Principal Controls Engineer

Principal Controls Engineer focuses on act as the lead technical voice for controls, automation, scada, and telemetry systems across major hs2 packages.

What the role involves

• Act as the lead technical voice for controls, automation, SCADA, and telemetry systems across major HS2 packages.
• Leading the design of control philosophies, functional design specifications, cause-and-effect matrices, and complex network topologies.
• Mastermind interfaces between control systems and mechanical, electrical distribution, fire & life safety, and asset management platforms.
• Ensure seamless, secure integration of third-party systems and advanced networked industrial communications.
• Driving rigorous design assurance, managing compliance with HS2 Technical Standards , functional safety (SIL), and IEC 62443 industrial cyber security.
• Leading testing strategies, witnessing Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) through to dynamic commissioning and final handover.

Skills and requirements

• Education: Degree in Control Systems Engineering, Electrical/Automation Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience: Minimum 10+ years in industrial controls, SCADA, or systems engineering—ideally within rail, major utilities, or critical infrastructure.
• Technical Breadth: Deep knowledge of PLC/SCADA principles, control panel design, instrumentation, and functional safety concepts.
• Leadership Capability: Proven track record of managing multidisciplinary interfaces and navigating rigorous engineering governance.

Confirmed role details

• £450- £550 per day (Outside IR35).
• In this senior leadership role, you will hold technical authority over the design, development, and system integration of advanced control and automation solutions for the landmark.
• Jobs #SCADA #PLC #HS2 #Rail.

Candidate fit

• technical judgement, safe working habits, careful diagnostics, and practical problem-solving

Additional role context

• Focus: PLC/SCADA architectures, Tunnel Ventilation Control Systems (TVCS), Station Control Systems, and industrial cyber security.
• Multidisciplinary, digital-first engineering environment requiring elite systems integration.

Known job details

• Pay: £450- £550 per day