Software Engineer

Mott Macdonald; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global producer of specialty chemicals is seeking an EC&I Engineer in Manchester. This role includes serving as the Subject Matter Expert for electrical control and instrumentation, leading projects, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5 to 10 years of experience in a high-hazard environment. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered, including a 401(K) plan and additional perks.

Benefits

401(K) Savings Plan

Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits

Life Insurance and Disability

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Tuition Reimbursement

26 days holiday

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of EC&I engineering experience in a high-hazard environment.
• Proven track record in executing EC&I projects.
• Familiarity with COMAH regulations and major hazard site requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the site's Subject Matter Expert (SME) for EC&I matters.
• Lead EC&I projects from concept through commissioning.
• Ensure compliance with regulations during design and installation.

Skills

Electrical, Control & Instrumentation Engineering

Project management

Cost control

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Control & Instrumentation Engineering

Chartered Engineer (CEng) status preferred

Tools

Computer-aided design (CAD) software

Maintenance systems (CMMS/Agility)

Job description

Overview

EC&I Engineer | Eccles | Monday to Friday – Flexible Time | £60,000 – £70,000
My client, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, polymer additives and precursors, is looking for an experienced EC&I Engineer to join their team.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the site’s Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Electrical, Control, and Instrumentation matters.
• Develop and maintain site EC&I standards (ATEX, DSEAR, SIL, functional safety, etc.).
• Lead EC&I projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring on‑time, on‑budget delivery.
• Coordinate with internal teams (Operations, Maintenance, HSE) and external contractors to define scopes of work, manage schedules, and track budgets.
• Oversee design, installation, and commissioning of new EC&I systems, ensuring compliance with COMAH and other regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical guidance to maintenance teams on preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance of electrical and instrumentation assets.
• Support day‑to‑day troubleshooting and fault‑finding across PLCs, DCS, safety instrumented systems, and field instrumentation.
• Drive reliability improvements through root cause analysis (RCA) and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Collaborate closely with the HSE team to ensure EC&I operations and projects satisfy COMAH, ATEX, DSEAR, and other relevant regulations.
• Maintain and develop safety instrumented systems (SIS), ensuring proper documentation, proof testing, and compliance with IEC 61508/61511.
• Participate in COMAH‑related activities, including audits, hazard studies (HAZOP/LOPA), safety reports, and regulator inspections.
• Establish and maintain EC&I technical documentation (drawings, loop diagrams, schematics) and ensure compliance with site change control procedures.
• Implement standards for the management of safety‑critical systems, ensuring appropriate performance levels (SIL determinations).
• Support development of site procedures, work instructions, and best practices in line with company policies and legal obligations.
• Identify and implement opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce cost, and improve safety within EC&I disciplines.
• Keep abreast of emerging technologies, standards, and best practices; recommend upgrades and innovations to maintain a competitive edge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Control & Instrumentation Engineering (or related discipline).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status preferred or working towards it.
• 5–10 years of EC&I engineering experience within a high‑hazard chemical, petrochemical, or similar industrial environment.
• Proven track record in executing and commissioning EC&I projects, including cost control and contractor management.
• Familiarity with COMAH regulations and major hazard site requirements.
• Strong knowledge of process control systems (PLC, DCS), instrumentation calibration, loop checking, and functional safety (IEC 61508/61511).
• Understanding of electrical distribution systems (Low/High Voltage), BS7671 wiring regulations, and relevant directives.
• Proficiency in computer‑aided design (CAD) software and maintenance systems (CMMS/Agility).
• Working knowledge of DSEAR, ATEX, and other UK/EU legislation affecting chemical manufacturing sites.
• Experience with hazard assessments (HAZOP, LOPA) and risk evaluation for electrical and instrumentation systems.
• Competent in safety integrity level (SIL) verification and validation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with stakeholders from shop‑floor technicians to senior leadership.
• Effective problem‑solving, analytical thinking, and strong organisational skills for managing multiple priorities.
• Resilient, adaptable, and collaborative under pressure, with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Total Rewards Program: 401(K) Savings Plan
• Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Voluntary Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Wellness Services, Online Coaching Programs
• 26 days holiday, Tuition Reimbursement

Equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with laws. Women, minorities, veterans, and candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.