Principal Engineer

NES Fircroft is looking for a Principal Engineer - Instruments and Automation to join their team. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and leading the site strategy for excellence in instrument and automation engineering, asset integrity, and asset life plans.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in instrumentation design and control principles, installation/commissioning, maintenance philosophies, and life cycle management. They will also have experience leading Continuous Improvement activities across various areas.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the site strategy for excellence in instrument and automation engineering, asset integrity, and asset life plans.
• Assess, appoint, and develop instrument and automation engineering duty holders.
• Provide technical interface with regulatory bodies, specialist external services, and engineering suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with instrument and automation engineering standards.
• Maintain, inspect, repair, and operate assets in accordance with UK legislation, business standards, and recognised best engineering practice.
• Provide a professional engineering service to support improvement, maintenance, and operation of site assets.
• Approve repairs and modifications involving EHS critical equipment.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of site engineering strategy, improvement, and capital expenditure plans.
• Lead, inspire, and sustain a positive values-based culture that drives high performance and promotes engineering best practices.
• Ensure PSM/COMAH compliance.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Instrument Engineering or related field.
• Chartered Engineer status with a professional institution.
• Leadership, negotiation, influence, and conflict resolution skills.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in instrument engineering leadership roles within the chemical and related sectors.
• Significant knowledge and experience of instrumentation design and control principles, installation/commissioning, maintenance philosophies, and life cycle management.
• Solid understanding of functional safety and experience working with IEC 61508 and 61511 standards.
• Experience leading Continuous Improvement activities across various areas.

Estimated Salary: £60,000 - £80,000 per annum