Job Title: Power Plant Instrumentation Engineer
Job Summary:
The Senior Power Plant Instrumentation Engineer is responsible for leading the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of advanced instrumentation and control systems in power generation facilities. This role involves managing large-scale projects, mentoring junior team members, and ensuring that systems such as SCADA, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and safety systems operate reliably and efficiently. The engineer plays a key role in driving innovation, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and supporting strategic decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
System Design and Implementation:
- Lead the design and integration of advanced instrumentation and control systems for turbines, generators, boilers, and auxiliary equipment.
- Oversee the commissioning and calibration of SCADA, DCS, and safety systems to meet performance specifications.
- Ensure seamless integration of control systems with operational processes and power generation equipment.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting:
- Supervise the maintenance of instrumentation and control systems, ensuring high reliability and minimal downtime.
- Conduct advanced diagnostics and root cause analysis for complex system failures, implementing long-term solutions.
- Develop and oversee preventive maintenance programs and ensure their execution by the technical team.
Compliance and Standards:
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards (e.g., IEC, ISA, and ISO) for all instrumentation systems.
- Lead risk assessments and implement safety protocols for critical systems, including emergency shutdown systems.
- Oversee environmental compliance in all instrumentation-related operations, ensuring sustainability and adherence to regulations.
System Optimization and Innovation:
- Monitor system performance metrics and implement advanced optimization techniques to improve efficiency and reliability.
- Evaluate and implement emerging technologies in power plant instrumentation to enhance operations.
- Drive innovation by proposing and implementing upgrades to legacy systems.
Team Leadership and Mentorship:
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level engineers, fostering professional growth.
- Act as a key technical resource for the team, providing solutions to complex technical challenges.
- Lead training programs for the operations and maintenance teams to enhance their technical capabilities.
Project Management:
- Manage large-scale instrumentation projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
- Ensure timely completion of projects while maintaining quality and adherence to specifications.
- Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal teams to ensure successful project execution.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Work closely with operations, maintenance, and safety teams to align instrumentation activities with organizational objectives.
- Communicate with stakeholders, including regulatory authorities and clients, to address technical and compliance concerns.
- Represent the organization in technical discussions, audits, and industry forums.
Key Focus Areas:
- Power Generation Control Systems: Lead design, maintenance, and optimization of instrumentation for turbines, generators, and boilers.
- SCADA and Distributed Control Systems (DCS): Ensure reliable operation and advanced troubleshooting of SCADA/DCS systems.
- Thermal and Nuclear Plant Control Systems: Manage control systems for thermal and nuclear power generation processes.
- Safety and Emergency Shutdown Systems: Lead testing and maintenance of safety-critical systems to ensure operational compliance.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Expert knowledge of instrumentation systems, including advanced control systems (e.g., PLC, SCADA, DCS).
- Proficiency in industrial communication protocols, such as Modbus, Profibus, and HART.
- Advanced diagnostic and troubleshooting skills, including root cause analysis and predictive maintenance.
- Comprehensive understanding of safety regulations, risk assessments, and emergency response procedures.
- Strong analytical skills for performance monitoring and process optimization.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Certifications in advanced SCADA/DCS systems or industrial automation (e.g., Siemens, ABB, Honeywell) are highly desirable.
Experience:
- 7-10 years of experience in power plant instrumentation or a related field, with proven expertise in managing complex systems and projects.
- Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale projects and optimize instrumentation operations in power generation environments.
Tools and Technologies:
- Advanced tools such as oscilloscopes, vibration analyzers, and thermal cameras for diagnostics.
- Proficiency in software platforms like Siemens TIA Portal, Honeywell Experion, ABB DCS, and Yokogawa CENTUM.
- Familiarity with simulation and analysis tools for control system design and performance monitoring.
Other Requirements:
- Exceptional leadership and communication skills to manage teams and interact with stakeholders effectively.
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
- Commitment to maintaining safety, quality, and environmental compliance in all operations.
- Willingness to travel for site inspections, client meetings, and industry events as required.