C&I Technician

NRL Recruitment; Liverpool City Region; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK recruitment agency is looking for an experienced Electrical, Controls & Instrumentation (EC&I) Technician for a hybrid role in Knowsley. The ideal candidate will design and commission control systems while also performing fault-finding. With a strong emphasis on PLC programming and hazardous area systems, applicants should possess relevant qualifications including Level 3 NVQ and 18th Edition. This position requires nationwide travel and offers a competitive salary between £34,750 and £42,250.

Qualifications

• Experience in PLC programming, especially using Siemens Step7 and TIA Portal.
• Understanding of hazardous area electrical systems (ATEX/IECEx).
• Skilled in process communications like MODBUS and Profibus.
• Able to perform instrument calibration and testing for various parameters.
• Proficient in technical documentation like FDS and URS.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and commission control systems across UK sites.
• Fault-find and rectify issues in complete electrical installations.
• Monitor and support PLC operations and associated equipment.
• Provide out-of-hours support for customers as required.
• Liaise with suppliers and internal teams to ensure compliance.

Skills

PLC programming and logic control

Hazardous area electrical systems

Process communications

Instrument calibration and testing

Documentation creation

Education

Time-served apprenticeship in EC&I or Electrical discipline

Level 3 NVQ Electrical (C&G 2365) minimum

Level 3 BTEC in Instrumentation & Control Engineering minimum

Recognised instrumentation or electrical engineering qualification

18th Edition Electrical Installations (BS7671:2018)

Tools

Siemens Step7

TIA Portal

SCADA

DCS

Job description

Electrical, Controls & Instrumentation (EC&I) Technician

Location: Knowsley (Hybrid - 2 days office / 3 days remote)

Salary: £34,750-£42,250

Travel: Nationwide travel required

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Electrical, Controls & Instrumentation (EC&I) Technician to join a growing engineering team based in Knowsley. The ideal candidate will live within 30 miles of the Knowsley area, though applicants from across the North West will be considered.

Reporting to the Head of Engineering Services, the EC&I Technician will design, develop, install, and commission control systems and instrumentation across UK operational depots and customer sites. The role includes both project-based work and reactive fault-finding across various systems, with flexibility required for travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Install and service a range of systems: safety, security, communication, process control, and energy delivery (hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical).
• Fault-find and rectify issues across complete electrical installations, including motors, valves, lighting, PLC systems, and gas/flame detection.
• Interpret and work from line drawings, P&IDs, FDS documents, and related technical documentation.
• Monitor and support PLC operations and associated equipment.
• Provide out-of-hours support for internal infrastructure and external customers.
• Conduct technical reviews of drawings and documentation from design and EPC contractors.
• Develop new control systems and associated Functional Design Specifications and control descriptions.
• Participate in HAZOP, LOPA, and SIL studies.
• Assist with commissioning of new facilities.
• Collaborate with design, mechanical, and electrical engineers to deliver operational solutions.
• Liaise with suppliers, contractors, authorities, and internal teams.
• Develop and carry out FAT and SAT procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Cyber Security Management System requirements for all new and existing control systems.
• Contribute to the development of standards and drawings for EC&I systems, panels, and instrumentation.

Candidate Requirements Experience

• PLC programming and logic control (ideally Siemens Step7 & TIA Portal).
• Hazardous area electrical systems (ATEX/IECEx).
• Process communications: MODBUS, Profibus, Profinet.
• Instrument calibration, inspection, and testing (pressure, level, flow, temperature).
• Documentation creation: FDS, URS, and related technical documentation.

Essential Technical Skills & Qualifications

• Time-served apprenticeship in EC&I or Electrical discipline.
• Level 3 NVQ Electrical (C&G 2365) minimum.
• Level 3 BTEC in Instrumentation & Control Engineering minimum.
• Recognised instrumentation or electrical engineering qualification.
• COMPEX EX01-EX04 or IECEx COPC Modules EX001-EX008.
• CCSNG/JIB/SSSTS or equivalent safety passport.
• 18th Edition Electrical Installations (BS7671:2018).
• Strong IT literacy (Excel, Office).
• Excellent problem-solving and fault-finding skills.
• Proficiency with IECEx/ATEX equipment installation and LV distribution equipment.
• Experience installing metal trunking, SWA, conduit, traywork, distribution equipment, and ancillaries.

Desirable Skills

• TÜV Certified Functional Safety (IEC 61508/61511).
• SCADA or DCS experience.
• IPAF and PASMA certifications.

Working Pattern

Hybrid: 2 days onsite in Knowsley, 3 days remote (flexible depending on business need). National travel is required.

We welcome applications from every walk of life and are committed to diversity within the industries we support, as a certified Inclusive Recruiter and Armed Forces friendly employer.

The NRL Group connects global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life, supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future.