Principal Automation Engineer - (Oil & Gas, Downstream) Contract Details
Duration: 12 Months
Working Pattern: 5 Days per Week (40 Hours)
Location: Manchester (Hybrid Working)
Rate: £55-65 PAYE per hour (plus holiday pay) Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to lead and coordinate automation activities under a long-term Master Service Agreement within the downstream Oil & Gas sector. This role will act as the primary focal point for stakeholders, vendors, and project teams, ensuring that all technical, safety, commercial, and schedule requirements are delivered successfully.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in system integration, plant operations, and project execution from FEED through to commissioning.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct site surveys to identify optimal cutover strategies aligned with plant outages and manual operation capabilities
Lead the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) process, including:
Engineering work requests
Deliverable structuring
Testing and cutover strategies
Review and approve DCS / PLC proposals from vendors and system integrators
Review and approve EC&I and OEM detailed design documentation
Facilitate and lead multi-disciplinary design review meetings with Client, EPC, and OEM stakeholders
Develop Control Narratives from:
P&IDs
Operational procedures
Existing PLC/DCS configurations (reverse engineering where required)
Develop and oversee execution of:
Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT)
Site Acceptance Tests (SAT)
Commissioning procedures
Coordinate and lead on-site commissioning activitiesExperience & Minimum Requirements
Proven experience within Oil & Gas, process, utilities, or pharmaceutical industries
Demonstrated leadership across:
FEED
Detailed design
Commissioning phases
Strong knowledge of automation systems:
PLC, SCADA, DCS
Experience with electrical interfacing, including:
Process instrumentation
Control valves
Hydraulic servo systems
Motor starters
Understanding of hazardous area classifications (ATEX)
Familiarity with industrial communication protocols:
Profibus
Modbus
Ethernet/IPPreferred Qualifications
Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Instrumentation, Automation, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent
Experience with batch/sequential automation systems
Knowledge of:
Fiscal metering systems
Truck loading/terminal operations
Familiarity with:
EEMUA 191 Alarm Management
Functional Safety standards (IEC 61508 / IEC 61511)
Get in touch nowIf you're seeking a new opportunity and think you have the relevant skills and experience our client is looking for, then this could be the opportunity for you, so apply now or contact Stuart Cooper via LinkedIn.
Millbank Holdings Ltd is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background, and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, and we are committed to ensuring an accessible and supportive recruitment process for everyone. If you require any adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Millbank operates as both an Employment Agency and an Employment Business
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