Job Description

Job Title: Automation Project Engineer

Location: Manchester, UK

Duration: 12-month contract

Industry: Oil & Gas / Petrochemical

This position combines responsibilities of a Project Engineer—managing the delivery, execution, and performance of automation projects focusing on delivering the technical scope of automation work.

Overview: An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Automation Project Engineer to act as the focal point for automation activities on a long-standing Master Service Agreement. Based in Manchester, this role offers the chance to be a key contributor in delivering and executing critical automation projects, ensuring all technical, commercial, and schedule requirements are met.

This role is a hybrid of Project Engineer and Lead Automation Engineer responsibilities—requiring both project management and technical delivery capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and be accountable for the delivery, execution, and performance of automation projects, including upgrades, migrations, and new installations.
• Oversee multiple concurrent projects, such as Honeywell DCS and FSC to Safety Manager migration, PLC replacements with various manufacturers.
• Maintain regular client interface, including bi-weekly visits to Phillips66 facilities.
• Determine project requirements and develop comprehensive estimates (man-hours and materials) with input from Automation and C&I engineers.
• Prioritise activities and projects in line with business needs and available resources.
• Develop and maintain project schedules and resource planning.
• Provide regular progress reports to portfolio management.
• Contribute directly to projects when supervisory duties are reduced, including writing and checking project deliverables (technical specifications, I/O schedules, drawings), conducting site surveys to support estimates, and developing standardised processes and templates for future use.

Experience & Requirements:

• Experience in automation project delivery within the oil, gas, petrochemical, or similar industries.
• Strong knowledge of DCS systems and Functional Safety (SIS) implementations.
• Experience working with various PLC platforms and their integration.
• Proficient in project management methodologies and tools.
• Strong client management and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate technical teams.
• Ability to develop accurate technical and commercial estimates.
• Skilled in resource planning and scheduling.
• Capable of writing detailed technical specifications and documentation.

Skills & Attributes:

• Client-focused approach to project delivery.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organisational capabilities.
• Strong technical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritise multiple demands and projects.
• Proficient in technical writing and documentation.

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior

Industry: Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, Automation Machinery Manufacturing

Employment Type: Contract

Functions: Engineering, Project Management, Resource Planning, Technical Specs, Presentation Skills, Planning & Scheduling, Communication, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Supervisory Skills, Distributed Control System (DCS)