Job Title:
Principal Automation Engineer
Duration:
12 months
Schedule:
Mon - Fri
Sponsorship Provided:
No
Contract type:
Inside IR35
Location:
Manchester, Hybrid basis (Occasional trips to Humber site, expenses covered)
This opportunity sits within a global EPC contractor supporting the energy transition, with a focus on consulting services across the full asset lifecycle and next-generation project delivery and execution services. The role offers the chance to lead automation activities within the downstream oil and gas sector, with responsibility for FEED, detailed design, system integration and commissioning support. This position is well suited to candidates with strong PLC, SCADA or DCS expertise and experience delivering automation solutions in complex process industry environments.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and be accountable for the delivery, execution and performance of automation projects including upgrades/migrations as well as new installations.
At any one time oversee a number of concurrent projects, such as:
Honeywell DCS and FSC to Safety Manager migration
PLC replacements (various manufacturers)
Site surveying to identify cutover methods suitable for the plant outages and manual operation modes available.
Determine new project requirements and develop comprehensive estimates (manhours & materials) with support from Automation & C&I engineers
Lead the FEED process (engineering work requests, deliverable structure, testing & cutover strategy).
Prioritise activities and projects based on business needs and resource availability
Review and approve DCS / PLC proposals with vendors and integrators
Review and approve EC&I and OEM detailed design documentation.
Lead multi-disciplinary design review meetings with Client, EPC and OEM subject matter experts.
Create and maintain project schedules and resource planning
Provide progress reporting to portfolio management
Develop Control Narratives from P&IDs, Operations procedures and/or reverse-engineering PLC / DCS configuration.
Develop FAT, SAT and plant commissioning procedures.
Coordinate site commissioning activities.
Required Experience:
Minimum 10 years industry experience in the oil & gas, process, utilities or pharmaceutical industries
Brownfield experience is essential
Strong knowledge of DCS systems and Functional Safety ’SIS’ implementations in project FEED, detailed design and commissioning phases
Experience with various PLC platforms and their integration
Knowledge of electrical interfacing between automation systems and process industry actuators: process instrumentation, control valves, hydraulic servo controls, motor starters etc.
Knowledge of hazardous area classifications and protection requirements (ATEX)
Knowledge of communications protocols (Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
Preferred Education & Certifications:
Degree qualified in Electrical & Electronic, Instrumentation, Automation, Chemical or equivalent
Experience in sequential (batch) automation design
Knowledge of fiscal metering and truck loading (terminals)
EEMUA 191 Alarm Management standard
IEC61508 / 61511 Functional Safety certified
Preferred Skills, Experience & Qualifications:
Client-focused approach to project delivery
Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Detail-oriented with strong organisational skills
Strong technical troubleshooting abilities
Ability to prioritise competing demands and projects
Proficient in technical writing and documentation
About Airswift:
Airswift is an international workforce solutions provider within the energy, technology, process and infrastructure industries. Airswift serves as a strategic partner to clients, offering a turnkey workforce solution to capture and deliver the top talent needed to complete successful projects by aligning with unique project needs. With over 1000 employees and 9,000 contractors operating in over 60 countries, Airswift's geographical reach and pool of talent available is unmatched in the industry.