C&I AUTOMATION ENGINEER
Location:
Manchester, UK (Hybrid with regular site visits to Humber Refinery)
Contract Duration:
November 2026 – October 2027
Contract Status:
Outside IR35
Start Date:
November 2026
Account Manager:
Anthony Hughes
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to support a major control system migration and upgrade study for an operational tank farm facility.
Working closely with operations, control systems specialists, and project stakeholders, you will assess ageing automation and tank gauging systems, develop migration strategies, and provide technical recommendations to support future FEED and execution phases. This role requires strong automation, brownfield, and owner/operator experience, with regular engagement across site personnel and operational teams.
Responsibilities
Interface with Operations teams and Control Systems specialists to capture stakeholder requirements
Review existing and future I/O requirements across the facility
Conduct loop-by-loop assessments with Operations teams to validate functionality, challenge legacy requirements, and identify optimisation opportunities
Develop migration and control system upgrade strategies for ageing automation systems
Assess control system architecture options, including migration and re-architecture approaches
Support development of cutover and transition strategies, minimising operational disruption wherever possible
Review site infrastructure requirements, including control room and equipment house capacity
Evaluate brownfield constructability, operability, and project execution challenges
Ensure alignment of proposed solutions with planned refinery and terminal shutdown schedules
Perform risk assessments and support economic benefit evaluations
Document engineering studies, technical decisions, risks, and recommendations
Prepare final reports and presentations suitable for future project funding and approval stages
Provide regular progress updates to project management and client stakeholders
Requirements
Degree-qualified in Automation, Control Systems, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience
Extensive experience in Automation Engineering within refining, petrochemical, oil & gas, terminal, or process industries
Proven experience delivering control system migration, upgrade, or modernisation studies
Strong understanding of DCS, PLC, SCADA, and industrial control systems
Experience working within both engineering project environments and owner/operator organisations
Knowledge of brownfield project execution, system cutovers, and operational continuity planning
Experience performing technical studies, option selection, risk assessments, and engineering evaluations
Strong stakeholder engagement and workshop facilitation skills
Experience preparing technical reports, business cases, and funding gate documentation
Previous OEM automation systems experience is advantageous
Ability to work independently and manage technical workstreams with minimal supervision
The Next Step
This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in a major control system modernisation project, helping define the strategy for future execution phases. If you have extensive automation and control systems experience within operational process industries and enjoy leading complex technical studies, please apply or contact the recruitment partner for further information.