Principal Instrument Engineer

First Recruitment Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment group is seeking a Lead / Principal Instrument Engineer for a major FEED project in Manchester. In this key client-facing role, you will lead the Instrumentation & Control scope for a high-profile Hydrogen project, requiring strong leadership and extensive industry knowledge. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in the energy sector and hold a relevant degree along with professional engineer status.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Instrumentation & Control in process or energy sectors.
• Deep knowledge of UK legislation and standards.
• Proven ability to implement instrumentation in hazardous environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead instrumentation discipline on complex process plant projects.
• Prepare and approve engineering documentation.
• Allocate and oversee work across the C&I team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Coordination

Technical Expertise

Education

Degree in Electronic, Electrical, or Control Engineering

Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status

Job description

Outside IR35

Our client has a requirement for a Lead / Principal Instrument Engineer, who will be required to work on a contract basis in Manchester.

Role Purpose:
To lead and deliver the Instrumentation & Control (C&I) scope of a major FEED project for a high-profile Hydrogen development. This is a key client-facing role within a multi-discipline engineering team, requiring technical expertise, leadership, and strong project delivery skills.

Job Role Responsibilities:

• Lead the instrumentation discipline on complex process plant projects, ensuring quality, compliance, and delivery to plan.
• Prepare, check, and approve discipline-related engineering documentation.
• Allocate and oversee work across the C&I team, ensuring alignment with project timelines and objectives.
• Deliver engineering deliverables to schedule and within budget, ensuring client satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable UK and international codes, standards, and legislation.
• Prepare technical requisitions for control systems, safety systems, analyser houses, and field instrumentation.
• Develop installation scopes of work and support construction/installation planning.
• Review supplier quotations and compile technical bid evaluations.
• Contribute to the development and review of C&I safety cases and cyber security documentation.
• Oversee and support verification and validation processes.

Experience / Skills / Knowledge / Qualifications:

• Degree in Electronic, Electrical, or Control Engineering (relevant apprenticeships may also be considered).
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status with a relevant professional body (or working towards it).
• Significant experience in Instrumentation & Control within the process or energy sectors.
• Deep knowledge of UK legislation, standards, and best practices.
• Proven ability to specify and implement instrumentation in hazardous/process plant environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and coordination skills in a multi-discipline project setting.

Company Information
At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates.

We actively recruit at all levels, and this is a superb opportunity for a Principal Instrument Engineer looking for their next challenge.