At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation projects in the Oil & Gas sector and ensure safe, compliant solutions.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a leading engineering firm with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive contract, opportunities for growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for hands-on engineers looking to shape the future of automation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in Oil & Gas, strong leadership, and automation expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
An experienced Principal Automation Engineer to lead and coordinate automation activities on a long-standing Master Service Agreement within the downstream Oil & Gas sector. Acting as the primary technical focal point for Clients, EPCs, OEMs, and vendors, this role ensures automation solutions are delivered safely, compliantly, and in line with technical, commercial, and schedule requirements while supporting successful system integration and plant operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform site surveys to identify suitable cutover strategies aligned with plant outages and manual operating modes.
- Lead the FEED process, including engineering work requests, deliverable structures, and testing and cutover strategies.
- Review and approve DCS and PLC proposals from vendors and system integrators.
- Review and approve EC&I and OEM detailed design documentation.
- Lead multi-disciplinary design review meetings with Clients, EPCs, and OEM subject matter experts.
- Develop Control Narratives from P&IDs, operating procedures, and/or reverse-engineered PLC or DCS configurations.
- Develop and approve FAT, SAT, and plant commissioning procedures.
- Coordinate and support site commissioning and start-up activities.
Requirements
- Minimum 10 years’ industry experience in Oil & Gas (downstream), process, utilities, or pharmaceutical industries.
- Proven engineering leadership in automation across FEED, detailed design, testing, and commissioning phases.
- Strong knowledge of electrical and control interfacing between automation systems and process plant equipment, including instrumentation, control valves, motor starters, and actuators.
- Sound understanding of hazardous area classifications and protection requirements (ATEX).
- Hands-on experience with PLC, SCADA, and/or DCS platforms and industrial communication protocols (e.g. Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
- Degree qualified in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Instrumentation, Automation, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent (preferred).
- Experience with sequential or batch automation design (preferred).
- Knowledge of EEMUA 191 Alarm Management and IEC 61508 / IEC 61511 Functional Safety standards (preferred).
The next step: We have an exceptional team in place, and we are pleased to be able to appoint a further person to our growing business. We are aware that you may not ‘tick all the boxes’, but if you believe you can genuinely offer some valuable skills and experience to our business, please in the first instance contact our recruitment partner Airswift.
Principal Automation Engineer in Grimsby employer: Airswift
As a Principal Automation Engineer at our Humber location, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to delivering innovative automation solutions in the Oil & Gas sector. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that prioritises safety and compliance while offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a commitment to employee well-being and a supportive environment, we ensure that your contributions are valued and recognised, making this an excellent place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Automation Engineer in Grimsby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and the role. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in automation within the Oil & Gas sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through practical examples. When discussing your past projects, highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. We love hearing about real-world applications!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Automation Engineer in Grimsby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Automation Engineer role. Highlight your experience in the Oil & Gas sector and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your engineering leadership and automation expertise that relate to the job description.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your hands-on experience with PLC, SCADA, and DCS platforms. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical knowledge and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Airswift
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to automation in the Oil & Gas sector. Be ready to discuss your experience with PLC, SCADA, and DCS platforms, as well as any relevant standards like EEMUA 191 and IEC 61508. This will show that you're not just familiar with the concepts but can also apply them practically.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to describe how you would handle specific situations, such as leading a FEED process or coordinating site commissioning activities. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated similar challenges, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Automation Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Be prepared to discuss how you've led multi-disciplinary design review meetings or coordinated with clients and vendors. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and manage teams to achieve project goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their current projects, challenges they face in automation, or how they ensure compliance with safety standards. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
