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Principal Automation Engineer
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Job Opportunity – Principal Automation Engineer – 12 Month Ongoing PAYE Contract – Manchester or Humber
Job Title: Principal Automation Engineer
Location: Manchester or Humber
Contract: 12 Months ongoing PAYE
Site Requirements: Regular Site visits (expenses paid for)
Position Overview
An experienced Automation Engineer is required to lead and coordinate automation activities on a long-standing Master Service Agreement within the downstream oil & gas sector. Acting as the key focal point for stakeholders and vendors, you will ensure all technical, safety, commercial, and schedule requirements are achieved, supporting successful system integration and plant operations.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering & Design
- Conduct site surveys to identify suitable cutover strategies aligned with plant outages and manual operating modes
- Lead FEED activities, including engineering work requests, deliverable structures, testing, and cutover strategy development
- Review and approve DCS / PLC proposals from vendors and system integrators
- Review and approve EC&I and OEM detailed design documentation
Coordination & Reviews
- Lead multidisciplinary design review meetings with Client, EPC, and OEM stakeholders
- Develop control narratives from P&IDs, operational procedures, or reverse engineering of existing PLC/DCS systems
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Testing & Commissioning
- Develop FAT, SAT, and commissioning procedures
- Coordinate on-site commissioning activities, ensuring safe and efficient system integration and start-up
Experience & Minimum Requirements
- Experience within oil & gas, process, utilities, or pharmaceutical industries
- Demonstrated engineering leadership in automation projects across FEED, detailed design, and commissioning phases
- Strong knowledge of electrical interfacing between automation systems and process equipment (instrumentation, control valves, hydraulic servo controls, motor starters, etc.)
- Understanding of hazardous area classifications and protection requirements (ATEX)
- Proficiency in PLC / SCADA systems and communication protocols (e.g. Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP)
Preferred Requirements
- Degree qualified in Electrical & Electronic, Instrumentation, Automation, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent
- Experience in sequential (batch) automation design
- Knowledge of fiscal metering and truck loading systems (terminals)
- Familiarity with EEMUA 191 Alarm Management standards
- Knowledge or certification in IEC 61508 / IEC 61511 Functional Safety
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Skills & Attributes
- Strong client-focused approach to project delivery
- Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and within teams
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- High attention to detail with strong organisational capability
- Strong technical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Proficient in technical writing and documentation
Company Information
At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for an Automation Engineer looking for new employment.
As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.
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