: North West. Sector: Other. Job Type: Contract. Salary: Market related. Reference: SK/R/091197

Role Lead the design of high-integrity PLC control systems at the heart of the UK’s most regulated and safety-critical environments.

12 month contract– open rate

Office-based with a Hybrid working scheme.

2 openings available in either Warrington, Cumbria and Stockton (1 position available in either location)

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced PLC Control Systems Engineer to design, develop, implement, and test high-integrity PLC-based control systems within a regulated engineering environment.

This role offers exposure to complex control systems, cyber-secure architectures, and highly regulated industries such as Nuclear.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, implement, and test PLC-based control systems to agreed engineering standards.

Produce high-quality engineering documentation, including:

User Requirement Specifications (URS) and Requirements Traceability Matrices (RTM)

System and Functional Design Specifications (SDD/FDS)

Software System Specifications (SSS) and Test Specifications (Module, Integration, System, Hardware)

Operation&Maintenance Manuals (O&M)

System rebuild documentation and I/O, alarm, and message schedules

Project Lifetime Records and Material Traceability Records

Support Responsibilities Support the Lead Engineer and Project Manager by:

Reporting technical issues, scope changes, and programme variations

Programming PLC platforms (Rockwell, Schneider, Siemens) using IEC 61131 languages, producing robust function blocks and logic aligned with design documentation and engineering standards.

Collaborating with HMI/SCADA and database engineers to define control system architectures, including:

Network Architecture Diagrams, Interface documentation and Cyber‑secure SCADA integration

Conducting formal in‑house Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), ensuring strict change control and traceability.

Supporting Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) and commissioning activities when required.

Contributing to installation and commissioning documentation, operator and maintainer training, and post‑delivery technical site support.

Interpreting and working with engineering drawings related to PLC cubicles, enclosures, and interface panels, identifying design constraints and site impacts.

Engaging with engineering teams and stakeholders to deliver high‑quality, compliant PLC solutions.

Qualifications

Significant experience designing and implementing PLC control systems.

Strong knowledge of IEC 61131 PLC programming languages, PLC hardware/software, and industrial communication protocols.

Demonstrable experience within the EC&I industry, preferably within Nuclear.

High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy, reliability, and quality.

Functional and detailed design documentation.

Formal test specifications.

Experience performing structured testing, validation, and verification activities.

Excellent fault‑finding and troubleshooting capability across complex control systems.

Good understanding of engineering drawings (electrical enclosures, control panels, MCCs, etc.).

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong technical documentation skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Experience in highly regulated industries (Nuclear, MOD, Pharmaceutical).

Hands‑on experience with Rockwell ControlLogix and/or Schneider M580 PLCs.

Familiarity with integrated HMI and SCADA systems.

Experience with OT Cyber Security and cyber‑secure system design.

Delivery experience aligned with BS 61508 and/or BS 61511 (Functional Safety).

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrable experience with a strong focus on EC&I engineering using PLCs.

Membership of a relevant professional institution (e.g. IET).

Certified training on Rockwell and/or Schneider PLC systems.

Certified Cyber Security training.

Company information At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Control Systems Engineer looking for new employment.

Sector:

Commercial, Admin&Office Support

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