At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop advanced control systems for major energy projects.
- Company: Leading energy sector company focused on innovative infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, remote work flexibility, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact on the energy transition.
- Qualifications: Experience in control systems and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 68000 £ per year.
Sector: Energy / Infrastructure
Employment Type: Contract
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Location: Remote working with occasional travel to office locations including Manchester, London, Newcastle, Glasgow
Duration & Rate: ~6-month rolling contract, ~ Up to £65.00 per hour (Umbrella)
Overview: We are seeking an experienced Control & Instrumentation (C&I) Engineer with a strong systems engineering background to support major projects across the energy sector. This includes power generation, CCGT, utilities, oil & gas, and process industries. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in technically demanding environments and has hands-on experience delivering advanced control system solutions for large-scale energy assets. The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in control system architecture, control philosophy development, and control narrative preparation, alongside experience working with leading Distributed Control Systems (DCS).
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop Control Narratives, Control Philosophy documents, and Functional Logic Specifications for energy-sector automation systems
- Design robust control system network architectures, including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, and redundant industrial networks
- Lead or support system configuration, testing (FAT/SAT), commissioning, and operational optimisation activities
- Interface with OEMs, EPC contractors, and multidisciplinary engineering teams on system design, upgrades, migrations, and modernisation projects
- Develop and maintain system backup strategies and cybersecurity policies, ensuring compliance with relevant instrumentation and energy-sector standards
- Produce high-quality technical documentation, engineering reports, and change management records
Required Experience & Skills:
- Proven experience in C&I control systems within power plants, CCGT, utilities, oil & gas, or process industries
- Experience working with a major EPC contractor on complex FEED or detailed design projects
- Strong understanding of P&IDs, Cause & Effect diagrams, and industrial control strategies
- Hands-on knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP, and Ethernet/IP
- Experience with OPC UA for system integration and data exchange
- Familiarity with DCS, ESD, and F&G systems
- Understanding of IEC 62443 cybersecurity principles and their application in critical infrastructure
Desirable Experience:
- Experience with leading DCS platforms such as Emerson Ovation, Emerson DeltaV, or Siemens SPPA-T3000
- Previous involvement in large-scale infrastructure or energy transition programmes
Key Competencies:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- High attention to detail and commitment to engineering quality and safety
This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to complex, high-value energy projects supporting critical national infrastructure and the ongoing energy transition. The role offers a flexible working arrangement, exposure to leading-edge technologies, and involvement in major engineering programmes across the UK.
Control & Instrumentation Engineer (PLCs) employer: Mane Contract Services
Contact Detail:
Mane Contract Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Control & Instrumentation Engineer (PLCs)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the energy sector, especially those who work with control systems. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience with control system architecture and DCS. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, this will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team. A quick message expressing your enthusiasm can make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it flexible! Since this role involves remote work and travel, be open about your availability for meetings or site visits. Showing that you're adaptable can really boost your chances of landing the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Control & Instrumentation Engineer (PLCs)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in control systems and the energy sector. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Control & Instrumentation Engineer role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of our industry, so let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: When filling out your application, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with DCS and industrial communication protocols. We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate their technical prowess, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mane Contract Services
✨Know Your Control Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of control systems, especially those relevant to the energy sector. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with DCS platforms like Emerson Ovation or Siemens SPPA-T3000, and how you've applied your understanding of P&IDs and industrial communication protocols in past projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that dive deep into control philosophy development and functional logic specifications. Practise explaining your approach to designing robust control system network architectures and how you’ve tackled challenges in system configuration and testing.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
This role requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, so be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively communicated and managed stakeholders in previous projects. Highlight any experiences where you interfaced with OEMs or EPC contractors to demonstrate your teamwork abilities.
✨Understand Cybersecurity Principles
Given the importance of cybersecurity in critical infrastructure, make sure you can discuss IEC 62443 principles and how you've implemented cybersecurity policies in your past roles. This will show that you’re not just technically savvy but also aware of the broader implications of your work.