About this role
ALTEN UK is seeking a motivated Control & Instrumentation (C&I) - Design Engineer to join our growing team in Derby | Manchester | Warrington, supporting key projects within the Energy sector. This is an exciting opportunity for engineers looking to develop deep technical expertise across the full lifecycle of control and instrumentation systems.
As a Control & Instrumentation (C&I) Engineer, you will join our team to support the delivery of complex projects within the nuclear and safety-critical industries.
This role focuses on the detailed design and specification of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, automation platforms, and primary plant control and monitoring interfaces. You will be responsible for transforming high-level safety, functional, and operational requirements into robust engineering designs suitable for implementation by software and hardware vendors.
Working closely with systems engineers, safety specialists, human factors teams, cybersecurity experts, and platform suppliers, you will play a key role in ensuring that solutions meet stringent safety, reliability, performance, and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
Analyse and decompose requirements from:Safety Requirement Specifications (SRS)Functional Requirement Specifications (FRS)HMI design requirementsAlarm management philosophiesHardware, software, and network architecturesDevelop detailed requirements for:Data acquisition and processingControl logic and automated sequencingCommunication interfaces and data routingDiagnostics, health monitoring, and redundancy functionsMaintain end-to-end traceability between system requirements, detailed designs, and vendor deliverablesVerify requirements for completeness, consistency, and compliance with applicable standardsSCADA & Control System DesignProduce detailed design documentation including:Functional block diagramsLogical architecturesSignal routing and data flow specificationsI/O allocation schedulesCommunication and networking requirementsAlarm definitions and prioritisation schemesHMI display logic and data mappingDefine system operating modes, fail-safe behaviours, redundancy concepts, and recovery strategiesDevelop high-quality engineering design packages for software and hardware development teamsProduce technical specifications enabling vendors to:Develop application softwareConfigure control system hardwareDesign compliant communication networksReview vendor technical submissions, design documentation, and engineering solutionsParticipate in technical reviews, hazard assessments, and design verification activities Support integration activities and ensure alignment between system architecture and operational requirementsProvide technical expertise throughout the design lifecycleSupport development of verification and validation strategiesContribute to Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), integration testing, and system validation activitiesEnsure compliance with:Nuclear industry standardsFunctional safety requirementsCybersecurity requirementsInternal engineering governance processes Required Skills:
Strong experience in Control & Instrumentation systems design, ideally within nuclear, energy, or other safety-critical industries (e.g. oil & gas)Experience in functional specification and system-level designSolid understanding of control systems and control theoryKnowledge of system lifecycle activities including V&V, commissioning, and maintenanceFamiliarity with industry standards such as IEC 61508, IEC 61513, IEC 61226 (or equivalent)Experience applying systems engineering methodologiesExperience with requirements management tools (e.g. IBM DOORS, Polarion)Understanding of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (Capella preferred)Strong problem-solving skills with a structured, logical approachRequired Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.Experience working with Control SystemsElectrical Engineering experienceDesirable Skills:
Experience working on large infrastructure projects with high level safety requirements. Why join us?
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.
At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.
Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short you get:
A personalised career path and a rewarding management style A huge diversity of engineering projects and industriesPrivate Medical InsuranceCycle & Tech Scheme Employee assistance programmeLife insurance & Pension SchemeSocial atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildingsFlexible way of working (role dependent)We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.
ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.