At a Glance
- Tasks: Support C&I engineering tasks across OPA facilities in Scotland and beyond.
- Company: Join the Oil & Pipelines Agency, a key player in UK Defence energy management.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, life assurance, pension scheme, and healthcare benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in energy resilience while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree or HNC in Electrical/Instrumentation Engineering with project management experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
The role: Due to continued investment in our Infrastructure, OPA are now looking to recruit a C&I Field Engineer to support all OPA facilities in Scotland, predominantly Loch Ewe, Loch Striven, Campbeltown, and Garelochhead, although cover may be required for the north of England. Therefore the successful candidate will need to be based in Scotland.
Responsible for a range of C&I engineering tasks within the OPA Asset Maintenance Team and/or engineering works associated with projects. The role entails being the technical expert in areas of instrumentation, control systems, functional safety and DSEAR, assisting and providing first line maintenance of the Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG), Basic Process Control Systems (BPCS) and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), management of OEM service providers, development of scopes of work and oversight of contract engineers or consultant companies delivering C&I engineering activities on behalf of OPA.
The role requires strong, credible working relationships with internal stakeholders, particularly HSEQ and other Engineering colleagues, as well as external stakeholders such as O&M Contractors, the HSE, EA/SEPA and MOD Sponsors. There is significant travel involved, and therefore a full (preferably clean) driving licence is essential for this role.
Responsibilities:
- Work with OPA management systems, procedures, and workflows.
- Provide technical expertise in Instrumentation, Control Systems, Functional Safety and DSEAR.
- Provide technical guidance and support to operations and maintenance teams.
- Oversee and manage all aspects of C&I projects during installation and commissioning through to handover.
- Provide ad-hoc assistance to the Electrical Authorised Person as required.
- Support the C&I Technical Authority by providing leadership and guidance on C&I matters for operations, maintenance, and Projects.
- Plan and manage own workload for C&I tasks in line with company standards and relevant UK/European legislation.
- Develop C&I scopes of work for Projects and Asset improvements.
- Contribute to the development of budgets and forecasts.
- Liaise with colleagues within the Asset Maintenance Team on standards and codes.
- Identify and select suppliers in line with relevant legislation and Agency procedures.
- Contribute to project programme development including detailed schedules and Gantt charts.
- Maintain a working knowledge of COMAH, Management of Change (MoC), and CDM regulations.
- Manage documentation, data, and records within document management systems.
- Apply the MoC process for small asset care tasks and projects.
- Undertake ad hoc projects and tasks as approved by the line manager.
The candidate: Ideally, you’ll be qualified to degree level, or HNC with equivalent experience in Electrical, Instrumentation and/or Control Engineering discipline, with project management experience preferably within a regulated industry, and a working knowledge of COMAH, MOC, and CDM regulations, with previous experience of working within a MAH environment. Previous experience of managing multiple site works is also a requirement for the successful candidate. Candidates will need to be based in Scotland.
Knowledge/Skills:
- Experience of Control and Instrumentation engineering installation, commissioning, and maintenance in a hazardous area & process plant environment.
- Excellent knowledge underpinned with experience in process control programming languages such as PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) or DCS (Distributed Control Systems).
- Knowledge of Automatic tank gauging systems or similar is preferred.
- Qualified and experienced / deemed competent to work on and maintain field instrumentation.
- Experience in Functional Safety and the Safety Lifecycle.
- Experience of operating and maintenance of LV distribution systems.
- Knowledge of legislation relating to ATEX, BS 7671, BS EN 61511, BS EN 61131, PSLG, COMAH and CDM.
- Able to demonstrate management/people relationship skills, in particular management of contractors.
- Ability to develop new ideas and solutions with an awareness of current and emerging technologies.
- Solid understanding of good project principles; able to act as an “intelligent client.”
- Able to demonstrate a proven track record of resolving issues over a wide range of time frames utilising short term problem solving activities through to longer term strategic development.
- Excellent communication skills.
We will be reviewing applications as they are received, and reserve the right to close this advert early if a suitable candidate is appointed. We therefore strongly encourage early applications to avoid any disappointment.
Stage 1 Interviews: 29 June 2026 (By Teams)
Stage 2 Interviews: 16 July 2026 (Face to face, Location Tbc)
The Organisation: The Oil & Pipelines Agency is a Public Corporation formed by the Oil and Pipelines Act 1985. Our current primary purpose is to manage, operate and maintain 6 Naval OFD’s (Oil Fuel Depots) and 1 Petroleum Storage Depot in the UK, as well as overseas, on behalf of the MOD. We currently have around 200 employees in the UK.
The Benefits: 30 days Holiday [Plus Bank Holidays], 4 x annual salary life assurance [after probation] & Group Income Protection Policy, Generous Pension Scheme, Group Healthcare Scheme (permanent staff only).
The Values: Innovation - We are creative and fearless in our work. Accountability - We take ownership of our work and lead from the front. Teamwork - We collaborate widely and build supportive environments.
Our Mission: To deliver and enable optimal energy outcomes, in order to enable resilience, operational capability and advantage for UK Defence.
Our Vision: To be the enduring partner of choice for UK Defence operational energy delivery.
C&I Field Engineer employer: The Oil and Pipeline Agency
The Oil & Pipelines Agency is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises innovation, accountability, and teamwork. With generous benefits including 30 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to excel in their roles while contributing to vital energy outcomes for UK Defence. Based in Scotland, the C&I Field Engineer role provides a unique chance to work on critical infrastructure projects in a dynamic environment, fostering both personal and professional development.
Contact Detail:
The Oil and Pipeline Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land C&I Field Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those already working at OPA. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your technical knowledge about instrumentation and control systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with ATG and BPCS, as well as how you handle safety regulations.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Think of examples where you've tackled challenges in past projects. This will demonstrate your ability to manage multiple site works and resolve issues effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the OPA team.
We think you need these skills to ace C&I Field Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the C&I Field Engineer role. Highlight your experience in instrumentation, control systems, and any relevant project management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our team. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of COMAH and other relevant regulations.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical expertise in areas like PLC programming and safety lifecycle management. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Oil and Pipeline Agency
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of instrumentation, control systems, and functional safety. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to these areas, as well as any relevant regulations like COMAH and CDM.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since the role involves managing multiple site works, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led projects in the past. Highlight your experience with project schedules, budgets, and working with contractors.
✨Build Relationships
The job requires strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Think of examples where you've effectively collaborated with teams or managed contractor relationships, and be ready to discuss how you approach teamwork.
✨Prepare for Travel Questions
Given the travel involved in this role, be ready to discuss your flexibility and willingness to travel across Scotland and potentially the north of England. Having a clean driving licence is essential, so mention that upfront!
