Automation Project Engineer

First Recruitment Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Automation Project Engineer for a 12-month contract in Manchester. This role involves managing the delivery and execution of critical automation projects within the oil and gas industry. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of DCS systems and experience with various PLC platforms. The position requires excellent client management skills and the ability to develop technical specifications. This is a hybrid role that demands both project management and technical capabilities.

Qualifications

• Experience in automation project delivery within the oil, gas, petrochemical, or similar industries.
• Strong knowledge of DCS systems and Functional Safety (SIS) implementations.
• Experience working with various PLC platforms and their integration.
• Proficient in project management methodologies and tools.
• Strong client management and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate technical teams.
• Ability to develop accurate technical and commercial estimates.
• Skilled in resource planning and scheduling.
• Capable of writing detailed technical specifications and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and be accountable for the delivery, execution, and performance of automation projects.
• Oversee multiple concurrent projects, such as Honeywell DCS and FSC to Safety Manager migration.
• Maintain regular client interface with Phillips66 facilities.
• Determine project requirements and develop comprehensive estimates.
• Develop and maintain project schedules and resource planning.
• Provide regular progress reports to portfolio management.

Skills

Resource Planning

Technical Specs

Presentation Skills

Planning & Scheduling

Communication

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)

Supervisory Skills

Distributed Control System (DCS)

Job description

Job Title: Automation Project Engineer

Location: Manchester, UK

Duration: 12-month contract

Industry: Oil & Gas / Petrochemical

This position combines responsibilities of a Project Engineer managing the delivery, execution, and performance of Automation projects focusing on delivering the technical scope of automation work.

Overview:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Automation Project Engineer to act as the focal point for Automation activities on a long-standing Master Service Agreement. This position is based in Manchester and offers the chance to be a key contributor in the delivery and execution of critical automation projects, ensuring all technical, commercial, and schedule requirements are met.

This role is a hybrid of Project Engineer and Lead Automation Engineer responsibilities requiring both project management and technical delivery capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and be accountable for the delivery, execution, and performance of automation projects including upgrades, migrations, and new installations.
• Oversee multiple concurrent projects, such as:
• Honeywell DCS and FSC to Safety Manager migration
• PLC replacements (with various manufacturers)
• Maintain regular client interface, including bi-weekly visits to Phillips66 facilities.
• Determine project requirements and develop comprehensive estimates (man-hours and materials) with input from Automation and C&I engineers.
• Prioritise activities and projects in line with business needs and available resources.
• Develop and maintain project schedules and resource planning.
• Provide regular progress reports to portfolio management.
• Contribute directly to projects when supervisory duties are reduced, including:
• Writing and checking project deliverables (technical specifications, I/O schedules, drawings)
• Conducting site surveys to support estimates
• Developing standardised processes and templates for future use

Experience & Requirements:

• Experience in automation project delivery within the oil, gas, petrochemical, or similar industries.
• Strong knowledge of DCS systems and Functional Safety (SIS) implementations.
• Experience working with various PLC platforms and their integration.
• Proficient in project management methodologies and tools.
• Strong client management and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate technical teams.
• Ability to develop accurate technical and commercial estimates.
• Skilled in resource planning and scheduling.
• Capable of writing detailed technical specifications and documentation.

Skills & Attributes:

• Client-focused approach to project delivery.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organisational capabilities.
• Strong technical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritise multiple demands and projects.
• Proficient in technical writing and documentation.

• Seniority Level

  Mid-Senior level

• Industry
  • Oil and Gas
  • Services for Renewable Energy
  • Automation Machinery Manufacturing
• Employment Type

  Contract

• Job Functions
  • Engineering
  • Project Management
• Skills
  • Resource Planning
  • Technical Specs
  • Presentation Skills
  • Planning & Scheduling
  • Presentations
  • Communication
  • Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
  • Supervisory Skills
  • Distributed Control System (DCS)