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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for EC&I Engineer

💰 $85,000 - $145,000

EngineeringElectrical EngineeringControl SystemsInstrumentationAutomation

🎯 Role Definition

As an Electrical, Control & Instrumentation (EC&I) Engineer, you will be the technical authority for all aspects of plant automation, control systems, and electrical infrastructure. You will be responsible for translating operational needs into robust engineering solutions, managing projects from concept to completion, and ensuring compliance with stringent safety and industry standards. This position is crucial for maintaining the integrity, safety, and optimal performance of our facility's assets, directly impacting productivity and business success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Graduate Electrical/Control Systems Engineer
  • Instrument Technician or Electrical Technician with design aptitude
  • Automation Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Lead EC&I Engineer
  • Engineering Manager or Department Head
  • Principal Engineer (Technical Specialist)

Lateral Moves:

  • Project Manager
  • Process Safety Engineer
  • Automation & Digitalization Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Spearhead the comprehensive design, development, and implementation of sophisticated Electrical, Control, and Instrumentation systems, from initial concept and feasibility studies through to final commissioning and handover.
  • Produce, review, and approve critical engineering documentation, including P&IDs, control philosophies, logic diagrams, loop diagrams, and cause & effect charts.
  • Specify, select, and procure a wide range of instrumentation (for flow, level, pressure, temperature), control valves, and control systems (PLC, DCS, SCADA).
  • Develop detailed electrical designs, including single-line diagrams, motor control center (MCC) schematics, cable routing, and sizing calculations for low-voltage power distribution.
  • Manage the full lifecycle of plant modification projects, including scope definition, cost estimation, planning, resource allocation, and execution, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
  • Lead and execute Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) to verify that systems and equipment meet specified design and performance criteria.
  • Provide expert technical leadership during on-site installation, commissioning, and start-up phases, actively troubleshooting and resolving complex system integration issues.
  • Conduct and participate in critical safety reviews and risk assessments, such as HAZOP, LOPA, and SIL determination studies, ensuring designs are inherently safe.
  • Ensure all designs and installations strictly comply with national and international standards, including IEC 61511/61508 for functional safety and ATEX/DSEAR for hazardous areas.
  • Develop and program logic for PLCs and configure SCADA/HMI/DCS systems to meet process requirements, including alarm management and data historization.
  • Perform detailed functional safety calculations and verification to ensure Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) meet the required Safety Integrity Level (SIL).
  • Act as the primary technical liaison with equipment vendors, system integrators, and engineering contractors, managing their deliverables and ensuring quality standards are met.
  • Provide high-level technical support to maintenance and operations teams, diagnosing and resolving complex failures in control systems and instrumentation.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive asset lifecycle documentation, ensuring all drawings, datasheets, and manuals are accurate and up-to-date.
  • Author detailed technical reports, commissioning procedures, and operational manuals to support ongoing plant activities and knowledge transfer.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentor and provide structured technical guidance to junior engineers, graduates, and technicians within the engineering department.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities for plant optimization, debottlenecking, and control strategy enhancement.
  • Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry best practices, and evolving standards in the field of control, automation, and industrial cybersecurity.
  • Support procurement activities by providing technical evaluation of bids and proposals for EC&I packages and services.
  • Manage obsolescence of legacy control system hardware and software, developing and executing strategic migration and upgrade plans.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Process, Mechanical, and Operations, to deliver integrated and holistic project solutions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Control Systems Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems (e.g., Siemens S7/TIA Portal, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Emerson DeltaV, Honeywell Experion).
  • Instrumentation Expertise: Strong ability in the specification, selection, and calibration of field instruments for various process measurements.
  • Functional Safety: Demonstrable experience with functional safety standards (IEC 61511/61508), including SIL determination and verification.
  • Hazardous Area Design: Thorough understanding and practical application of ATEX and DSEAR regulations for designing systems in explosive atmospheres.
  • Electrical Design Software: Proficiency in using CAD tools for electrical design, such as AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
  • Network & Communication Protocols: Familiarity with industrial communication protocols like Profibus, Modbus, PROFINET, and Ethernet/IP.
  • P&ID Interpretation: Ability to read, interpret, and develop complex Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams.
  • LV Electrical Systems: Competency in the design and analysis of Low Voltage (LV) distribution systems, MCCs, and motor controls.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical Problem-Solving: A systematic and logical approach to diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues under pressure.
  • Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines effectively.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical information to diverse audiences.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all aspects of design, calculation, and documentation.
  • Stakeholder Management: Adept at building relationships and collaborating effectively with internal teams, external contractors, and suppliers.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree (B.Eng or B.S.) in a relevant engineering discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree (M.Eng or M.S.) and/or holds or is working towards Professional Chartership (e.g., CEng, P.E.).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Control & Instrumentation Engineering
  • Automation Engineering
  • Mechatronics Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 4-10+ years of postgraduate experience in an EC&I engineering role.

Preferred: Demonstrable experience working within highly regulated process industries such as Chemicals, Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Nuclear, or Pharmaceuticals is highly advantageous.

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