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- Tasks: Lead automation projects in the oil & gas sector and ensure successful system integration.
- Company: First Recruitment Group, dedicated to finding the right talent for exciting opportunities.
- Benefits: 12-month PAYE contract with paid site visit expenses and a focus on diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in automation while working with industry leaders and cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in automation engineering, particularly in oil & gas or related industries.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values your skills and promotes career growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Principal Automation Engineer in Stockport employer: First Technical Recruitment
Contact Detail:
First Technical Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Automation Engineer in Stockport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Tailor your answers to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in automation and engineering leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through practical examples. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you led automation efforts, focusing on challenges faced and how you overcame them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Automation Engineer in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Automation Engineer role. Highlight your experience in automation projects, especially in the oil & gas sector, and showcase your technical skills that match the job description.
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. Mention specific projects you've led or been involved in that relate to the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your proficiency in PLC/SCADA systems and any relevant certifications. This is crucial for the role, so make sure these skills stand out in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Technical Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around PLC/SCADA systems and electrical interfacing. Be ready to discuss your experience in automation projects, particularly in the oil & gas sector, as this will show you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Automation Engineer, you'll need to lead multidisciplinary design review meetings. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, highlighting your ability to coordinate with various stakeholders and ensure project delivery.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about hazardous area classifications and protection requirements. Brush up on standards like EEMUA 191 and IEC 61508/61511, as demonstrating your knowledge here can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key in this role. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to convey information effectively to clients and team members alike. This will show that you can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders.