Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

IPS-Integrated Project Services; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

IPS-Integrated Project Services is seeking a Senior I&C Engineer to lead instrumentation and controls design for pharmaceutical facilities. The role supports DCS, PLC, and SCADA implementations and requires senior-level leadership across project teams in the UK, with office locations in Manchester or Birmingham.

You will guide process control design, ensure cGMP/GAMP compliance, and coordinate with clients and senior directors to deliver compliant solutions.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in the design of Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical facilities for the cGMP production.
• A BEng (Hons) in Instrumentation and Control Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience with industrial process control systems (DCS/PLC/SCADA) and pharma instrumentation.
• Knowledge of instrumentation components (transmitters, valves, regulators, etc.).
• Experience with AutoCAD, P&IDs, instrument schedules, and calculations.
• Familiarity with ISA standards and cGMP / GAMP automation lifecycles.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Project Managers to determine scope, cost, and scheduling needs.
• Assign personnel to provide cost-effective engineering and technical support.
• Define design detail level and workflow to achieve project goals.
• Estimate hours and support the design team with deliverables.
• Ensure quality and compliance with IPS standards and project schedules.
• Contribute to training and development of I&C and E disciplines.
• Assist with design development for DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems.
• Support 3-D model development showing instrument locations.
• Develop control system concepts in line with client requirements.
• Collaborate with third-party integrators as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Engineering supervision

Communication

Team coordination

Education

BEng (Hons) Instrumentation and Control Engineering

Tools

DCS/PLC/SCADA

AutoCAD

P&ID

ISA standards

Job description

Job Description

At IPS, we are global leaders in developing innovative solutions for the consulting, architecture, engineering, project controls, procurement, construction management, and CQV of technically complex facilities, primarily in the life sciences industry. We are looking for a Senior I&C Engineer to join our team out of our office in Manchester or Birmingham, UK.

In this role, you will manage the utilization, growth, and development of professionals in the Instrumentation & Controls, Electrical Discipline; which is comprised of I&C Engineers, Electrical (I&C, E) Engineers, and Designers in Ireland and Europe.

What You'll Do

• Coordinate with Project Managers and Discipline Directors to determine scope, cost, complexity, and planning and scheduling requirements of projects.


• Assign appropriate personnel to provide cost-effective engineering and technical support.


• Define an appropriate cost-effective workflow process and level of design detail to achieve project goals.


• Estimate work hours needed to generate project deliverables and support the design team.


• Ensure the quality, accuracy, and consistency of overall work to I&C, E engineering principles; compliance with established IPS standards, procedures, codes, and ordinances; adherence to project schedules.


• Evaluate and initiate the necessary training of the I&C, E discipline to ensure pertinent technical competence, acceptable social/communication skills, and personal development of leadership.


• Consult with Senior Directors to support the technical compliance and development of IPS’ I&C, E-services.


• Assist with design development for DCS, PLC, and SCADA-based process control systems for IPS clients and projects.


• Support 3-D model development indicating the location of all instruments.


• Develop the design of process control and automation systems in compliance with cGMP, GAMP, related industry standards, and customer requirements.


• Collaborate with client counterpart to develop control systems concepts, architectures, and control platforms as applied to the client project.


• Identify and collaborate with third-party system integrators as necessary to support project and company business objectives.


• Prepare or review construction budgets based on experience and scope of the project.


• Performs automation-related job functions as assigned, including, I/O lists, Instrumentation lists, and the specification of instrumentation and control elements.


• Supports risk assessments, including SIL, LOPA, and HAZOP.


• Travels to other IPS office locations and client sites to support projects and business objectives.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in the design of Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical facilities for the cGMP production of biological and pharmaceutical drugs.


• A BEng (Hons) in Instrumentation and Control Engineering or equivalent.


• Progressive ability and aptitude in administration to plan, organize, supervise, and coordinate technical work and to obtain cooperation from others.


• 5+ years of experience with industrial process control systems, including DCS, PLC, and SCADA-based systems.


• 5+ years of experience with pharmaceutical process instrumentation.


• Knowledge of instrumentation and controls components such as transmitters (temperature, pressure, pH, conductivity, level, load cells, flow), control valves, regulators, etc.


• Expertise in how engineering design programs are applied to computer-aided drafting.


• Experience preparing preliminary and final design documents including P&IDs (AutoCAD), instrument schedules, specifications, and calculations.


• Experienced with ISA standards and the interpretation of P&ID drawings.


• Experience with the development of cGMP and GAMP automation lifecycle documents.


• Excellent people skills and presence to deal effectively with senior-level contacts.

All interviews are conducted either in person or virtually, with video required.

About Us

IPS, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, is a global leader in developing innovative business solutions for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Through operational expertise and industry-leading knowledge, skill, and passion, IPS provides consultancy services, architecture, engineering, project controls, construction management, and compliance services that allow clients to develop and manufacture life-impacting products. Its newest acquisition, Linesight, specializes in cost, schedule, risk, program, and project management services in various market sectors, including data centers, life sciences, and high-tech industries. With the addition of Linesight, IPS has over 3,000 professionals in over 45 offices across 17 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Specialties

Process Architecture, Process Design, Engineering, Construction, Commissioning, Qualification, LEAN Project Delivery, Strategic Master Planning, Energy Conservation Management, Project Controls, Program/Project Management, Operations/Logistics Strategy and Planning, EPCMV and Staffing Services.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at IPS without regard to race; creed; color; religion; national origin; sex; age; disability; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; genetic predisposition or carrier status; veteran, marital, or citizenship status; or any other status protected by law. IPS is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.