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Controls Engineer

September 5, 2024 | Comments Off on Controls Engineer

Hatched Talent Solutions is partnering with a market-leading renewables business who are looking for an experienced Controls Engineer to join their team permanently in their Bristol office.

The company's products are fully autonomous once installed, making the performance of the control system crucial for maximizing product value for customers. The control systems are developed in-house using industry-standard tools, focusing on power control algorithms, safety systems, supervisory control, and ancillary systems like data management and condition monitoring. Developing a control system begins with a deep understanding of the equipment's operating strategy, both in normal and abnormal conditions, to ensure assets maximize output and availability.

Collaboration is key, you will be working closely with subsystem designers to understand equipment operations and support in producing function design specifications (FDS). The company follows the V-model for product development while integrating agile processes where beneficial.

As the Controls Engineer, you will be responsible for producing software design specifications, developing PLC systems (Beckhoff TwinCAT3) primarily using Structured Text Language, integrating third-party code, and maintaining existing SCADA systems. Independent management of control system components/modules is expected, with the engineer working alongside Senior Control and Electrical System Specialists and EC&I contractors. A collaborative working style is essential for delivering high-quality products within project constraints.

Based in the Bristol office with hybrid working options, travel to supplier and customer sites will be required as needed.

Key Accountabilities:

    Produce internal and client-facing control system design documentation per company standards and processes. Originate and review PLC software for turbine control systems and turbine simulators. Support the development of control system architecture, including hardware design. Collaborate with subsystem technical leads to capture automation requirements and select suitable instrumentation. Deliver tasks efficiently through a mix of collaborative and independent work. Ensure timely delivery of verified software builds for subsystem FATs and commissioning, supporting execution of tests. Prepare for and participate in control system progress reviews as part of an Agile working approach. Produce software verification test plans, conduct simulator-based tests, and produce reports. Identify and apply relevant industry standards and practices.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

    Enthusiastic and proactive attitude. A degree in a relevant engineering discipline with at least 5 years of industry experience. Ability to solve complex problems with innovative solutions. Experience writing automation system software for operational systems and equipment. Familiarity with automation system communication protocols like EtherCAT, CANopen, and Modbus TCP. Experience across the project lifecycle: design, build, FAT, installation, commissioning, and in-service. Knowledge of systems engineering processes as they apply to software development. Strong organizational skills, with an understanding of project management techniques for timely and budget-conscious delivery. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Desirable Skills:

    Experience in wind or other renewable energy systems. Experience working with Beckhoff Automation products. Matlab/Simulink modeling experience for control algorithm design. Experience designing and implementing functional safety systems, especially using Beckhoff TwinSAFE. Experience developing IT and network infrastructure for industrial projects. Familiarity with SCADA systems, particularly ICONICS Genesis 64. C/C++ programming experience.

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