Automation Engineer

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to join a growing engineering team delivering complex control and automation projects within highly regulated and safety-critical environments.

The role will involve the full project lifecycle, from initial concept and front-end design through detailed engineering, software development, testing, commissioning, and final handover.

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and implementing Distributed Control System (DCS) solutions, supporting major projects across sectors where quality, compliance, safety, and operational reliability are paramount.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver automation and control system projects throughout the complete engineering lifecycle.
• Gather and interpret client requirements, translating them into robust automation solutions.
• Produce and review technical documentation including:
• Functional Design Specifications (FDS)
• Software Design Specifications (SDS)
• Testing and Commissioning Documentation
• Control Philosophies
• User Requirement Specifications (URS)
• Design, develop and configure DCS applications using Yokogawa CENTUM VP.
• Develop process control strategies, logic sequences, alarm management systems and operator interfaces.
• Configure and test HMI graphics, control modules, historian integration and reporting solutions.
• Undertake software verification, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and commissioning activities.
• Support system integration activities with field instrumentation, electrical systems, PLCs and third-party equipment.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams including Process, Electrical, Mechanical and C&I engineers.
• Participate in design reviews, hazard studies and technical workshops.
• Ensure compliance with relevant quality, safety, cyber security and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical support during commissioning, start-up and operational phases.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience delivering automation projects from concept through to commissioning.
• Strong background in Distributed Control Systems (DCS).
• Hands-on experience with Yokogawa CENTUM VP configuration and development.
• Experience in one or more highly regulated environments, including:
• Nuclear
• Defence
• Energy
• Chemical Processing
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Critical Infrastructure
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, control narratives and engineering specifications.
• Experience conducting FAT, SAT and site commissioning activities.
• Strong understanding of process control principles and industrial automation systems.
• Excellent technical documentation and stakeholder communication skills.

Desirable Experience

• Nuclear or Defence project delivery experience.
• Functional Safety knowledge, including IEC 61508 and IEC 61511.
• Experience working within regulated quality management systems.
• Knowledge of industrial cyber security standards such as IEC 62443.
• Experience integrating PLC, SCADA and wider automation technologies.
• Security Clearance (SC) eligibility.