Lead Automation Engineer

Imperial Recruitment Group are delighted to be recruiting for a Lead Automation Engineer on Contract basis for a leading Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company specializing in the design, development, and delivery of complex projects across various industries.

• Job Title: Lead Automation Engineer
• Location: Teesside
• Basis: Contracting (Outside IR35)
• Job Type: Full-Time

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management:

• Oversee the Automation portfolio of work, including resource planning, project progression, and earned value analysis.
• Lead Automation engineering projects from inception to completion.
• Develop and manage project plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Develop assignment scopes of works, identify deliverables and produce concise proposals.
• Coordinate with cross-disciplinary engineering teams, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Support business development efforts and promote departmental growth.

Design and Analysis:

• Design, configure, and implement solutions for Siemens PCS7, Allen Bradley, Emerson Delta V.
• Develop system architectures, including control loops, interlocks, and safety systems, Safety PLC experience is desirable.
• Troubleshoot and optimise existing automation systems.
• Design and review control panel layouts, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Specify components such as PLCs, relays, power supplies, and communication modules.
• Ensure compliance with UK and international standards (e.g., BS EN 60204, IEC 61439).

Technical Leadership:

• Report directly to the Engineering Manager.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Review and approve technical documentation, drawings, and specifications.
• Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices.

Procurement and Construction Support:

• Assist in preparing technical specifications for procurement.
• Evaluate and select suitable automation equipment and materials.
• Offer technical support during the construction phase, including site visits and inspections.
• Oversee the installation of wiring and field instrumentation.
• Collaborate with contractors to ensure correct installation and cabling practices.
• Conduct on-site inspections to verify compliance with design specifications.
• Lead FAT and SAT activities, including preparation of test plans and documentation.
• Conduct functional and integration testing to validate system performance.
• Ensure timely resolution of defects identified during testing.
• Provide commissioning advice and allocate manpower support to clients.

Quality Assurance:

• Implement and maintain quality control procedures for Automation engineering activities.
• Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and troubleshooting to ensure high standards of quality and accuracy.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree in Electrical or Instrumentation and Control Engineering or a related field (preferred).
• Professional certifications related to the automation are desirable, however, TUV Functional Safety Engineer, Siemens PCS7 Certification is essential.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in Automation, ideally within the EPC industry or as an Operator Engineer.
• Proven track record in managing projects and leading engineering teams.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical, oil and gas, High Hazard COMAH sites and power generation sectors is desirable.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity for industrial automation systems.

Technical Skills:

• A minimum of 10 years of industrial Automation system experience in a relevant field. Ability to evaluate existing control systems and implement new systems.
• Develop technical lifecycle documentation from project inception, URS, FDS, and test documentation through to commissioning and handover.
• Extensive knowledge of Siemens PLC's and HMI's, specifically S7-300/400/1200/1500.
• Strong ability to program TIA Portal, Step 7 & PCS 7 control systems
• Ability to design, modify SCADA and HMI systems such as WinCC and InTouch.
• Safety systems including safety relays and safety PLCs.
• Experience with Profibus, ProfiNet and Modbus communication protocols.
• Experience with building and troubleshooting LAN and WAN networks.
• Software specification and design in accordance with IEC 61508 / IEC 61511.
• Ability to develop technical documentation such as FDS, FAT/SAT, O&Ms.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

For more information on this opportunity please contact Yaw Ankomah at Imperial Recruitment Group

Imperial Recruitment Group is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.