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# Principal Controls System Engineer

- **Company:** VGC Group
- **Location:** Birmingham, UK
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Communications Protocols, System Configuration, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Ethernet, IBM Systems Network Architecture, Modbus, OPC Unified Architecture, Systems Integration
- **Published:** May 24, 2026
- **Apply:** https://find.jobs/jobs-near-me/principal-controls-system-engineer-birmingham/2783543472-2/

## About the Role

We are seeking an experienced C&I Engineer with a strong systems engineering background to support major projects across the energy sector, including power generation, CCGT, utilities, oil & gas, and process industries. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in technically demanding environments and has hands on experience developing and delivering advanced control system solutions for large scale energy assets.

The ideal candidate will bring practical expertise in control system architecture, control philosophy, and control narrative development, along with familiarity with leading DCS platforms such as Emerson Ovation, Emerson DeltaV, or Siemens SPPA T3000., * Proven experience in C&I control systems within power plants, CCGT, utilities, oil & gas, or process industries.

 * Experience working with a major EPC contractor on complex FEED or Detailed Design projects.
 * Strong understanding of P&IDs, Cause & Effect diagrams, and Control Strategies used in energy and industrial facilities.
 * Hands on knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP, and Ethernet/IP.
 * Experience with OPC UA for data exchange and system integration.
 * Familiarity with DCS, ESD, and F&G systems.
 * Understanding of IEC 62443 cybersecurity principles and their application to critical energy infrastructure.

## Description

* Develop Control Narratives, Control Philosophy documents, and Functional Logic Specifications for energy sector automation systems.
 * Design robust control system network architectures, including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, and redundant industrial networks.
 * Lead or support system configuration, testing, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and operational optimisation activities.
 * Interface with OEMs, EPC partners, and multidisciplinary engineering teams on system design, upgrades, migrations, and modernization projects.
 * Develop and maintain system backup strategies, cybersecurity policies, and ensure compliance with relevant instrumentation and energy sector standards.
 * Prepare high quality technical documentation, engineering reports, and change management records.


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