The Electrical & Control Systems Engineer plays a pivotal role as the technical authority for all electrical, control, and automation systems within the business. This position is responsible for leading the design, development, and continuous improvement of electrical and control systems associated with boiler, combustion, and related equipment. Acting as a key interface across engineering, manufacturing, and service teams, the role ensures systems are safe, compliant, standardised, and aligned with business goals while driving innovation, supporting product development, and maintaining robust engineering standards and control system architectures.
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per-week
Pattern: Mon-Thurs 8am-4:30pm, and Fri 8am-1pm
Based: Newbie
Key Objectives
The Electrical & Control Systems Engineer will act as the technical authority for all electrical, control and automation systems across the business.
The role will be responsible for the design, development, maintenance and continuous improvement of electrical and control systems associated with boiler, combustion and ancillary equipment.
The position will provide technical leadership for electrical engineering activities, ensuring designs are safe, compliant, standardised and aligned with business objectives.
The role will own the development and maintenance of electrical standards, PLC software architecture, control philosophies and engineering documentation whilst supporting product development, manufacturing, commissioning and customer support activities.
The Electrical & Control Systems Engineer will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing and Service teams to drive innovation, standardisation and operational improvements throughout the business.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
• Act as the lead engineer and technical authority for all electrical and control systems.
• Define and maintain electrical engineering standards, control philosophies and design practices.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to electrical technicians, apprentices and other engineering personnel.
• Lead technical investigations and root cause analysis activities relating to electrical and control systems.
Design & Development
• Design, develop and maintain electrical and control systems for boiler and combustion equipment.
• Produce, review and approve electrical drawings, schematics and engineering documentation.
• Lead PLC and HMI development activities, including software architecture, programming and testing.
• Support new product development and technology integration projects.
• Identify opportunities for product improvement, standardisation and cost reduction.
Control Systems Ownership
• Maintain ownership of PLC software, HMI systems, parameter management and software revision control.
• Develop and maintain standard PLC software libraries and control system templates.
• Ensure software backups and recovery procedures are maintained and regularly validated.
• Define and maintain cybersecurity and software management practices where applicable.
Manufacturing & Commissioning
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, testing and commissioning activities.
• Lead commissioning and validation activities for new products and major projects.
• Support field troubleshooting and customer technical support where required.
• Ensure electrical and control systems are delivered safely, reliably and in accordance with specification.
Compliance & Standards
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, standards and directives.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and industry best practice.
• Support CE/UKCA compliance activities relating to electrical and control systems.
• Support risk assessments, functional safety reviews and design verification activities.
Continuous Improvement
• Lead standardisation initiatives across control panels, PLC software, electrical components and documentation.
• Support business improvement projects relating to quality, cost, delivery and reliability.
• Contribute to departmental strategy, resource planning and future technology roadmaps.
Skills and Qualities Desirable from Post Holder
Essential
• HNC/HND or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of industrial electrical systems and control engineering principles.
• Experience producing electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN or similar software.
• Experience programming PLC and HMI systems.
• Strong fault-finding and diagnostic capability.
• Ability to lead technical projects and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable
• Siemens TIA Portal experience.
• Experience with burner management systems and combustion control.
• Experience with boiler plant, steam systems or industrial process equipment.
• Understanding of Modbus, Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP or equivalent industrial communication protocols.
• Knowledge of CE/UKCA compliance requirements.
• Experience commissioning industrial equipment.
• Experience mentoring or supervising technical personnel.
Applications
To apply please send a cover letter and CV to hr@cochran.co.uk.