Principal Control & Instrumentation Engineer

InSite Technical Services; Pembroke Dock; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Leave + Bank Holidays

Pension Scheme (10% employer contrib)

Life Insurance

Medical cover & EAP

Maternity, Paternity Leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Training & Development

Job summary

InSite Technical Services is seeking a Principal C&I Engineer to lead high-quality design and safety scope for energy and industrial projects in Wales and beyond.

You will direct PLC, DCS and SCADA architectures, mentor junior staff, and serve as the primary technical interface for clients and vendors, ensuring IEC 61511 compliance and safety culture.

Qualifications

• Degree in Control & Instrumentation Engineering or related field.
• Extensive experience in C&I detailed design within energy, industrial or process sectors (oil & gas down­stream/refining desirable).
• Working knowledge of PLC, DCS and SCADA architectures, including specification, instrumentation, control loop design and system design.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee development of C&I deliverables including philosophies, specifications, datasheets, instrument schedules, I/O lists and related documentation.
• Oversee functional safety scope across projects (IEC 61511) including HAZID/HAZOP participation, LOPA studies, SIL determination and verification, SRS development and lifecycle documentation.
• Lead control system design including PLC, DCS and SCADA architectures; provide input on cybersecurity (IEC 62443) where relevant.
• Review and approve engineering documents for accuracy, integrity and standards compliance.
• Define scope, deliverables and resources for C&I work packages and assist with schedules and risk reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring & coaching

Project management

Communication

Education

Degree in Control & Instrumentation Engineering

Tools

PLC

DCS

SCADA

IEC 62443 awareness

Job description

InSite Technical Services Limited (InSite), part of Vulcain Engineering Group, is a UK-based engineering consultancy with an international footprint, delivering expert engineering design, project management, and technical support across a range of energy and industrial sectors.

With a strong track record in the oil refining, terminals, LNG, and renewables industries, InSite combines its specialist expertise with the scale, capability and global reach of the Vulcain group to help clients meet the challenges of the energy transition and deliver projects that support a more sustainable future.

Our team of experienced engineers and designers bring technical expertise and industry insight to every project, offering value, assurance, and innovative thinking from concept to execution. InSite specialises in conceptualising, designing, and supporting projects that have a lasting, positive impact on the world of tomorrow.

The Position: Principal Control & Instrumentation (C&I) Engineer

We are seeking a Principal Control & Instrumentation Engineer to join our expanding engineering and design consultancy. This role is central to delivering high-quality C&I design and functional safety scope across a diverse portfolio of industrial and energy projects.

This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who can lead projects, work seamlessly within a multidisciplinary environment, and engage confidently with clients, vendors, and internal teams.

Some of the main responsibilities of the Principal C&I Engineer will include:

• Lead and oversee the development of C&I deliverables including philosophies, specifications, datasheets, instrument schedules, I/O lists, control narratives and related engineering documentation.
• Take responsibility for the functional safety scope across projects (IEC 61511), including HAZID/HAZOP participation, LOPA studies, SIL determination and verification, SRS development, and functional safety assessments and lifecycle documentation.
• Lead or oversee control system design including PLC, DCS and SCADA system architectures, and provide expert input on cybersecurity considerations (IEC 62443 awareness desirable).
• Review and approve engineering documents and deliverables for accuracy, integrity, and compliance with relevant standards, ensuring high-quality C&I output.
• Develop technical solutions to complex C&I challenges, interfacing effectively with electrical, mechanical, and process teams and supporting discipline contributions to design reviews and technical checkpoints.
• Define scope, deliverables and resource requirements for C&I work packages, providing accurate input to schedules, estimating, risk identification and change management.
• Act as the primary C&I technical interface for clients, vendors and integrators, leading technical discussions, clarifying requirements, resolving queries, and supporting project decision-making.
• Provide mentoring, guidance and technical coaching to junior and mid-level engineers, promoting strong engineering quality, safety, compliance and competency development within the C&I team.

This role offers the chance to work on varied, technically challenging projects across the energy and industrial sectors, with real responsibility and autonomy from an early stage. You’ll join a dynamic, growing consultancy where your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your impact directly shapes both project outcomes and the wider team. It’s a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that values technical expertise, supports professional development and Chartership, and provides clear opportunities to progress into discipline leadership. With flexible, non–clock-watching working practices, you’ll have the freedom to deliver your best work while maintaining a healthy balance.

Preferred Profile:

• Degree in Control & Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar (HNC/HND or relevant experience also considered).
• Extensive experience in C&I detailed design within energy, industrial or process sectors - ideally oil & gas (downstream/refining).
• Working knowledge of PLC, DCS and SCADA architectures, including specification, industrial instrumentation, control loop design and system design.
• Proven ability to lead technically, communicate clearly and represent the consultancy confidently to clients, vendors and integrators.
• Experience with system integration, commissioning, FAT/SAT or site support, with an understanding of industrial networks and cybersecurity principles.
• Functional safety experience (IEC 61511) - e.g. HAZOP/LOPA, SIL determination/verification, SRS or lifecycle deliverables - highly desirable but not essential.
• TUV Functional Safety Engineer (or similar certification) and/or machinery safety experience considered advantageous.
• Chartered Engineer status desirable (or working toward), with experience in a consultancy environment beneficial.
• Reside locally to Pembroke or be prepared to relocate, as this permanent role does not include travel expense coverage.

Please note many of our UK projects require high-level security clearance meaning that visa sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on role criticality and project needs.

We offer a competitive salary tailored to your experience and background. Whether you're earlier in your career or bring more senior-level expertise, we encourage you to apply if this role aligns with your skills, or if you're open to discussing other opportunities within our business and wider Vulcain Engineering Group.

We also offer a benefits package, both standard and enhanced, which is designed to support your wellbeing, development, and financial future, including:

• Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
• Pension Scheme (10% employer contribution)
• Life Insurance and long-term sickness cover
• Medical cover and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Maternity, Paternity Leave
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Training & Development, including additional qualifications and accreditations relevant to your role

At InSite, we offer exciting career opportunities for people at every stage - from apprentices and graduates to seasoned professionals.

We’re proud to provide a competitive reward package, flexible working options and generous holiday allowance - because your work/life balance matters.

Join our friendly team in beautiful Pembrokeshire, West Wales, and build a fulfilling career with real responsibility, growth and impact.

If you enjoy tackling challenges and solving problems, you’ll find opportunities to grow your career, stay motivated, and thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Insite Technical Services is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and respected. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.

We appreciate every application. However, due to the volume we receive, we’re only able to contact candidates who are shortlisted for this role or who may be a strong fit for future opportunities.