Project Engineer - Process Control & Automation

Acorn by Synergie; Port Talbot; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Acorn by Synergie in Port Talbot seeks a Project Engineer specialising in Process Control & Automation to drive PLC/SCADA design, integration and commissioning on major site projects.

You will lead cross-disciplinary teams, manage vendors, perform FAT/SAT, and ensure IEC/BS EN compliance while delivering safe, reliable automation solutions from concept to handover.

Qualifications

• Industrial automation and control systems experience.
• Proven PLC/SCADA design, configuration and commissioning skills.
• Knowledge of industrial communication networks and relevant standards (IEC/BS EN).
• Ability to manage complex projects and multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation delivery across major projects, overseeing PLC, SCADA and instrumentation to meet scope, schedule and quality targets.
• Manage system integrators and EPC contractors, review technical deliverables including P&IDs, FDS, SDS, FAT/SAT and as-built docs.
• Develop and execute project plans covering engineering, construction and commissioning.
• Own the full automation project lifecycle from concept to handover, including design, FAT/SAT, installation and commissioning.
• Ensure compliance with IEC/BS EN, functional safety and cybersecurity best practices.
• Prepare RFQs, evaluate bids and support vendor selection.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during design, integration and commissioning.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC/SCADA design

Project management

System integration

Hazop/LOPA/SIL

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronic or Automation Engineering

Tools

Siemens S7 (TIA Portal)

WinCC

PROFINET/Profibus/Modbus TCP/IP

Job description

Project Engineer - Process Control & Automation | Automation Project Engineer | PLC/SCADA Engineer

Port Talbot | Competitive salary | Site-based project work | Engineering - Project Engineering

Introduction

Our strength is not just in our steel but in the diversity of our workforce. Our people make the difference.

We're delivering major transformation through cutting-edge capital investment projects at the heart of a sustainable future. We're looking for a Project Engineer specialising in Process Control & Automation to play a pivotal role in delivering the advanced automation and control systems that power our operations.

This is an exciting opportunity to work across the full project lifecycle, from concept to commissioning, in a complex and high-impact industrial environment.

Key Duties

• Lead automation delivery across major projects, overseeing PLC, SCADA and instrumentation systems to meet scope, schedule and quality targets.
• Manage system integrators and EPC contractors, reviewing technical deliverables, including P&IDs, Functional Design Specifications (FDS), Software Design Specifications (SDS), FAT/SAT procedures and as-built documentation.
• Develop and execute project plans covering engineering, construction and commissioning, aligned with long‑term site strategy.
• Own the full automation project lifecycle, including:
  • Concept development and system design.
  • Detailed engineering covering PLC, SCADA and instrumentation.
  • Factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT).
  • Installation, commissioning and system integration.
  • Operator training and final handover.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, including IEC and BS EN, functional safety requirements and industrial cybersecurity best practice.
• Prepare specifications and requests for quotation (RFQs), evaluate bids and support vendor selection.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during design, integration and commissioning.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical and process disciplines to deliver fully integrated solutions.
• Lead commissioning activities, including loop checks, cause and effect testing and performance validation.
• Drive safety excellence by organising and facilitating HAZOP, LOPA, SIL and risk assessments.
• Manage change through formal Management of Change (MoC) processes.

Requirements

• A strong background in industrial automation and control systems.
• Proven experience in PLC/SCADA design, configuration and commissioning.
• Knowledge of industrial communication networks, such as PROFINET, Profibus and Modbus TCP/IP.
• An understanding of relevant standards, including IEC, BS EN, functional safety and cybersecurity.
• The ability to manage complex projects and multiple stakeholders.

Qualifications

A degree in Electrical, Electronic or Automation Engineering, or a related discipline.

Desirable

• Experience with Siemens S7 (TIA Portal) and WinCC.
• Experience in the steel industry or other heavy industrial environments.
• Membership of a relevant professional or project management institution.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and report‑writing ability.
• Effective project planning and time management.
• Ability to lead safety studies and technical workshops.
• A collaborative mindset with a proactive, delivery‑focused approach.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.