Commissioning engineer-Instrumentation

Job Purpose

To supervise and execute instrumentation pre-commissioning and commissioning activities, including functional testing of project instrumentation, automation and control systems, in accordance with approved project procedures, technical specifications, safety requirements and project schedules.

The role will be responsible for ensuring that installed instruments, control systems and associated equipment are properly tested, commissioned and handed over to Operations in accordance with the required performance and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise Instrument Commissioning Technicians in the functional testing and commissioning of project instrumentation systems.
• Execute and supervise instrumentation pre-commissioning and commissioning activities in accordance with approved project procedures.
• Carry out commissioning activities for ICS, PLC, DCS, HMI, ESD, F&G and associated instrumentation/control systems.
• Perform functional loop checks and verify instrument signals, alarms, interlocks, trips and control functions.
• Review and interpret OEM manuals, P&IDs, control drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, datasheets and technical specifications.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, automation and control system issues during commissioning.
• Review plant schematics, P&IDs and control drawings from an Operations & Maintenance perspective.
• Participate in system and subsystem scoping for Automation / DCS.
• Conduct system testing and commissioning activities as per approved procedures.
• Coordinate DCS FAT and SAT activities with vendors, contractors and project teams.
• Perform functional testing and loop checks of automation systems.
• Supervise and support commissioning of Fire & Gas (F&G), Emergency Shutdown (ESD), ICSS and DCS systems.
• Conduct and support ESD and F&G Cause & Effect testing.
• Coordinate interfaces between DCS, ESD, F&G, VESDA and other control/safety systems.
• Verify communication and integration of instruments and automation systems using protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profinet and serial communications.
• Support plant operation in Auto, Semi-Auto, Manual and Local modes and assist Operations teams during commissioning.
• Review instrument working principles, operation and maintenance requirements and identify potential installation or operational issues.
• Coordinate with the Electrical team for the operation and configuration of VFDs and soft starters.
• Facilitate test equipment calibration and verify calibration certificates before commissioning activities.
• Ensure all commissioning activities are performed safely and in accordance with project HSE requirements.
• Identify system-specific risks and support the development and implementation of appropriate mitigation measures.
• Review and approve project-specific Inspection & Test Records (ITRs), check sheets and commissioning documentation.
• Provide inputs to the Completions Management System (CAMS) and ensure timely and accurate documentation.
• Review Operational Test Procedures associated with the commissioning of instrument and control systems.
• Review and redline IFC drawings based on site modifications and actual installation.
• Provide inputs to project commissioning plans, schedules and manpower requirements.
• Ensure instrumentation pre-commissioning and commissioning activities are properly planned, organized and executed in line with the agreed project schedule.
• Verify that installed equipment and systems comply with approved design documents, specifications and required performance parameters.
• Report daily progress, work-scope completion, outstanding issues, risks and concerns to the Commissioning Management team.
• Lead daily execution kick-off meetings and toolbox talks with the commissioning team.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, Operations, Mechanical Completion and other project disciplines to resolve site interfaces and technical issues.
• Support effective utilization of commissioning vendors and provide technical guidance during commissioning activities.
• Assist in preparing requisitions and technical specifications for commissioning materials, equipment and consumables.
• Participate in system and subsystem handover activities from Mechanical Completion to Commissioning and subsequently to Operations.
• Ensure all commissioning records, test results and documentation are completed and maintained for final handover.

Key Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Instrumentation, Automation, DCS, PLC, ICS, HMI and ICSS systems.
• Hands-on experience in instrument commissioning, loop checking and functional testing.
• Knowledge of ESD, F&G and Cause & Effect systems.
• Experience with DCS FAT/SAT and commissioning procedures.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols including Modbus, Profibus, ControlNet, DeviceNet and Profinet.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, control drawings, loop diagrams, schematics and OEM documentation.
• Knowledge of instrumentation working principles, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of VFD and soft starter interfaces.
• Knowledge of commissioning documentation, ITRs, check sheets and CAMS.
• Understanding of risk assessment and commissioning-related safety requirements.

Education & Experience

• Diploma / Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumentation, Electronics, Electrical, Control & Automation Engineering or a related discipline.
• Relevant experience in Instrumentation & Control Commissioning, preferably in Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Refinery, LNG, Chemical or EPC projects.
• Experience working on large-scale industrial plants and commissioning projects will be preferred.
• Experience coordinating with contractors, vendors and multidisciplinary project teams.

Behavioural & Communication Skills

• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively with contractors, vendors and multidisciplinary teams.
• Good leadership and team coordination skills.
• Ability to work under project deadlines and site conditions.
• Strong focus on safety, quality and timely execution.
• Ability to conduct toolbox talks and daily commissioning coordination meetings.

Key Deliverables

• Safe and timely completion of instrumentation pre-commissioning and commissioning activities.
• Successful completion of loop checks, functional tests, Cause & Effect testing and system testing.
• Completion and approval of commissioning ITRs and documentation.
• Timely resolution of commissioning issues and technical interfaces.
• Successful system/subsystem handover to Operations.
• Compliance with project specifications, commissioning procedures, HSE requirements and agreed schedules.