At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative ICA design projects and ensure quality and safety in engineering solutions.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a leader in solving critical global challenges.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values innovation, safety, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of cities and environments through cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer status or working towards it, with experience in the water sector.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Responsibilities
- Lead and shape complex ICA design and build packages.
- Embed quality, safety, constructability, sustainability and reliability throughout design, engineering construction, and commissioning phases.
- Be technical authority and reference point for ICA engineering issues, ensuring delivery of innovative and robust ICA solutions covering field instrumentation and measurement; PLC, SCADA, telemetry, and process control systems; control philosophies, FDS, and I/O strategies; ICA systems integration with mechanical, electrical, and process designs.
- Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams, including civil, mechanical, electrical, process, commissioning, and operations.
- Apply engineering governance, ensuring ICA deliverables and milestones meet required standards, specifications, and regulatory expectations.
- Mentor and support personal and professional development of colleagues and peers, fostering a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive culture focused on delivering technical excellence.
- Promote innovation and agility that adds value and exceeds expectations.
- Actively develop and maintain a culture of safety, well‑being, inclusion, and psychological safety.
Qualifications
- Chartered Engineer or working towards (CEng) status (e.g. IET or equivalent).
- A sound knowledge of the water sector regulations and safety protocols.
- Established career in Instrumentation, Control and Automation within the Water industry.
- Demonstrable track record of delivering ICA solutions throughout the detailed design and Design & Build phases.
- Comfortable making sound technical judgements.
- Proficient in applying robust ICA engineering knowledge to deliver innovative, compliant solutions from concept through commissioning.
- Ability to balance innovation with regulatory compliance.
- Have a supportive, collaborative, inclusive leadership style.
- Possess an established awareness of commercial and change management.
- Established experience of resilience and adaptability in complex ICA delivery environments.
Location: London, Reading, or Birmingham offices. As a disability‑confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
Principal Instrumentation Controls and Automation Engineer (ICA) in Reading employer: Jacobs
At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. Our London, Reading, and Birmingham offices offer a dynamic work environment where employees are encouraged to grow professionally through mentorship and diverse project opportunities in the water sector. With a strong commitment to safety, well-being, and personal development, we empower our team to tackle complex challenges while making a meaningful impact on communities and the environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Instrumentation Controls and Automation Engineer (ICA) in Reading
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Jacobs!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Principal Instrumentation Controls and Automation Engineer (ICA) position at Jacobs, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Jacobs is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Principal Instrumentation Controls and Automation Engineer (ICA) role at Jacobs!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Instrumentation Controls and Automation Engineer (ICA) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Jacobs and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Jacobs.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Jacobs, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
