At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical automation projects in a live chemical plant environment.
- Company: A leading industrial automation and systems integration business.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a team that values safety, innovation, and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on automation in a dynamic and challenging environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in automation and controls within process manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
A leading industrial automation and systems integration business is supporting an upcoming automation project at a brownfield chemical manufacturing facility in Royston and is looking to appoint an experienced Technical Lead. The role will focus on the technical delivery of a complex automation scope within a live operating chemical plant environment. The successful contractor will provide hands-on technical leadership across control systems design, integration, testing, commissioning and site implementation. This role would suit a senior automation professional with proven experience delivering brownfield controls upgrades in chemical, batch manufacturing, pharmaceutical, speciality chemical, petrochemical, COMAH or other regulated process environments.
Role Purpose
The Technical Lead will be responsible for leading the technical automation scope across the project lifecycle, acting as the key interface between the systems integration team, end client, engineering disciplines, vendors, site operations and commissioning teams. The role requires someone who can combine strong technical controls knowledge with pragmatic brownfield delivery experience, ensuring the automation solution is safe, robust, compliant and practical for a live production site.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership
- Lead the technical automation and controls scope for a brownfield chemical plant upgrade project.
- Act as the main technical point of contact for automation, control systems and integration matters.
- Review and guide technical design decisions across PLC, SCADA/HMI, Batch, instrumentation interfaces and control architecture.
- Provide technical direction to automation engineers, software engineers, commissioning engineers and third-party suppliers.
- Ensure the proposed automation solution is suitable for a live operating plant environment.
- Challenge technical assumptions and identify practical delivery risks early.
- Project Delivery
- Support the delivery of automation engineering activities from design through to commissioning and handover.
- Contribute to project planning, engineering schedules, technical deliverables and milestone tracking.
- Coordinate automation interfaces with process, mechanical, electrical, EC&I and site operations teams.
- Support design reviews, technical workshops, progress meetings and client-facing discussions.
- Manage technical risks, issues and change requests throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensure project documentation is complete, accurate and aligned with client/site requirements.
- Automation & Control Systems Scope
- Depending on final project requirements, responsibilities may include oversight of: PLC control system design, modification and integration; SCADA/HMI configuration and operator interface development; Batch control, sequence control and recipe management; Instrumentation and field device integration; Industrial networks and communications; Existing system assessment and brownfield modification strategy; Control narratives, functional specifications and design documentation; FAT, SAT, commissioning, performance testing and handover; Historian, reporting or MES/data layer interfaces where applicable.
- Brownfield Site Integration
- Assess existing plant control systems, legacy equipment and operational constraints.
- Develop and support practical migration, cutover and commissioning strategies.
- Plan automation works around live plant operations and shutdown windows.
- Liaise closely with production, operations, maintenance and process engineering teams.
- Minimise disruption to site operations while maintaining technical and safety standards.
- Support site installation, commissioning and troubleshooting activities as required.
- Safety, Compliance & Quality
- Ensure automation engineering activities comply with relevant site standards, project specifications and industry good practice.
- Support functional safety considerations where applicable.
- Contribute to risk assessments, method statements and commissioning plans.
- Maintain strong change control and technical governance throughout delivery.
- Ensure all technical documentation is controlled, reviewed and handed over correctly.
- Promote safe working practices in a chemical manufacturing environment.
Candidate Profile
Essential Experience
- Strong background in automation, controls or systems integration within process manufacturing.
- Proven experience as a Technical Lead, Lead Automation Engineer, Lead Controls Engineer, Systems Lead or similar.
- Brownfield project experience within live operating plant environments.
- Experience in chemical, pharmaceutical, speciality chemical, petrochemical, food ingredients, utilities or other regulated process sectors.
- Strong knowledge of PLC, SCADA/HMI and industrial control system architecture.
- Ability to manage technical interfaces across multiple engineering disciplines.
- Experience supporting FAT, SAT, installation, commissioning and handover.
- Confident client-facing and site-facing communication skills.
- Strong documentation, planning and technical review capability.
Highly Desirable Experience
- Chemical batch automation experience.
- ISA-88 / batch control / recipe management knowledge.
- DCS or hybrid PLC/SCADA/DCS environments.
- COMAH or high-hazard site experience.
- Functional safety awareness, ideally IEC 61511 / SIL lifecycle exposure.
- Experience with Siemens, Rockwell, AVEVA/Wonderware, Ignition, Emerson, ABB, Honeywell or similar platforms.
- MES, historian, reporting or manufacturing intelligence integration.
- GAMP or validated systems experience, if applicable.
- Experience developing brownfield migration and cutover strategies.
Suitable Backgrounds
This role may suit candidates operating under titles such as: Contract Technical Lead, Automation Lead, Automation Engineer, Lead Controls Engineer, Control Systems Lead Engineer, Senior Automation Engineer, Senior Systems Engineer, Automation Project Lead, EC&I / Controls Lead, DCS / PLC Technical Lead, Batch Automation Lead, Systems Integration Lead.
Key Skills
- Automation technical leadership
- Brownfield controls upgrades
- PLC / SCADA / HMI
- Batch control / sequence control
- Chemical manufacturing
- Process plant integration
- FAT / SAT / commissioning
- Functional specifications
- Control narratives
- Industrial networks
- Site safety and change control
- Stakeholder management
- Shutdown / cutover planning
- Technical risk management
Personal Attributes
- Technically credible and hands-on when required.
- Comfortable leading engineers and coordinating third parties.
- Strong communicator with engineering, operations and client stakeholders.
- Pragmatic approach to brownfield constraints.
- Safety-conscious and detail-oriented.
- Able to operate independently as a senior contract lead.
- Delivery-focused with strong problem-solving capability.
- Comfortable working in a live chemical plant environment.
Technical Lead employer: Progressive Recruitment
As a leading employer in the field of flame and combustion systems, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety and innovation. Our Ellesmere Port location offers competitive market rates, along with opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive environment, making it an ideal place for skilled Technical Project Managers to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Lead
✨Get Involved in Automation Communities
Join online groups and forums where automation enthusiasts hang out, like certain subreddits or dedicated Facebook groups. Share your insights, ask questions, and connect with others in the field—it's a great way to find freelance opportunities and showcase your expertise.
✨Build a Standout Portfolio
Make sure you’ve got a killer portfolio that highlights your past automation projects. Whether you’ve developed control systems or automated industrial processes, displaying your work visually can help attract clients. Don’t forget to include testimonials from previous collaborations to boost your credibility!
✨Reach Out to Local Businesses
Many companies are on the lookout for freelancers with automation skills but don’t know where to find them. Visit local manufacturers or businesses that could benefit from optimising their systems, and pitch your services. A personal connection can make all the difference!
✨Explore Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye out for automation and control systems conferences or networking events happening nearby. Attend these gatherings to meet potential clients or collaborators face-to-face—plus, it’s a chance to keep up with industry trends that can inform your freelance projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Projects:When applying for a freelance role in automation control systems, it's all about showcasing your projects. Include detailed case studies or examples of past work in your portfolio that demonstrate your technical skills and innovative solutions, especially the ones that highlight your experience with control systems or automation processes relevant to Progressive Recruitment.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Get your certifications front and centre! Many clients in the automation and control systems field value industry-specific qualifications. Be sure to emphasise any relevant certificates you've earned that pertain to automation technologies or software; this can really help you stand out to Progressive Recruitment.
Include Your Rates and Availability:As a freelancer, transparency is key. In your application, clearly state your rates and your availability for projects. This allows Progressive Recruitment to assess if you’re a good fit for their budget and timelines without back-and-forth discussions.
Tailor Your CV Specifically to the Role:Your CV should be tailored for the automation control systems niche. Focus on sector-specific skills, such as familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and any relevant software. Make sure to adapt your experience to showcase how it aligns with the needs of Progressive Recruitment!
How to prepare for a job interview at Progressive Recruitment
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
Make sure you bring along a well-curated portfolio that highlights your past automation and control system projects. We want to showcase not just the final results but also the process, challenges, and solutions you implemented. This gives potential clients like Progressive Recruitment real insight into how you work and what you can deliver.
✨Get Ready for Technical Questions
In this field, you might be quizzed on specific automation tools and programming languages you’ve used. Brush up on common queries about PLCs, SCADA systems, or any relevant software like Siemens TIA Portal or Rockwell Automation. Being prepared to discuss these will certainly set you apart from other freelancers.
✨Understand Their Needs
Since you’ll be freelancing, it’s important to grasp what Progressive Recruitment actually requires beyond just the technical skills. Get a good grip on their current systems and any pain points they’re facing. Tailoring your proposal to show how you can resolve these issues will elevate your standing in the interview.
✨Be Transparent with Rates
Freelance roles are all about negotiation, so be upfront about your rates based on your experience and the value you bring. Be prepared to discuss not just your hourly rate but also project-based costs. We need to demonstrate flexibility while still ensuring you're fairly compensated for your expertise in automation-control systems.
