Careers

Do you want to be part of a long-standing team, who are experts in their field, where no two days are the same and where possibilities to develop new skills and experiences are around every corner?  PDS is passionate about creating a friendly, open and inclusive working environment where individuals are supported to excel in their area of expertise.  We are continually seeking out new ways to improve our business and are firm believers that everyone should enjoy what they do.      

What we do… We are a technically driven business with over 30 years of expertise; engineering and supporting high integrity control systems where failure simply isn’t an option.  These can range from small upgrades through to fully integrated turnkey solutions, covering all aspects of technology from control room to field devices. We supply the latest technology to various locations throughout the UK and Europe with our prestigious clients predominantly being within Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), Highways, Airports and Power sectors.

If you are a keen problem solver with excellent communication skills, looking for a challenging yet rewarding career in engineering, look no further.  We have an opportunity for an enthusiastic and ambitious individuals to join us on our mission to seamlessly deliver end-to-end control systems. 

Graduate Systems Engineers

What we need from you…

A team player with excellent technical aptitude who has the desire to succeed.  You will train as a Systems Engineer within the control system industry and be trained on the following skills:

• Program a variety of PLCs using Ladder Logic, Function block or Statement List methods.
• Ability to program and configure SCADA software packages.
• Write code in programming languages ranging from C, SQL and VB scripting.
• Understanding of design and configuration of IP networks.
• Competent at design and testing of ELV electrical panels.
• Ability to configure CCTV, PA and telephone systems over an IP network.
• Professionalism to perform FAT and site commissioning under formal client witnessed conditions.
• Work collaboratively and proactively with our clients.
• Degree/HND in control, electrical, electronic or software engineering.

Systems Engineers

What we need from you…

A team player with excellent technical aptitude who has the desire to succeed.  You will work as a Systems Engineer within the control system industry having some of the following skills; we do not expect you to have experience in all these areas and for the right candidate on the job training and mentoring will be provided to fill any skills gaps you may have.  

• Working as part of a team who are responsible for the design, implementation and testing of control/integrated digital systems including traffic detection and management, ventilation and pump control, life safety systems, incident management and many more.
• Ability to program a variety of PLCs using Ladder Logic, Function block or Statement List methods.
• Ability to program and configure SCADA software packages and User Interface mimic design.
• Have a high-level of competency in programming languages ranging from C, C++, C#, SQL, VB and VBA.
• Understanding of design and configuration of IP networks.
• Competent at design and testing of ELV electrical panels.
• Ability to configure CCTV, PA and telephone systems over an IP network.
• Professionalism to perform FAT and site commissioning under formal client witnessed conditions.
• Work collaboratively and proactively with our clients.
• Degree/HND in control, electrical, electronic or software engineering.
• Have 2 years’ experience in delivering control/integrated systems using some of the desired skills listed above.

Senior Systems Engineer

 What we need from you… 

A team player with excellent technical aptitude who has the desire to succeed.  You will work as a Systems Engineer within the control system industry having some of the following skills; we do not expect you to have experience in all these areas and for the right candidate on the job training and mentoring will be provided to fill any skills gaps you may have.

• Have technical responsibility for projects including design, development, and testing of control/integrated systems digital systems including traffic detection and management, ventilation and pump control, life safety systems, incident management and many more.
• Responsible for the day-to-day co-ordination and technical management of Project Engineers and working as part of a team to achieve project delivery.
• Ability to program a variety of PLCs using Ladder Logic, Function block or Statement List methods.
• Ability to program and configure SCADA software packages and User Interface mimic design.
• Have a high-level competency in programming languages ranging from C, C++, C#, SQL, VB and VBA.
• Understanding of design and configuration of IP networks.
• Competent at design and testing of ELV electrical panels.
• Ability to configure CCTV, PA and telephone systems over an IP network.
• Professionalism to perform FAT and site commissioning under formal client witnessed conditions.
• Work collaboratively and proactively with our clients.
• Degree/HND in control, electrical, electronic or software engineering.
• Have 5 years’ experience in delivering control/integrated systems using some of the desired skills listed above.

   

Commissioning Engineers

What we need from you…

A team player with a resourceful and tenacious drive to complete tasks and tests efficiently and thoroughly.  You will work as a Commissioning Engineer within the control system industry having some of the following skills; we do not expect you to have experience in all these areas and for the right candidate on the job training and mentoring will be provided to fill any skills gaps you may have.    

• Checking installation of equipment (by others) is to correct standard prior to starting testing. Including: verifying installation against the installation drawing and marking up any differences; checking termination of plant equipment cables into outstation meets standards in Code of Practice; creating an installation snag list.
• Performing testing of system according to Installation and Commissioning Test (ICT) document.
• PLC data input tests including verification of: operation of I/O to and from plant and field devices using hardwired 24v VFCs into PLC; data to and from PLC connected to plant and field devices using a serial interface; data to and from PLC connected to networked devices. i.e. ethernet, modbus, etc; PLC functional control and monitoring of plant and field devices. E.g. fan control with fail-to-run monitoring.
• Field device set-up and tests including: configuration and set-up of sensors; verification of operation. E.g. Sensors, CCTV cameras, PA speakers, etc.
• Issue tracking and correction: Record any test failures in the Issue Tracker software; fault find and correct any simple PLC code (signal inversion, pulse stretching, etc.) or wiring issues; fault find and correct any simple functional PLC code or interface issues; fault find and correct any simple SCADA issues e.g. alarm text, tag mapping, etc.
• Perform client SAT according to SAT documents, including: Record any test failures in the Issue Tracker software; Fault find and correct any simple PLC code (signal inversion, pulse stretching, etc.) or wiring issues; fault find and correct any simple functional PLC code or interface issues; fault find and correct any simple SCADA issues e.g. alarm text, tag mapping, etc.
• Perform client SAT according to SAT documents, including: system wide operational control tests for each system; testing integrated system functionality; site-wide failure scenarios such as major power loss and recovery.
• Qualified to HND level or above in electrical or control engineering.
• Have at least 2 years relevant work experience in testing of electrical control systems.
• Have a full UK driving licence
• Have no criminal convictions due to security clearances required by airport authorities.
• This is a field-based role covering the UK and (occasionally Europe) and is ideally suited for someone based in the Midlands or the South with a flexible approach to travelling and working away from home.

Junior Commissioning Engineers

What we need from you…

A team player with a resourceful and tenacious drive to complete tasks and tests efficiently and thoroughly.  You will work as a Junior Commissioning Engineer within the control system industry having some of the following skills; we do not expect you to have experience in all these areas and for the right candidate on the job training and mentoring will be provided to fill any skills gaps you may have. You will work as part of the project team with support from the development engineers during the commissioning stages.

• Checking installation of equipment (by others) is to correct standard prior to starting testing. Including: verifying installation against the installation drawing and marking up any differences; checking termination of cables; creating an installation snag list; checking correct ID’s and labels are used; correcting any errors with install prior to testing.
• Performing testing of system according to Installation and Commissioning Test document.
• PLC data input tests including verification of: operation of 24v I/O to and from plant and field devices into PLCs; data to and from PLC connected to plant and field devices using a serial interface; data to and from PLC connected to networked devices. i.e. ethernet, modbus, etc; PLC functional control and monitoring of plant and field devices.
• Issue tracking and correction: Record any test failures in our Issue Tracker software; fault find and correct any simple PLC code (signal inversion, pulse stretching, etc.) or wiring issues.
• Perform client testing according to test documents, including: Repeating some functional commissioning tests; Testing integrated system functionality; Failure scenarios; Attend site progress meetings, toolbox talks etc; Provide professional representation of the business especially during client facing test conditions.
• Produce documentation such as: RAM’s; test documentation; weekly progress reports; record all issues through issue tracker software.
• Qualified to HND level or above in electrical or control engineering.
• Have some proven work experience and be familiar with electrical infrastructure and electrical principals.
• Have a full UK driving licence
• Have no criminal convictions due to security clearances required by airport authorities.
• This is a field-based role covering the UK and (occasionally Europe) and is ideally suited for someone based in the Midlands or the South with a flexible approach to travelling and working away from home.

Quantity Surveyor  

What we need from you…

You will report to the Financial Controller and work across all projects within PDS.  You will possess excellent attention to detail and be familiar with the infrastructure industry, having a sound working knowledge of construction and contract law as well as various forms of Conditions of Contract.  The role will require strong supplier and client management skills and the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines where flexibility and adaptability are key. 

We require you to have excellent IT competency (Word and Excel mandatory) and be qualified to at least HND level with around 5 years of proven working experience.  

What the job entails…

• Attend commercial client meetings as required.
• Attend internal project progress meetings as required
• Client contract management
  • Review and negotiate terms of new client contracts (including reviews during tender stage)
  • Work under the terms and processes of our client contracts. Mainly the NEC 3/4 suite of contracts (i.e. Options A, B, C & E) but also sometimes other general contracts (e.g. Client specific, IChemE – Yellow book, etc.)
    • Commercially protect PDS from onerous terms or claims
    • Identify commercial opportunities
  • Raise Early Warning Notices (EWN) and Compensation Events (NCE)
    • Derive cost implications and justifications
    • Compile supporting evidence for costs. (Timesheets, supplier invoices, etc)
    • Compile quotes.
    • Agree favourable outcomes with Client.
    • Acquiring client instructions for variations and additional work.
  • Create Payment applications
    • Create and manage Activity Schedules including updates.
    • Target Cost (Actual Work Complete, Actual Work at Completion, etc.)
    • Manage payment certificates and agree favourable outcomes with Client as required.
  • Provide commercial reports as required
• Supply-chain contract management
  • Manage the subcontract tender process
  • Create and agree sub-contracts
  • Manage EWNs & NCEs
  • Certify Payment Application 

Installation and Commissioning Technician 

What we need from you…

A team player with excellent technical aptitude who has the desire to succeed.  You will be trained as an Installation and Commissioning Technician within the control system industry; working with a mentor to develop the following skills:

• Panel assembly: building electrical and control system panels
• Working with the project team to perform initial testing of system functionality in a test environment in the office. Including electrical circuits and equipment operation.
• Setting up system equipment with configuration settings.
• Working with the project team to perform basic system tests in the office. Including electrical circuits and equipment operation.
• Equipment installation on sites around the UK for control system panels and devices including fixing, electrical wiring and termination of signal wiring within the system equipment.
• Working with the project team to perform initial system and field device testing on site during the commissioning stage of a project.
• Performing basic fault finding of signal wiring including any rectification work as necessary.
• Installation inspection of system equipment either in the office or on site.
• PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) of office IT equipment.
• Production and modifications of CAD drawings for equipment designs as produced by the design engineer.

Requirements

• BTEC Level 3 or HNC in a relevant Electrical engineering subject.
• Willing to travel throughout the UK, working days and nights.
• Full UK driving licence and valid passport required.
• Have no criminal convictions due to security clearances required by airport authorities.

Graduate System Support Engineer

What we need from you…  

You are a team player looking to train as a System Support Engineer using some of the following skills; we do not expect you to have experience in all these areas and for the right candidate on the job training and mentoring will be provided to fill any skills gaps you may have.  You will work within the system support department who are responsible for preventative maintenance, design and modifications of existing SCADA, PLC and associated sub-systems as well as providing 24-hour emergency call out nationwide.  

• Ability to problem solve and diagnose issues as and when they arise.
• Committed to providing excellent customer service.
• Ability to program a variety of PLCs using Ladder Logic, Function block or Statement List methods.
• Ability to program and configure SCADA software packages.
• Have a high-level competency in programming languages ranging from C, C++, C#, VB and VBA.
• Understanding of design and configuration of IP networks.
• Competent at design and testing of ELV electrical panels.
• Ability to configure CCTV, PA and telephone systems over an IP network.
• Willing to travel throughout the UK, working nights on a regular basis.
• Have a full UK driving licence and valid passport.
• Have no criminal convictions due to security clearances required by airport authorities.
• Degree/HND in control, electrical, electronic or software engineering. 

Why work for us

 There is plenty of room for growth and progression at PDS, this is proven by the fact that most of our management team began theirs careers with us as students.

 In addition to a generous salary, you can expect to receive some other great benefits too.

• 33 floating holidays to take when you like with your entitlement increasing by an additional 2 days every 5 years.
• Paid overtime.
• Company performance related bonus.
• Wellbeing benefit – a monthly instalment made in addition to your salary to contribute towards anything that makes you happy.
• Pension scheme.
• Anniversary celebrations it is important to us that we celebrate the commitment and value people have brought to our business over the years.
• Social events – If there is one thing about PDS, it is that we love to get social, so this is a big part of our culture.
• Hybrid working – If the pandemic taught us anything it’s that we don’t need to be in the office 5 days a week, every week, helping towards a not only a positive work life balance but a healthier planet.
• Flexible working giving you the ability to finish at 1pm on Fridays.

We pride ourselves on being a great place to work but don’t just take our word for it, here’s what Graduate Engineer Sean has to say. 

“Everyone at PDS is beyond friendly!  I enjoy the diversity of my work whether that be travelling to different locations or having the opportunity to gain experience on a multitude of equipment of varying ages, providing me with some great exposure.  I particularly value the diversity of our engineers as each person has their own skillset and expertise. And in the short time I have been with PDS I have met a lot of different people who have all entered into their engineering career from different routes; everyone shares their knowledge and experience with each other, and this has provided me with the foundations required to find my feet as a Graduate Engineer.”

Nothing to suit your skills?

If there is nothing listed above, we are always on the lookout for people who can add value to our business.

Please send your CV & covering letter to: personnel@pdslimited.co.uk