ICA Engineer (Instrument, Control & Automation) in Belfast

We are seeking an Instrumentation, Control and Automation (ICA) Engineer to join our growing team in Belfast. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing, implementing and maintaining the facility's process control philosophy, instrumentation strategy, automation architecture and control system functionality. In addition to supporting the ongoing operation and optimisation of the Demonstration Plant, the role will play a fundamental part in the design and development of instrumentation, control and automation systems for our future commercial-scale plant.

Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering and operations teams, the ICA Engineer will contribute to the successful commissioning, operation and continuous improvement of the Demonstration Plant, while helping to ensure that the knowledge and experience gained are translated into robust, scalable and reliable systems for commercial deployment. An exceptional opportunity to join a pioneering organisation dedicated to recycling magnets and producing Rare Earth Oxides.

What you will do:

• Take responsibility for the design, specification, installation, commissioning, maintenance and optimisation of instrumentation, control and automation systems across our Demonstration Plant and future commercial facility, including PLCs, SCADA, sensors and associated control systems.
• Develop and maintain instrumentation strategies, process control philosophies and automation systems to improve process efficiency, reliability and performance.
• Manage and execute routine inspections, calibration and preventative maintenance, troubleshoot system faults and implement improvements to minimise downtime and ensure reliable plant operation.
• Support the commissioning of a Demonstration Plant control system revamp, including start-up and ongoing operation of the facility, working closely with chemists, engineers, process operators and maintenance teams to optimise control strategies and resolve technical issues.
• Own the control system for our commercial-scale facility, which the business is currently scoping with service partners, translating lessons learned from the Demonstration Plant into robust, reliable and scalable engineering solutions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, equipment suppliers and contractors to support system design, integration and project delivery.
• Ensure all ICA activities comply with relevant health, safety and environmental requirements, maintaining accurate technical and maintenance records.
• Provide technical support and guidance to operational staff and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Install, calibrate, and maintain instrumentation and control systems, including PLCs, SCADA systems and sensors; ensuring that all systems are available and functioning as designed.
• Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on ICA equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot and repair instrumentation and control system faults, minimising downtime.
• Assist in the design and implementation of automation projects to improve process efficiency.
• Ensure all ICA activities comply with relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, calibration data, and equipment performance.
• Provide technical support and training to operational staff on the use and maintenance of ICA systems.
• Collaborate with engineers and other technicians to optimise control strategies and improve system reliability.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance facility operation.

Commercial Plant:

• Early involvement to influence Commercial Plant engineering design (across all disciplines), ensuring that control philosophy is baked into plant design and equipment selection.
• Work with the Project team to identify, select and manage a preferred partner for the commercial plant control system.
• Identify and execute automation opportunities for the purposes of efficiency and quality.
• Review, and in some cases, complete documentation for control standards, P&IDs, loop diagrams, I/O schedules and MCCs.
• Ensure that all work completed meets industry standards as a minimum and define what those standards are where they do not already exist.
• Support with FAT process as well as on site commissioning and testing.
• Ultimately, ensure all responsibilities for the Demonstration Plant can be replicated on the commercial plant.

What you'll bring:

• Strong experience in PLC Programming and instrumentation.
• Time-served engineering apprenticeship/BTEC/ONC/HNC/NVQ3 in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, Control and Automation, or a related discipline.
• Typically, 2 to 5 years of post-qualification or post-apprenticeship industrial maintenance experience, ideally in process environments like water/wastewater.
• Ideally, trained to 18th Edition wiring regulations (or willing to attain).
• Good chemical awareness and a strong focus on health and safety.
• A self-motivated and resourceful approach to finding and fixing problems.
• A strong sense of accountability and the resilience to handle challenges.
• A great team player who communicates well and enjoys engaging with colleagues.
• A willingness to learn new skills and processes.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary.
• Enhanced annual leave.
• Clear growth opportunity as the business scales.