Automation Control Engineer

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Bluemethane

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Cranfield, United Kingdom

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Control & Automation Engineer


Role Purpose


Join Bluemethane in tackling climate change by capturing and preventing methane emissions. We’re seeking an experienced Control & Automation Engineer to design and deliver innovative solutions for methane measurement and prevention technology.


This is a hands-on role where you’ll own the control system lifecycle, from concept through commissioning. You’ll collaborate with a mission-driven team, enjoy training allowances, and contribute to sustainability technology that makes a real impact.


Key Outcomes

  • Develop and maintain control philosophies, functional specifications, and loop architectures for pilot plants and skids.
  • Deliver operational P\&IDs, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams ready for fabrication.
  • Ensure accurate field data integration into PLC/SCADA for safe and efficient operations.
  • Commission plants with fully functional VSDs, instruments, and interlocks, ensuring compliance and reliability.
  • Provide operating and maintenance documentation for delivered systems.


Responsibilities

  • Control Systems Design: Create and maintain control philosophies, functional specs, and loop documentation for pilot plants and modular skids.
  • Instrumentation & Drives: Select, configure, and commission sensors, transmitters, and VSDs for pumps and vacuum systems.
  • PLC/SCADA Integration: Program and integrate PLCs, configure telemetry, and develop IIoT dashboards for remote monitoring.
  • Safety & Compliance: Participate in HAZOP reviews, maintain safety registers, and ensure adherence to UK water industry standards.
  • Commissioning & Support: Lead site commissioning, troubleshoot systems, and enable remote access for diagnostics.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with mechanical design engineers, OEMs, and water companies to ensure seamless integration.
  • Quality Oversight: Supervise wiring and assembly performed by technicians; validate installations against design specifications.


Essential Skills & Experience

  • 5+ years in control engineering for pilot plants, process skids, or modular systems (wastewater, oil & gas, or similar).
  • Proven hands-on experience building and commissioning control systems (not just design).
  • Strong knowledge of PLC/SCADA programming, PID tuning, and industrial communication protocols (Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT).
  • Expertise in instrumentation selection and VSD commissioning.
  • Ability to produce high-quality engineering drawings (AutoCAD, MS Visio).
  • Familiarity with vacuum systems and integration of pumps and sensors.
  • Understanding of UK water industry standards, ATEX/IS compliance, and safety practices.


Nice-to-Have

  • Experience with methane/biogas measurement systems.
  • Knowledge of IIoT platforms, data governance, and cybersecurity standards.
  • Exposure to HART communication and National Instruments DAQ systems.


Working Mode

  • Based at Bluemethane’s Cranfield office.
  • Frequent site visits for commissioning and vendor meetings.
  • Remote monitoring and configuration supported.


Salary & Benefits

  • Salary: £43,700 – £50,500 (depending on experience)
  • Share options package
  • 28 days holiday
  • Generous training allowance
  • On-site parking


Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Control, or Automation Engineering (or equivalent experience).


Experience

  • Control engineering: 5 years (required)
  • Wastewater or oil & gas: 1 year (preferred)
  • Demonstrated portfolio of control system projects.


Work Authorisation

  • United Kingdom (required)


Willingness to Travel

  • Up to 50% for commissioning and site support.