Join a high-performing engineering team delivering complex automation and control solutions for industrial clients. This senior contract role offers the opportunity to take technical ownership of critical control systems, driving safety, reliability, and performance across high-value projects.

About the Role:
As a Senior Controls Engineer, you will lead the design, programming, and optimisation of PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for demanding industrial environments. You will play a key role in ensuring compliance with functional safety standards, overseeing instrumentation commissioning, and resolving complex control system issues to maintain safe and efficient operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, program, and modify PLC control strategies for new installations and upgrades.
• Design, configure, and implement SCADA and HMI solutions, including graphics, alarms, and data logging.
• Lead the design and integration of safety instrumented systems in accordance with relevant functional safety standards.
• Select, specify, and oversee installation and commissioning of field instrumentation and control devices.
• Perform advanced diagnostics and root cause analysis on control system and instrumentation faults.
• Optimise control loops and automation sequences to improve process stability, safety, and efficiency.
• Produce and review technical documentation, including control narratives, cause-and-effect matrices, and system architecture diagrams.
• Provide on-site and remote technical support during start-up, commissioning, and maintenance activities.

Key Requirements:

• Extensive hands-on experience in PLC programming and troubleshooting across major platforms.
• Strong background in SCADA and HMI design, configuration, and deployment in industrial environments.
• Proven experience with safety instrumented systems and application of functional safety standards (e.g. IEC 61508/61511).
• Demonstrated expertise in instrumentation selection, calibration, and commissioning for process control applications.
• Track record of performing structured root cause analysis and advanced diagnostics on complex control systems.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and control system architecture drawings.
• Strong stakeholder communication skills, able to work closely with project, operations, and maintenance teams.
• Comfortable working independently in a senior, contract capacity, delivering to tight project timelines.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in industrial networking and communication protocols (e.g. Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus).
• Exposure to high-integrity systems in sectors such as oil & gas, chemicals, power generation, or manufacturing.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity considerations for industrial control systems.
• Experience with data historians, reporting tools, and integration with higher-level systems.
• Previous involvement in hazard and risk assessments (HAZOP, LOPA) related to control and safety systems.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control/Automation Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional engineering accreditation or registration is preferred.
• Formal training or certification in functional safety (e.g. TÜV Functional Safety Engineer/Professional) is highly desirable.
• Relevant vendor or platform-specific certifications in PLC/SCADA/HMI systems are an advantage.

If you are a seasoned Controls Engineer ready to lead technically demanding projects on a contract basis, we’d like to hear from you. Apply now to contribute your expertise to critical industrial automation and safety systems.