Principle Controls Engineer
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.
The 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.
This 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.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
Act as the lead technical authority for controls, automation, and SCADA systems across allocated HS2 projects.
Provide technical direction and mentoring to Controls Engineers and Design Engineers.
Establish engineering standards, design methodologies, and best practices for control systems delivery.
Support the Engineering Manager in developing engineering capability and technical excellence within the business.
Controls & Automation Design
Lead the design and specification of:
PLC-based control systems
SCADA systems
Building Management Systems (BMS)
Tunnel Ventilation Control Systems (TVCS)
Station Control Systems
Integrated Operational Control Systems
Telemetry and remote monitoring systems
Networked industrial communications systems
Energy monitoring and management systems
Develop control philosophies, functional design specifications, cause and effect matrices, and system architecture documents.
Review and approve control panel designs, software architecture, I/O schedules, and network topologies.
System Integration
Manage interfaces between controls systems and:
Mechanical systems
Electrical distribution systems
Fire and life safety systems
Communications systems
Security systems
Asset management platforms
Ensure seamless integration of third-party systems and equipment.
Lead multidisciplinary design coordination activities and technical workshops.
Design Assurance & Compliance
Ensure compliance with:
HS2 Technical Standards
Railway interoperability requirements
BS EN and IEC standards
Cyber security requirements
Functional safety standards
CDM Regulations 2015
Client specifications and contractual obligations
Lead technical reviews, design assurance activities, and engineering approvals.
Support hazard identification, risk assessments, and safety assurance processes.
Project Delivery
Manage controls engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle from concept design through commissioning and handover.
Monitor engineering progress, budgets, and resource requirements.
Review subcontractor and supplier technical submissions.
Support procurement activities and factory acceptance testing (FAT).
Testing & Commissioning
Lead controls system testing and commissioning strategies.
Witness Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and integrated system testing.
Support dynamic testing, operational readiness, and project handover activities.
Resolve complex technical issues during commissioning and operation.
Stakeholder Management
Act as the primary controls engineering interface with clients, consultants, supply chain partners, and project stakeholders.
Present technical solutions and engineering proposals to senior management and clients.
Support bids, tenders, and technical submissions for future opportunities.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Essential
Degree qualified in Control Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline.
Minimum 10 years' experience in industrial controls, automation, SCADA, or systems engineering.
Proven experience delivering major infrastructure, rail, transportation, utilities, or critical facilities projects.
Strong understanding of:
PLC programming principles
SCADA architectures
Industrial networking
Control panel design
Instrumentation systems
BMS and integrated control systems
Functional safety concepts
Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering interfaces.
Strong understanding of engineering assurance and governance processes.
Excellent communication and leadership skills.
Desirable
Previous experience on HS2, Network Rail, Crossrail, London Underground, or major infrastructure projects.
Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards chartership.
Membership of a relevant professional institution (IET, InstMC, Engineering Council, etc.).
Experience with:
Siemens PCS7, WinCC, TIA Portal
Schneider EcoStruxure
Rockwell Automation platforms
Wonderware / AVEVA systems
Ignition SCADA
OPC and industrial communication protocols
IEC 61508 / IEC 61511 Functional Safety
IEC 62443 Industrial Cyber Security
Key Competencies
Technical Leadership
Controls & Automation Expertise
Systems Integration
Engineering Assurance
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Stakeholder Management
Commercial Awareness
Risk Management
Team Development & Mentoring
Project Delivery Focus
Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibilities
Promote and lead a positive safety culture.
Ensure all control systems are designed with safety and operational resilience at the forefront.
Support safe-by-design principles and compliance with CDM Regulations.
Contribute to environmental sustainability and energy-efficient engineering solutions.
Performance Measures
Delivery of controls engineering packages to programme and budget.
Successful completion of design assurance and approval milestones.
Compliance with HS2 and industry standards.
Quality and reliability of commissioned control systems.
Effective management of technical risk and system integration challenges.
Client and stakeholder satisfaction.
Development and mentoring of engineering team members