Lead Automation Engineer

Our client is a global industrial conglomerate with approximately 7,000 employees, specializing in equipment manufacturing, energy engineering, and technical services. The company is expanding into the UAE with a new production facility, leveraging its extensive oil and gas expertise to deliver high-quality engineering solutions while maintaining strong standards of safety, reliability, and operational excellence.

What we offer
Your salary is tax free! You will have the opportunity to expand your network and be a part of a dynamic and growing company. Our client offers a direct employment contract, competitive salary package, and other benefits as per UAE Labor Law.

Who you are
As a Lead Automation Engineer, you lead the automation team, manage engineering activities, coordinate with clients and vendors, and ensure designs meet requirements. You provide technical guidance, track progress, and support site installation/commissioning for safe, timely delivery.

Skills & Competencies:
Strong leadership, proactive mindset, and ability to lead skilled I&C engineers and designers.· Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
ADNOC: Knowledge of AGES standards, Codes of Practice, and HSE requirements.
ADNOC: CV in ADNOC format; prior approval in a similar role is an advantage.
ADNOC docs required: attested degree, certificates, experience letters, passport.
Proficient in SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI), AutoCAD, and MS Office.
Strong stakeholder management and English communication skills.

Education & Qualifications:

• Engineering degree/diploma (I&C/Automation preferred).
• 12+ yrs onshore oil & gas EPC (UAE/GCC/ADNOC); 2+ yrs site exp.
• UAE-attested degree; Lead on 2-3 EPCs (>$500M).
• Handles bid evaluations, vendor reviews, SIS systems (Schneider/Honeywell/HIMA), HAZOP & SIL support.
• ISO/IEC standards; SIS systems, pkg reviews & HAZOP/SIL.

Description
The Lead Automation Engineer serves as the technical lead for automation systems, ensuring that all control and monitoring functions are properly developed and integrated into the overall project. The position focuses on system performance, design quality, technical reliability, and providing engineering direction to achieve successful project execution.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Lead or sub-lead a team of I&C engineers and designers. Deliver project work on schedule in line with company standards, applicable codes and regulations.
• Communicate with internal and external clients and vendors. Join client meetings and resolve complex technical issues.
• Make sure solutions account for constructability, installation, operability, vendor capability, schedule and budget. Find gaps between design and product specifications and recommend alternatives.
• Define the discipline scope from project requirements. Assign tasks. Work with the Discipline/Engineering Project Manager to forecast manhours, resources and deliverable dates.
• Update the Discipline/Project Manager on status. Raise concerns early and keep activities within budget. Communicate changes that affect key milestones.
• Challenge technical solutions, promote the best approach and apply new technology. Join design reviews and share knowledge with peers.
• Support yard installation and commissioning. Provide construction assistance at site (a few days to a few months, depending on the project).
• Show understanding of overall I&C requirements, design principles, field measurement and control devices and their correct application. Support procurement: data sheets, bid tabulation, vendor evaluation.