Control Systems Engineer

Are you an experienced controls or automation professional who enjoys solving complex technical problems and wants to understand how an entire installation works?

As a Control Systems Engineer, you combine PLC programming, electrical engineering and troubleshooting to keep our operational energy installations running safely and reliably. You remotely diagnose and resolve control system issues, implement software and electrical modifications and regularly support our teams on site during troubleshooting, testing and commissioning.

You will support our operational installations primarily in the Netherlands, as well as our growing operations in Germany. This is a hands-on technical role for someone who enjoys finding the cause behind a malfunction and is comfortable working both remotely and directly on site.

What will you do?

As a Control Systems Engineer, you are an important technical point of contact for our operational installations. When a technical issue occurs, you analyse the problem, identify the root cause and work together with operators and technical colleagues to find the right solution.

Your responsibilities include:

• Providing technical support to our operational energy installations in the Netherlands and Germany, both remotely and on site;

• Diagnosing and resolving malfunctions in PLC software, control systems and electrical installations;

• Programming, modifying and optimising PLC software for existing installations;

• Analysing alarms, signals, interlocks, control sequences and process data to identify the root cause of technical issues;

• Carrying out and supporting electrical modifications to control panels and control systems;

• Supporting local operators and technical teams when complex technical issues occur;

• Testing software and control system modifications directly on the installation when required;

• Supporting the commissioning and start-up of new installations, as well as modifications and optimisation of existing installations;

• Working closely with colleagues from Operations, Service, Electrical, Mechanical and Process Engineering;

• Regularly visiting our operational sites when troubleshooting, testing or commissioning requires on-site support;

• Contributing to the safe, reliable and continuous operation of installations that run 24/7.

Your profile

You enjoy troubleshooting and want to understand what is really happening behind a technical malfunction. You are comfortable working with PLC software, but you also understand the electrical systems and equipment controlled by it.

You are able to approach a problem from different angles and determine whether the cause lies in the software, electrical system, instrumentation or elsewhere in the installation.

You bring:

• A technical background in industrial automation, electrical engineering, control engineering or a comparable field;

• Hands-on experience with PLC programming, modification and troubleshooting;

• Good knowledge of industrial automation and control systems;

• A solid understanding of electrical systems, control panels and industrial instrumentation;

• Experience diagnosing technical faults and identifying their root causes;

• Experience with commissioning and/or servicing industrial installations;

• Experience within an industrial, process, energy or comparable technical environment;

• The ability to work independently while collaborating closely with operators and technical specialists;

• Good communication skills and the ability to provide technical support both remotely and on site;

• A good command of Dutch and English;

• Willingness to regularly travel to our operational locations in the Netherlands and, when required, Germany.

Experience with Siemens PLC systems, SCADA/HMI, CHP installations, biomass, combustion systems, thermal energy, steam/boiler systems or other industrial process installations is a strong advantage.

What makes this role interesting?

This is not a role where you spend your entire day behind a desk programming new PLC software, nor is it a traditional Field Service Engineer position where you are continuously travelling.

You combine PLC programming, electrical engineering, commissioning and troubleshooting in one role.

Part of your work can be done remotely: analysing a malfunction, diagnosing PLC software or implementing a modification. At other times, you will go directly to an installation to test a software change, solve a complex technical issue or support commissioning.

Because our installations operate 24/7, technical issues do not always occur according to schedule. You therefore work in an environment where flexibility and the ability to respond to operational challenges are important.

About Host Group

HoSt Group is an international technology company focused on renewable energy. We develop, build, operate and maintain innovative installations for renewable gas, biomass, carbon capture and other sustainable energy technologies. With around 600 colleagues worldwide, we work together on technologies that contribute to the energy transition.

Our headquarters are located in Hengelo, the Netherlands. As a Control Service Engineer, you will combine working from the office and remotely with regular visits to our operational installations.

Within our Own-to-Operate activities, HoSt is responsible for the operation and performance of its own energy installations. You will work closely with local operators and technical teams to ensure that these installations continue to run safely, reliably and efficiently.

What We Offer

• Competitive employment conditions and a salary that reflects your experience and qualifications;

• Attractive annual profit-sharing scheme (paid in September), available after a minimum of 12 months of employment;

• Excellent pension scheme;

• Commuting allowance of €0.23 per kilometre;

• Annual holiday allowance of 8%;

• The option to work 32 or 40 hours per week;

• Flexible starting times between 7:00 and 9:00 AM;

• Extensive opportunities to work from home;

• The opportunity to work for a market leader in renewable energy with a strong focus on innovation, winner of the 2024 Oryx and Gazelle Awards;

• Be part of an international family-owned company where your ideas matter and successes are celebrated together;

• Join a team of both junior and experienced professionals;

• Work in our brand-new, sustainably designed headquarters in Hengelo, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities;

• A high degree of independence and responsibility;

• Plenty of opportunities for technical and professional development;

• Access to a bike leasing programme;

• Earn gift vouchers by cycling kilometres through our cycling rewards programme.

Apply Now

Applying for a job at HoSt is quick and straightforward!

Interested? Submit your CV and cover letter using the Apply button. Within 14 days, we’ll let you know whether you’ve been selected for a personal interview.

Would you like to learn more about the position before applying?