Principal Instrument Engineer

Randstad Construction & Property; Cheadle; On-site; GBP 83,000 - 120,000; Part time

Job summary

Randstad Construction & Property is seeking a Principal Instrument Engineer to lead instrumentation and control design activities in Manchester. The role concentrates on driving technical delivery, safety compliance and high-quality documentation across major projects.

Candidates should have a degree in relevant engineering, and ideally Chartered status, with proven senior/principal experience in instrumentation across sectors such as energy, water or infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Degree in electrical/electronic/control/instrumentation engineering.
• Chartered Engineer status is highly advantageous.
• Senior/Principal instrumentation engineering experience on major capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed engineering, design and technical delivery of instrumentation and control packages.
• Produce and review P&IDs, instrument index sheets, I/O lists, loop diagrams and control philosophies.
• Formulate instrument specifications, datasheets, and procurement documents for field instruments and valves.
• Oversee SIL compliance and functional safety assessments (IEC 61508/61511).
• Manage technical queries, vendor evaluations and bid reviews.
• Act as primary technical contact for internal teams, clients and contractors.
• Mentor senior/project engineers and perform peer reviews.

Skills

Functional safety

Instrumentation engineering

DCS/PLC/SCADA

HART/Modbus/Profibus

UK codes & CDM

Education

BEng / MEng in Electrical, Electronic, Control or Instrumentation Engineering

Chartered Engineer (CEng) with IET or InstMC

Tools

DCS

PLC

SCADA

HART

Modbus

Profibus

Job description

Job Title: Principal Instrument Engineer

Location: Manchester, M22 (Hybrid / On-site requirements)

Contract Type: Contract / Temporary

IR35 Status: Inside IR35 (via FCSA-accredited Umbrella Company)

Rate: Competitive Day Rate

Industry: Infrastructure / Energy / Process Engineering

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Instrument Engineer to join our engineering delivery team based in Manchester (M22).

In this leadership role, you will drive the instrumentation, control, and automation design packages across high-profile, complex engineering projects. You will act as the key technical authority for instrument engineering, ensuring all designs comply with safety standards, client requirements, and regulatory guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the detailed engineering, design, and technical delivery of instrumentation and control packages.
• Produce and review critical engineering documentation, including P&IDs, instrument index sheets, I/O lists, loop diagrams, control philosophies, and cause-and-effect diagrams.
• Formulate instrument specifications, datasheets, and procurement documentation for field instruments, control valves, safety valves, and flow meters.
• Oversee SIL compliance and functional safety assessments (IEC 61508 / IEC 61511).
• Manage technical queries (TQs), vendor package technical evaluations, and bid reviews.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for internal multi-disciplinary engineering teams, client representatives, and third-party contractors.
• Mentor senior and project engineers while conducting rigorous peer reviews of technical documentation.

Requirements & Qualifications

Qualifications: Degree (BEng / MEng) in Electrical, Electronic, Control, or Instrumentation Engineering (or equivalent experience).

Professional Status: Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the IET or InstMC (or actively working towards status) is highly advantageous.

Experience: Proven track record in a Senior or Principal Instrument Engineering role within major capital projects (Water, Energy, Oil & Gas, Nuclear, or Transportation Infrastructure).

Technical Expertise:

• In-depth knowledge of functional safety (IEC 61511) and hazardous area standards (ATEX / DSEAR / IEC 60079).
• Hands-on proficiency with DCS, PLC, SCADA systems, and industrial communication protocols (HART, Modbus, Profibus).
• Familiarity with relevant UK industry codes, standards, and CDM regulations.

Location: Ability to work from our Manchester office (M22) as required by project delivery requirements.

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.