Principal Instrument Engineer

Randstad Construction and Property; Wythenshawe; On-site; GBP 89,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Construction and Property seeks a Principal Instrument Engineer to lead instrumentation, control and automation design on major projects in Manchester (M22). The role acts as the technical authority for instrument engineering, ensuring compliance with safety standards and client requirements.

You will drive detailed engineering packages, mentor engineers, and interface with clients and vendors across multi-disciplinary teams in a hybrid on-site setting.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical, Electronic, Control, or Instrumentation Engineering (or equivalent).
• Chartered Engineer status advantageous or actively pursuing.
• Experience as Senior/Principal Instrument Engineer on large capital projects.
• Knowledge of IEC 61511 functional safety and ATEX / DSEAR / IEC 60079 standards.
• Experience with DCS, PLC, SCADA and industrial comms.

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 teams, client representatives, and third-party contractors.
• Mentor senior and project engineers while conducting rigorous peer reviews of technical documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor/Master Electrical/Instrumentation Engineering

Tools

DCS

PLC

SCADA

HART

Modbus

Profibus

Job description

Job Title

Principal Instrument Engineer

Job Details

• 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).


• 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.

Equal Opportunity

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.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business