Principal / Senior Control & Instrumentation Engineer

Morson Talent; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking an experienced Principal or Senior Control and Instrumentation Engineer to join its Energy team. In this hybrid role, you will lead design projects while mentoring less experienced engineers. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Oil and Gas or Nuclear sectors and a strong adherence to UK industry standards and compliance. Join a company focused on delivering innovative engineering solutions for top clients.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years of experience in Oil and Gas, Nuclear, or Water sectors.
• Strong knowledge of design and installation practices.
• Understanding of UK legislation and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical input for projects and proposals.
• Lead and organise discipline teams for timely delivery.
• Mentor graduates and develop less experienced engineers.
• Produce high-quality engineering deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and procedures.

Skills

Technical project input

Team leadership

Mentoring

Quality deliverables

Compliance knowledge

Education

Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status

Job description

Principal / Senior Control and Instrumentation Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Principal or Senior Control and Instrumentation Engineer to join our Energy team at Costain. In this role, you will act as Lead Design Engineer on one or more projects, delivering innovative engineering solutions for industry-leading clients.

Our Energy portfolio spans every project phase, from concept studies and FEED through to EPCm delivery. You will collaborate with multi-discipline teams to ensure projects are completed to the highest standards, on time and within budget. Our work covers brownfield Oil and Gas facilities, pioneering Hydrogen production and storage, and extends into other sectors such as Nuclear, Defence, and Transport.

This is a hybrid role, with 2 3 days per week in our Manchester office and the flexibility of dynamic working.

Senior Engineers are welcome to apply, with responsibilities adjusted according to experience, supported by a development plan and gap analysis.

Key Responsibilities

As a client-facing Control and Instrumentation Engineer, your role may include:

• Providing technical input for projects and proposals, including preparation, checking, and approval of engineering deliverables.
• Leading and organising discipline teams, allocating tasks, and ensuring timely project delivery.
• Mentoring graduates and developing less experienced engineers.
• Producing high-quality C&I engineering deliverables that meet client expectations, schedules, and budgets.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant national and international standards, legislation, and client procedures.
• Preparing equipment and material requisitions for control systems, safety systems, analyser houses, field instrumentation, and other C&I equipment.
• Preparing installation scopes of work.
• Reviewing supplier quotations and completing technical bid assessments.

Additional technical tasks may include:

• Full life-cycle development of control or protection systems (hardware and software).
• Software qualification for SMART devices and PLCs.
• Functional safety analysis and verification (both probabilistic and deterministic).
• Preparation of C&I equipment datasheets and specifications.
• Development and modification of C&I safety cases and cyber security documentation.

About You

• To be successful in this role, you should ideally have:
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status or be close to achieving it.

• Strong knowledge of design and installation practices across multiple industries.
• At least 15 years of engineering experience in the Oil and Gas, Nuclear, or Water sectors.
• Extensive understanding of UK legislation and industry standards.
• Experience in the installation requirements for equipment in hazardous areas.
• A proactive approach to process improvement, talent development, and promoting the Costain brand.