Role: Lead Instrumentation Engineer
Inside IR35 contract
Location: South East UK (office based)
Duration - one year renewable contract - (anticipated 2 year + duration)
Key experience - Client side / operator experience managing design scopes of engineering contractor
Start date: Immediate
Global Edge Group are working on behalf of an operator client in the UK and recruiting for an experienced Lead Instrumentation Engineer to join a client-side Project Management Team (PMT) supporting a major integrated refining and petrochemical development of over $15bn.
Working within the PMT, you will provide mechanical engineering leadership across pre-FEED / FEED phases, with a strong focus on contractor oversight and technical assurance.
Key responsibilities include:
As the Instrumentation Engineering Lead, you will be a key member of the Joint Venture Project Management Team (PMT), providing technical leadership and discipline expertise to guide the development of safe, operable, and cost-efficient facilities.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide technical leadership and discipline expertise aligned with project objectives
* Drive value improvement and capital efficiency in design development
* Ensure robust assessment and qualification of new technologies
* Own and develop engineering standards, specifications, and philosophies
* Oversee contractor deliverables and ensure alignment with project requirements
* Support FEED/EPC scope development and technical bid evaluations
* Lead discipline input into key safety and design activities (HAZOP, LOPA, SIL)
* Review and guide instrumentation, control systems, and turbomachinery interfaces
* Establish and execute engineering surveillance and risk-based decision-making
* Collaborate across engineering teams to maintain alignment on project goals
Experience
* 15+ years of relevant experience in instrumentation engineering
* Strong technical expertise with hands-on experience in specialist tools and systems
* Proven ability to develop engineering standards and design philosophies
* Experience across both owner/operator and contractor environments
* Background in downstream refining or chemical processing (e.g., hydroprocessing, gas treatment, ethylene, utilities)
* Experience with large-scale modular project execution
* Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
* Familiarity with Middle East projects (e.g., KSA) is advantageous
Discipline Expertise
* Instrumentation & control systems design and application
* Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), Fire & Gas systems
* SIL assessments and functional safety lifecycle activities
* Turbomachinery control and protection systems
* Custody transfer and measurement systems
* Instrumentation standards development and optimization