Job Description

Principal C&I Engineer

Location: Manchester
Job Type: Contract, Full-Time
Rate: Competitive, dependent on experience. Can be outside IR35 subject to checks.

Principal Control & Instrumentation Engineer

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Control & Instrumentation (C&I) Engineer to join our growing engineering team. This is a senior leadership role that combines technical excellence, project delivery, resource management, and team development.

As a Principal C&I Engineer, you will be responsible for delivering key design and engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle, from tendering and concept development through to commissioning and project close-out. You will lead multidisciplinary interfaces, manage technical resources, ensure compliance with regulatory and client requirements, and provide mentorship to engineers within the team.

This particular role offers the opportunity to work on complex engineering projects within highly regulated uranium enrichment processes, where safety, quality, and innovation are at the forefront of everything we do. UK SC (security clearance) is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and deliver C&I engineering design activities across the full project lifecycle.

Act as the discipline focal point for projects, providing technical leadership and guidance.

Manage discipline budgets, resource allocation, and project deliverables.

Produce, review, check, and approve engineering documentation and design outputs.

Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, industry standards, and client requirements.

Coordinate technical interfaces between engineering disciplines and project stakeholders.

Support tendering activities, scope definition, estimates, and technical proposals.

Monitor project performance through KPIs, change management, carbon tracking, and risk and opportunity reporting.

identify and resolve complex technical and delivery challenges.

Lead, mentor, and develop engineers within the team, supporting career progression and technical excellence.

Promote a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to HSE requirements.

Essential Skills & Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Extensive engineering design experience covering the complete engineering lifecycle from tendering through to project close-out.

Strong expertise in the specification and design of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) in accordance with IEC 61508 and IEC 61511.

Proven leadership, line management, and mentoring experience.

Detailed knowledge of instrumentation installation requirements within process plants, including hazardous and potentially explosive area installations

• Experience with CE marking requirements and associated legislation, including:
  • ATEX
  • Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
  • Low Voltage Directive
  • Machinery Directive
  • EMC Compliance
  • Strong understanding of risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and HSE requirements.
• Knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks relevant to engineering design, including CDM Regulations.
• Experience managing project performance metrics, reporting, change control, and risk management processes.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively while driving project delivery and technical excellence.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in a relevant engineering discipline (minimum 2:1 preferred) or equivalent industry experience.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status, or working towards professional registration.
• Valid Safety Passport or equivalent industry-recognised certification.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile and technically challenging projects.
• Professional development and support towards continued chartership and career progression.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Flexible working arrangements where appropriate.
• Commitment to employee wellbeing and continuous learning.

Apply Today

If you are a highly experienced UK based C&I professional with a passion for technical leadership, project delivery, and developing engineering talent, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now by submitting your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications.