Control Engineer/ Automation Engineer

UK
Networks Services (UKNS) is an engineering company at the forefront of the UK’s
transition to a smarter, more flexible electricity system. Our work spans two
core areas:

• Technical grid
  consulting – advising on complex grid connections, regulatory strategy, and
  power system planning for some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure
  projects.
  
• Smart grid
  control systems – designing and deploying advanced automation, monitoring, and
  control solutions that enable customers to connect, manage and optimise energy
  assets across large, distributed networks.
  

Within
the smart grid side of the business, we design and integrate systems that
combine PLC -based control, SCADA, metering, protection, and real -time data
platforms. These systems are deployed on projects such as grid -scale load
management, site -wide export limitation, substation automation and dynamic
network control.

We
are seeking a Control Systems Engineer/ Automation
Engineer to join our smart grid systems team. This is a technical, hands -on
role requiring both PLC programming expertise and control panel/hardware design
skills. You will work closely with our CTO, panel build team and existing
automation engineers to design, integrate and commission intelligent control
systems used on major grid -connected infrastructure projects.

This
is an ideal position for someone who enjoys working across the full project
lifecycle — from concept design, through detailed engineering and build, to
final testing and commissioning — and wants to be part of a company shaping the
future of how power networks are controlled and optimised.

What
you’ll be doing

• Design and develop
  PLC -based control systems for smart grid applications including load
  management, export limitation, and automation of HV/LV infrastructure.
  
• Produce detailed
  hardware designs: panel layouts, terminal plans, fusing, protection
  devices, I/O allocation, and wiring schematics.
  
• Create professional
  EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical drawings, bills of materials, and panel
  documentation.
  
• Specify and select
  PLC hardware, field devices, communication components, and network
  interfaces in line with relevant standards (BS EN 60204, BS EN 61439,
  etc.).
  
• Develop PLC programs
  (ladder logic, structured text, or function block) and integrate with
  SCADA platforms, metering systems, and protection relays.
  
• Configure and test
  industrial communication protocols (MODBUS RTU/TCP, DLMS/COSEM, IEC 61850,
  etc.).
  
• Support FAT, SAT,
  and commissioning activities alongside the wider engineering team.
  
• Contribute to system
  architecture design and interface specifications for large, distributed
  control projects.
  

Requirements

Essential qualifications & experience:

• Degree in
  Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Control Systems, Automation or related
  discipline (HNC/HND considered with strong experience).
  
• 5 + years’
  experience in control systems engineering, PLC programming, or automation
  design.
  
• Proficiency with
  major PLC platforms (e.g. Schneider, Siemens, Allen -Bradley).
  
• Experience in
  panel design, electrical schematics, and hardware specification.
  
• Strong
  understanding of industrial communication protocols and networked control
  systems.
  
• Competence with
  EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical.
  

Desirable:

• Incorporated or
  Chartered Engineer status (IEng/CEng) or working towards professional
  registration
  
• Experience with
  SCADA platforms, real -time data acquisition systems, or substation automation
  
• Background in
  power networks, renewables, or grid connection projects
  
• Experience in
  system commissioning, FAT and SAT plans and documentation
  

Benefits

• £50,000 – £70,000
  salary depending on experience
  
• Opportunity to
  work on some of the UK’s most advanced smart grid control projects
  
• Mentorship from
  senior engineers and exposure to complex, real -world energy systems
  
• Clear career
  progression within a growing, innovation -focused company
  
• Company bonus
  scheme
  
• Enhanced
  employers’ contribution pension scheme
  
• Death in Service
  benefit policy
  
• Salary sacrifice
  schemes (Bike2work, Electric Vehicles)
  
• 25 Days of annual
  leave plus local bank holidays
  
• Days available to
  volunteer for local clubs/charities
  
• £300 available
  for sponsorship of local club or charity
  
• Professional
  registration fees paid annually 
  
• On -site parking
  
• Training &
  Development
  

Note: To be eligible for
this job you must have the right to work in the UK, we currently do not sponsor
applications for employment visa status.

UKNS
values diversity in the workplace and is a fair and equal -opportunity employer.
We are committed to creating an equal and inclusive working environment, with
the aim that our employees will be truly representative of all sections of
society and that each person feels respected and able to give their best.