Senior Electrical Engineer (Controls PLC)

James Fisher and Sons plc; Westhill; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering services company is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer (Controls PLC) to provide engineering design solutions and support across its product range. The ideal candidate will have strong electrical and control system design skills, experience with major PLC platforms, and the ability to work independently and in a team. This full-time role, based in Westhill, offers a hybrid working model with competitive salary and benefits, contributing to impactful projects across safety and innovation.

Benefits

Early finish on Fridays

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Company Pension

Qualifications

• Proven electrical and control system design skills.
• Experience with major PLC platforms including Siemens.
• Ability to write, debug, and optimize code in various programming languages.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering design input to new systems and support the existing product range.
• Liaise with internal departments to provide the best technical solutions.
• Create engineering documentation such as specifications and assembly instructions.

Skills

Electrical and control system design skills

Experience with PLC platforms: Siemens, WAGO, Codesys

Ability to write, debug, and optimize code in Ladder Logic

Ability to read and create electrical schematics

Troubleshooting during commissioning

Education

Electrical and Electronics / Control Systems engineering degree

Job description

About the Role

Senior Electrical Engineer (Controls PLC) — Permanent, Full-time Westhill, Hybrid

Please note that this role requires security checks.

The Role

The role focuses on delivering engineering design solutions and through‑life support across the JFD product range, from developing new designs to assisting clients with upgrades to existing equipment. It requires strong communication, the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and excellent organisational skills. A meticulous, detail‑driven approach is essential, particularly when producing or reviewing technical documentation. The role also demands adaptability to changing requirements, ownership of tasks through to completion, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality work to tight deadlines. Ensuring solutions are cost‑efficient and delivered on time and within budget remains central to meeting expectations.

What you’ll be doing

• Provide engineering design input to new systems and products and provide support to the existing product range by assessing technical queries.
• Liaise with internal JFD departments such as sales, supply chain and production to ensure the best technical solution is provided in all instances.
• Creation of part numbers and bill of materials and sourcing suitable components and materials when required.
• Creation of engineering documentation such as specifications, proposals, assembly instructions, test procedures, certification and reports and checking detailed manufacturing drawings and documentation.
• Ensuring engineering solutions are provided on time and on budget and adhere to engineering and company standards and processes (compliance to internal and external standards and regulations).
• Accountability and responsibility as the discipline technical approver of drawings and documentation generated within the JFD engineering team.
• Where applicable, responsible for promoting engagement to achieve a resilient diverse high performing team.

What we’re looking for

• Proven electrical and control system design skills.
• Experience with major PLC platforms: Siemens (TIA Portal/Step 7), WAGO, Codesys etc.
• Ability to write, debug, and optimize code in:
• Ladder Logic
• Structured Text
• Function Block Diagrams
• Experience designing and configuring screens and alarms is desirable.
• Skilled in generating design calculations.
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics, P&IDs, loop diagrams, and wiring drawings.
• Understanding of instrumentation: sensors, valves, actuators, drives.
• System Integration & Commissioning

• Experience integrating PLCs with:
• HMIs
• Drives
• Remote I/O

Ability to troubleshoot on-site during commissioning

• Previous product design experience would be advantageous.
• Selection of subsea cables, connectors, and penetrators.
• Demonstrated experience in an electrical engineer or control systems engineer role.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management system for generating and storage of engineering packages.
• Electrical and Electronics / Control Systems engineering degree or equivalent industry experience.
• Familiar with working to marine/defence standards and Classification Society rules (LR, DNV, DEFSTAN etc.)

Why join us

• Early finish on Fridays
• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
• Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility
• Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions
• Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations

About Us

James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.

Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc

For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc

James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting-edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry.

If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!

Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.