Principal Automation Engineer in Manchester

Principal Automation Engineer in Manchester

Manchester Temporary 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Airswift

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead automation activities in the oil and gas sector, ensuring project success.
  • Company: Join Airswift, a global leader in workforce solutions for energy and technology.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career advancement opportunities in a supportive team.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in energy transition while working with cutting-edge automation technologies.
  • Qualifications: Strong PLC, SCADA or DCS expertise and experience in complex process environments.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

  • Duration: 12 months
  • Schedule: Mon - Fri
  • Sponsorship Provided: No
  • 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 coordinate automation activities across a long-standing downstream project environment.
  • Act as a key focal point for stakeholders and vendors to support delivery of technical, safety, commercial and schedule requirements.
  • Carry out site surveys to identify cutover methods suitable for plant outages and available manual operating modes.
  • Lead FEED process engineering work requests, deliverable structures, testing strategy and cutover planning.
  • Review and approve DCS and PLC proposals from vendors and integrators.
  • Review and approve electrical, control and instrumentation and OEM detailed design documentation.
  • Lead multi-disciplinary design review meetings with subject matter experts.
  • Develop control narratives from P&IDs, operations procedures and reverse-engineered PLC or DCS configuration.
  • Develop FAT, SAT and plant commissioning procedures.
  • Support successful system integration and plant operations through effective technical leadership.
  • Required Experience
  • Experience in the oil and gas, process, utilities or pharmaceutical industries.
  • Demonstrated engineering leadership in automation projects across FEED, detailed design and commissioning phases.
  • Experience working with PLC, SCADA or DCS automation systems.
  • Required Skills
  • Knowledge of electrical interfacing between automation systems and process industry actuators, including process instrumentation, control valves, hydraulic servo controls and motor starters.
  • Knowledge of hazardous area classifications and protection requirements including ATEX.
  • Knowledge of PLC and SCADA platforms and communications protocols including Profibus, Modbus and Ethernet/IP.
  • Strong technical troubleshooting capability.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Strong organisational skills with a high level of attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Proficiency in technical writing and documentation.
  • Client-focused approach to project delivery.
  • Preferred Education & Certifications
  • Degree qualified in Electrical and Electronic, Instrumentation, Automation, Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
  • IEC61508 / 61511 Functional Safety certification.
  • Preferred Skills, Experience & Qualifications
  • Experience in sequential batch automation design.
  • Knowledge of fiscal metering and truck loading terminals.
  • Knowledge of the EEMUA 191 Alarm Management standard.
  • 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.
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Principal Automation Engineer in Manchester employer: Airswift

Join a forward-thinking company in the oil and gas sector, where as a Principal Structural Engineer in Aberdeen, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Enjoy competitive benefits, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to work on impactful projects that shape the industry. With a focus on safety and ethics, this role offers a meaningful career path in a vibrant location known for its engineering excellence.

Airswift

Contact Details:

Airswift Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Automation Engineer in Manchester

Join Industry Meetups

Get stuck into automation and control systems meetups in your area. Not only will you learn a ton, but it's a fantastic way to meet professionals who are already in the field. You never know who might know about temporary roles at companies like Airswift or elsewhere!

Use Niche Job Boards

While big job boards are fine, don’t overlook niche sites focused specifically on automation and control systems. Websites like ControlGlobal or Automation.com often post temporary roles that might not make it to mainstream sites. Keep an eye out there to snag a role that fits your skills!

Engage in Online Communities

Get involved in online forums and communities focused on automation and control systems. Platforms like Reddit or LinkedIn groups can be goldmines for job leads and insider tips. Plus, you'll be mingling with experts who can give you insights about companies like Airswift.

Flexible Availability is Key

Since you're looking at temporary work, make sure to highlight your flexibility and quick-start ability. In industries like automation, needs can pop up unexpectedly, so being ready to jump in can set you apart from others. Remember, we recommend applying directly through our website for the freshest updates!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Automation Engineer in Manchester

PLC expertise
SCADA knowledge
DCS expertise
FEED process engineering
System integration
Technical leadership
Electrical interfacing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in automation and control systems, make sure your CV showcases your specific technical skills. Include programming languages, control system software, and any relevant hardware experience. We've seen that hands-on experience with PLCs or SCADA systems can really make your application pop!

Tailor Your Portfolio:Since this is a temporary role, we recommend including a portfolio that highlights your past projects or any relevant troubleshooting experiences. Showcase your problem-solving skills in action—this could give you an edge in demonstrating your capability to adapt quickly to the team at Airswift.

Show Off Your Flexibility:Temporary positions often require quick learning and adaptability. In your cover letter, express your eagerness to jump in and contribute right from the get-go. Highlight any previous short-term roles where you adapted to new systems or teams swiftly; it's all about that 'can-do' attitude!

Don’t Forget to Highlight Certifications:In automation-control-systems, having certifications is a big deal! Be sure to list any relevant qualifications clearly on your CV—whether that's in PLC programming, industrial automation, or safety standards. This can really show that you’re not just experienced but also committed to your professional development.

How to prepare for a job interview at Airswift

Showcase Your Technical Know-How

In the automation control systems field, it's crucial to flaunt your technical skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific programming languages or tools like PLCs, SCADA systems, or HMI software. If you have hands-on projects, bring a portfolio that highlights your work; it'll speak volumes about your capabilities.

Expect Scenario-Based Questions

During your interview for this temporary role, be ready to tackle scenario-based questions. The interviewer might want to see how you would handle specific troubleshooting or design challenges in automation systems. Think of examples from your past experience where you had to solve a problem or implement a complex system.

Flexibility is Key

Given that this position is temporary, it’s vital to express your adaptability and enthusiasm for short-term projects. Be ready to discuss your willingness to learn quickly and pick up new technologies or processes. Emphasise how you've thrived in past temporary roles or internships and what you learnt from those experiences.

Demonstrate Your Understanding of Industry Standards

Ensure you're familiar with industry standards and regulations related to automation control systems. Talk about any relevant certifications you hold or ongoing education you've pursued. Showing that you’re knowledgeable about compliance and safety standards can give you an edge in the interview at Airswift.