Commissioning Engineer

Smart Search Technical Ltd; Thornaby-on-Tees; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart Search Technical Ltd is seeking an experienced Commissioning Engineer to join the Middlesbrough/Teesside operation. You will lead cold and hot commissioning of process equipment, mechanical systems, and electrical/control systems across AD facilities, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

You will coordinate with EPCs, OEMs, and site teams to deliver successful plant start-ups, optimize startup performance, and provide training during handover to maintenance and process engineering

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in engineering (mechanical/electrical/chemical/control).
• 3+ years as a commissioning engineer/technician on continuous process plants.
• Direct AD/biogas or related energy experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-commissioning, cold & hot commissioning of process plant equipment.
• Verify systems: loop tests, calibration, functional testing of control loops and safety interlocks.
• Develop RAMS and commissioning test packs; oversee handovers to operations.

Skills

Pumps & valves

Hydraulic/pneumatic systems

Compressors

Rotating equipment

Electrical control panels

Instrumentation

PLC/SCADA control systems

DSEAR/ATEX safety

P&IDs

Education

HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical/Control Engineering

Tools

PLC/SCADA

Job description

Job Title: Commissioning Engineer

Location: Middlesbrough / Teesside

Industry: Renewable Energy / Anaerobic Digestion

Salary: 45,000 - 55,000 per annum

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Client

Our client is a global leader in circular waste management and renewable energy generation. They specialise in transforming organic waste into high-value green resources, including Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), renewable electricity, and sustainable soil products. Operating advanced Anaerobic Digestion (AD) and organic processing infrastructure across the UK and internationally, they are dedicated to driving the transition towards a low-carbon future.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Commissioning Engineer to join an expanding operational team in the Middlesbrough / Teesside area. In this hands-on technical role, you will lead and execute the cold and hot commissioning of process equipment, mechanical systems, and electrical/control systems across local Anaerobic Digestion facilities.

You will ensure that all plant machinery, gas compression, CHP units, and fluid handling systems are brought online safely, efficiently, and strictly to manufacturer and regulatory specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Commissioning Execution: Lead the pre-commissioning, cold testing, and hot commissioning phases for process plant equipment, including pumps, pasteurisers, gas scrubbers, CHP engines, boilers, and flare systems.

• Systems Verification: Carry out loop testing, instrument calibration, and functional testing of PLC/SCADA control loops, interlocks, and safety trip systems.

• Standard Operating Procedures: Develop, review, and execute detailed commissioning test packs, RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements), and operational handovers.

• Process Optimisation: Monitor and adjust mechanical and biological process parameters during startup to ensure target operational parameters, biomethane output, and efficiency levels are met.

• Contractor & Vendor Liaison: Work closely with EPC contractors, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and project engineering teams to resolve technical defects during plant startup.

• Health, Safety & Environment: Ensure full compliance with DSEAR/ATEX regulations, HAZOP recommendations, environmental permit conditions, and site safety standards at all times.

• Handover & Training: Deliver comprehensive technical handover documentation and provide operational training to site maintenance and process engineering teams.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Control Engineering (or equivalent time-served apprenticeship).

• Experience: 3+ years of experience as a Commissioning Engineer or Commissioning Technician working on continuous process plants.

• Industry Background: Direct experience in Anaerobic Digestion (AD) or Biogas is strongly preferred. Candidates from Power Generation, Energy from Waste (EfW), Water/Wastewater Treatment, or Chemical Processing will also be strongly considered.

• Technical Skills:

  • Strong working knowledge of pumps, valves, hydraulic/pneumatic systems, compressors, and rotating equipment.

  • Practical understanding of electrical control panels, instrumentation, and PLC/SCADA control systems.

  • Familiarity with safety-critical systems, DSEAR/ATEX hazardous area standards, and P&IDs.

• Attributes: Excellent problem-solving capabilities, strong communication skills, and a high attention to safety protocols.