At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and validate cutting-edge control and instrumentation systems in the energy sector.
- Company: Join ALTEN, a global leader in engineering and technology consultancy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with diverse projects and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience, with hands-on I&C system knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 75000 £ per year.
ALTEN UK is seeking a motivated Control & Instrumentation Engineer (C&I) to join our growing team in Manchester, supporting key projects within the Energy sector. This is an exciting opportunity for engineers looking to develop deep technical expertise across the full lifecycle of control and instrumentation systems.
In this role, you will support the design, modification, validation, commissioning, and maintenance of I&C systems, ensuring robust technical solutions that meet industry, safety, and regulatory expectations. Working closely with engineering and project teams, you will contribute to safe, reliable, and high‑performing operational technology environments.
Location: Derby/ Warrington/ Manchester (Can be any one site)
Clearance: BPSS
Experience Level: 3-15 YOE
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, specify, and validate Instrumentation and Control (I&C) systems in accordance with UK nuclear and safety standards.
- Review and produce technical documentation, including Functional Design Specifications (FDS), Loop Diagrams, and Cause & Effect Matrices.
- Support system integration, commissioning, and site acceptance testing (SAT/FAT) of control systems.
- Liaise with multidisciplinary teams — electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers — to coordinate plant operations.
- Ensure compliance with IEC 61508, BS EN 61513, and ONR safety class requirements.
- Participate in hazard analysis (HAZOP, FMEA) and provide technical support during installation and commissioning.
- Provide technical support across the entire I&C system lifecycle, including design, modification, validation, commissioning, and maintenance.
- Ensure OT security, regulatory compliance, and adherence to industrial safety principles.
- Collaborate closely with engineering teams to deliver trusted, high-quality technical solutions.
- Support continuous improvement and contribute to technical decision‑making processes.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in I&C system design, specification, and validation.
- Hands‑on experience with PLC and DCS systems (e.g. Siemens, Schneider, Emerson, or ABB).
- Knowledge of instrumentation selection and calibration (pressure, temperature, flow, level).
- Experience preparing/reviewing FDS, Loop Diagrams, and Cause & Effect Matrices.
- Familiarity with system integration, commissioning, and site acceptance testing (SAT/FAT).
- Understanding of Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) and control philosophy.
- Background in nuclear, energy, defence, oil & gas, or other safety‑critical industries.
Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
- Electrical Engineering experience.
- Experience working on control systems.
- Knowledge of large infrastructure projects and their safety requirements.
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech‑driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies. At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals. Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
A personalised career path and a rewarding management style.
A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries.
Private Medical Insurance.
Employee assistance programme.
Life insurance & Pension Scheme.
Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings.
Flexible way of working (role dependent).
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.
ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.
Control & Instrumentation Engineer (C&I) - Energy in Manchester employer: ALTEN
ALTEN is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, empowering engineers to innovate and tackle complex challenges in the Energy sector. With a strong focus on employee growth through tailored career development, ongoing learning, and diverse project opportunities, ALTEN offers a supportive environment where your contributions truly matter. Located in the vibrant North West UK, employees enjoy a flexible working approach, comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, and a commitment to diversity, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Control & Instrumentation Engineer (C&I) - Energy in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at ALTEN or in the energy sector on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with I&C systems, PLCs, and DCS. Show us you know your stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! Communication and teamwork are key in engineering roles. Share examples of how you've collaborated with multidisciplinary teams in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at ALTEN.
We think you need these skills to ace Control & Instrumentation Engineer (C&I) - Energy in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Control & Instrumentation Engineer role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in I&C system design and validation, and don’t forget to mention any hands-on work with PLC and DCS systems!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the energy sector and how your skills align with our mission at ALTEN. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills and experience with safety standards like IEC 61508. Mention specific projects where you’ve contributed to system integration or commissioning.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our innovative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN
✨Know Your I&C Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Instrumentation and Control systems. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with PLC and DCS systems, as well as your familiarity with safety standards like IEC 61508. This will show that you're not just a theoretical engineer but someone who can apply their knowledge practically.
✨Prepare Technical Documentation Examples
Have examples of your previous work ready, especially Functional Design Specifications (FDS), Loop Diagrams, and Cause & Effect Matrices. Being able to discuss these documents in detail will demonstrate your technical expertise and understanding of the documentation process, which is crucial for this role.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be liaising with multidisciplinary teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers in the past. Highlighting your ability to work well in a team will show that you can contribute positively to ALTEN's collaborative environment.
✨Understand Safety and Compliance
Familiarise yourself with the safety integrity levels (SIL) and control philosophy relevant to the energy sector. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance with safety regulations in your previous roles. This will reassure the interviewers that you take safety seriously and understand its importance in engineering projects.