Job Description:

Principal EICA Engineer

Location: Remote/Home-Based (UK)
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Sector: Water & Wastewater
Travel: Occasional travel required for site visits, FATs and meetings in Manchester (approximately 2-3 times per month)

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Principal EICA Engineer to join a growing engineering team delivering critical projects across major UK Water frameworks.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Electrical, Instrumentation, Control & Automation (EICA) professional who enjoys leading technical delivery, engaging directly with clients, and overseeing multidisciplinary project design from concept through to commissioning.

The role offers a flexible remote working arrangement while remaining closely connected to project teams, clients and site activities across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

As Principal EICA Engineer, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership and ensuring the successful delivery of EICA design solutions across a range of water and wastewater projects.

Key duties will include:

• Producing cost-effective EICA design solutions that meet client specifications and project requirements.
• Developing outline and detailed electrical, instrumentation and control designs.
• Undertaking site surveys and technical assessments.
• Attending Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and producing detailed reports.
• Reviewing and approving engineering documentation and technical submissions.
• Ensuring subcontractor and supplier designs comply with project specifications and industry standards.
• Managing technical risk and ensuring compliance with HSE requirements.
• Preparing equipment and material requisitions for EICA packages.
• Producing installation scopes of work and commissioning documentation.
• Reviewing supplier quotations and preparing technical bid assessments.
• Supporting construction, commissioning and handover activities.
• Allocating work, mentoring junior engineers and ensuring delivery against project schedules.
• Acting as a key technical interface between clients, suppliers and internal project teams.

About You

We are keen to speak with experienced engineers who have a strong background delivering EICA solutions within the UK Water industry.

Essential Experience

• Recent experience working within the UK Water sector.
• Significant experience in EICA or EC&I engineering, ideally 15+ years.
• Strong client-facing experience.
• Experience delivering projects across water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Knowledge of EICA design, installation and commissioning activities.
• Experience attending and managing Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs).
• Knowledge of PLC, SCADA, instrumentation and control systems.
• Strong understanding of UK engineering standards and legislation.
• Experience leading technical teams and reviewing engineering deliverables.

Technical Knowledge

Experience and understanding of:

• WIMES standards
• ATEX and hazardous area requirements
• CE Marking requirements
• Machinery Directive
• Low Voltage Directive
• Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
• EMC Compliance
• Risk management and HSE legislation
• Electrical, instrumentation and control system design

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Control Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng), or actively working towards professional registration.
• Relevant apprenticeships and equivalent experience will also be considered.

Personal Attributes

You will be:

• Highly motivated and proactive.
• A strong communicator with excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Comfortable leading engineering teams and delegating work.
• Customer-focused and commercially aware.
• Passionate about safety, quality and technical excellence.
• Able to work independently while supporting wider project objectives.

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates.  

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.