Senior Control Systems Engineer (Preconstruction)

Join a team of world-class automation experts working for a rapidly-growing global company.

What sets us apart is our unique culture. We thrive on teamwork, consistently surpass customer expectations, and celebrate both personal and professional success.

If you believe Thermo Systems is the right fit for you, explore our open positions below.

Location: Remote in UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Denmark or Finland | Project Site Based or Remote w/Travel (as applicable)
Employment Status : Full Time | Direct Hire
Compensation : Competitive + Bonus
Travel : Up to 20% (as needed per project requirements)
On Call : No

Who We Are

Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner delivering premier class automation solutions across the Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets. Guided by The Thermo Way , we are unified, dynamic, and committed to delivering excellence. Our culture is grounded in three core principles:

• Employee Success – investing in our people and their growth
• Customer Success – delivering reliable, high-quality solutions
• Financial Strength – operating with discipline and long-term focus

We believe strong teams, trusted partnerships, and technical excellence drive sustainable success.

The Opportunity

The Senior Controls Design Engineer (Preconstruction) is responsible for the design, development and delivery of complex control system solutions while supporting preconstruction and design assurance activities across mission-critical projects. Working across BMS, PMS, SCADA and OT systems, you will deliver key engineering scope while working with Technical Sales to review new bids, validate technical requirements, and identify scope gaps, risks and opportunities before projects transition into delivery.

Across active projects, you will support design reviews and IFC page-turns, maintain high standards for engineering submittals, and work with Design Managers to support effective design governance and change management.

You will remain actively involved in control system design, software development, integration and commissioning while contributing lessons learned and improvements to engineering standards and ways of working.

This role is ideal for an experienced Controls Engineer looking to combine technical project delivery with increased involvement in preconstruction, design assurance and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Do

Core Responsibilities

Preconstruction & Design Assurance

• Work with Sales and Estimating on new bids to review and validate BMS, PMS, SCADA and OT scope
• Review specifications, Basis of Design, drawings, equipment counts, panel requirements and other bid documentation to identify scope gaps, risks and opportunities
• Support technical scope development, assumptions and clarifications through bid and preconstruction phases
• Support the transition of awarded projects from Sales into Design Engineering
• Lead IFC Draft and IFC Final page-turns, ensuring actions and design comments are tracked through closure
• Support identification and tracking of design changes that may impact project scope, cost or programme
• Develop and review control system architectures, software, control narratives, points lists, network architecture and technical documentation
• Support control panel, instrumentation and equipment interface design
• Perform technical reviews and provide engineering support through design, integration and construction
• Troubleshoot complex controls, communications and system integration issues
• Configure and develop PLC and associated controls platforms including Rockwell, Siemens and Schneider
• Support FAT, SAT, commissioning and system integration activities
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align scope, schedule, and deliverables.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with internal teams, customers, and partners.
• Act as a technical interface between Design Engineering to Sales, PMO and Integration teams.
• Support project leadership in identifying risks, resolving issues, and maintaining delivery alignment.
• Identify and elevate technical risks, constraints, or scope changes early.

Quality, Safety & Process

• Adhere to company policies, QMS requirements, and established safety standards
• Support and enhance the company’s Quality Management System (QMS)
• Ensure engineering deliverables meet high standards of accuracy, completeness, and consistency
• Promote structured engineering and documentation practices across all projects
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and drive continuous improvement initiatives

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years’ experience in controls engineering, automation, control system integration, or design engineering
• Experience working on complex industrial, life sciences, data centre, or mission-critical projects
• Experience across multiple stages of the project lifecycle, including design, integration, commissioning and/or preconstruction
• Experience reviewing technical specifications, design documentation and project scope

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of PLC, SCADA, BMS and EPMS systems, including platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider and Ignition
• Experience in control system design, software development, system integration and commissioning
• Strong understanding of control system architecture, instrumentation, control panels, equipment interfaces and OT networks
• Experience reviewing Basis of Design, specifications, drawings, equipment schedules and other bid/design documentation
• Ability to identify technical scope gaps, risks, assumptions, exclusions and opportunities during preconstruction
• Strong understanding of the relationship between technical scope, project cost, programme and commercial risk
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, control narratives, points lists and system architecture drawings
• Experience leading or supporting design reviews, IFC page-turns and technical submittal reviews
• Understanding of FAT, SAT and commissioning activities and the ability to translate lessons learned into design improvements
• Commitment to engineering quality, safety and accountability
• Strong technical review, problem-solving and decision-making capability

What You’ll Get

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonuses
• Pension plan
• Paid time off (PTO) and company holidays
• Relocation or living stipend (based on assignment)
• In-house and factory training + tuition reimbursement
• Casual, team-oriented culture with regular events, free lunches, and company swag

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected status.

Disclaimer

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.

Thermo Systems, LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

National Internship Program

Thermo Systems Interns are part of our most valuable asset: our employees. During your internship you will gain real-life experiences in a fast-paced, hands-on engineering environment.

Learn what the automation industry is all about

Be part of an exciting and growing team

Deliver solutions and services to clients such as NASA, Merck, Sam Adams, and universities coast to coast

Experience various aspects of work Thermo provides in engineering, development, and testing

Enhance your professional and technical skillsets

Thermo’s Veteran Commitment

Advancing Women in the Automation Industry

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