Electrical, Control & Instrumentation Engineer

Control & Instrumentation Engineer (SAF)
12 month contract / Perm – 60% on-site, Filton

Overview

We are seeking a Control & Instrumentation Engineer to support the development of a new laboratory test rig. The objective of the test is to characterise the Auto Ignition Temperature of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The rig involves heated fuel, extensive instrumentation and explosion risk mitigations, and C&I support is required through the design, build and commissioning phases.

The successful engineer will take ownership of the Control & Instrumentation work package – sensor selection, data acquisition architecture and signal integrity – working closely with the Electrical Engineer responsible for power supply and heater control, and with the wider multidisciplinary rig design team.

Key Responsibilities

Instrumentation & Data Acquisition Design

• Responsible for the design of the Control & Instrumentation work package, including pressure sensors, thermocouples, thermal imaging cameras and general electrical measurement (voltage, current, power).
• Specify and select sensors and transducers appropriate to a high-temperature, fuel-heated, explosion-risk test environment, with support from certified COMPEX12 engineers on DSEAR / ATEX aspects.
• Design and architect the data acquisition (DAQ) system, including channel counts, sample rates, signal conditioning, isolation and synchronisation across sensor types.
• Develop the C&I architecture from concept design through to a manufacturable, testable solution.
• Produce detailed instrumentation schematics, sensor wiring diagrams, loop drawings and supporting design documentation.
• Undertake calibration planning and traceability requirements for pressure, temperature and thermal imaging measurements.
• Ensure compliance with relevant instrumentation, EMC and safety standards.
• Undertake ATEX Dossier inputs relating to instrumentation and sensor selection.
• Undertake the V&V Report in support of entry into service, including measurement uncertainty and accuracy justification.

Procurement & Configuration Management

• Generate and maintain the Instrumentation & Controls Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Support procurement activities including supplier engagement, datasheet review and component selection.
• Ensure design documentation remains controlled and up to date throughout the project lifecycle.

Reviews, Build & Commissioning

• Develop inputs to all gateway reviews and present technical solutions at design gateway reviews.
• Work closely with the Electrical Engineer and wider multidisciplinary engineering team to ensure successful system integration.
• Provide engineering support during build, installation and commissioning of sensors, DAQ hardware and thermal imaging systems.
• Support fault finding, calibration checks, testing and validation activities as required.

Deliverables
The engineer will be responsible for producing:

• Instrumentation architecture drawings and system layouts.
• Detailed sensor and DAQ schematics, loop diagrams and manufacturing drawings.
• Comprehensive Instrumentation & Controls Bill of Materials (BOM), including manufacturer details and part numbers.
• Design Dossier and supporting technical documentation required for design reviews, rig certification, procurement and commissioning.

Essential Experience

• Instrumentation and data acquisition system design for industrial, laboratory or test facility environments.
• Direct experience with pressure sensors, thermocouples / temperature measurement, and thermal imaging cameras.
• General electrical measurement systems (voltage, current, power monitoring).
• Signal conditioning, isolation and noise/EMC mitigation for sensitive measurement circuits.
• Safety circuits and electrical protection systems as they relate to instrumentation.
• Development of designs from concept through to detailed design and implementation.

Tools & Standards

• AutoCAD Electrical (or equivalent electrical / instrumentation design package).
• Knowledge of relevant instrumentation, electrical and calibration standards.
• Experience producing instrumentation schematics, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with DAQ hardware/software platforms (e.g. National Instruments, or equivalent).

Desirable Experience

• COMPEX 12 / ATEX / DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) awareness or experience.
• Experience supporting laboratory, test rig or special-purpose equipment projects.
• Thermal imaging system integration and calibration.
• Commissioning and acceptance testing of EC&I systems.

Scope

• Control and instrumentation system design.
• Sensor and data acquisition architecture development.
• Component specification and selection.
• Instrumentation documentation and drawing production.
• Procurement support.
• Build and commissioning support.