Lead I&C Commissioning Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Instrumentation & Control (I&C) Commissioning Engineer to represent the Owner during the commissioning phase of a utility-scale Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Power Plant. This critical role demands a seasoned professional capable of providing technical leadership and oversight to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant execution of all I&C commissioning activities. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the EPC Contractor, Owner’s Technical Specifications (OTS), Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidelines, and international standards to deliver a project that meets all contractual, technical, and safety requirements.

Key Responsibilities

The Lead I&C Commissioning Engineer will serve as the Owner’s technical authority during the commissioning phase, with primary responsibility for overseeing the EPC Contractor’s I&C commissioning activities. This includes ensuring all work is performed safely, in strict adherence to the EPC Contract, Owner’s Technical Specifications (OTS), OEM recommendations, project procedures, and applicable international standards. The role encompasses a broad scope of responsibilities, including field instrumentation, package control systems, PLCs, Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), Fire & Gas Systems (F&G), and their associated interfaces. The Lead I&C Commissioning Engineer will work in tandem with the Lead DCS Commissioning Engineer, who holds primary responsibility for the Distributed Control System (DCS), including system architecture, software configuration, networking, and overall control system functionality.

Commissioning Oversight & Technical Leadership

• Technical Oversight: Provide expert guidance and supervision of the EPC Contractor’s I&C commissioning activities, ensuring all work is executed in accordance with approved procedures, project schedules, and contractual obligations.
• Compliance Monitoring: Verify that commissioning activities align with the Owner’s Technical Specifications (OTS), EPC Contract terms, OEM recommendations, and relevant international standards, including IEC, ISA, and IEEE guidelines.
• Critical Activity Witnessing: Attend and witness critical commissioning activities, providing technical recommendations to support Owner acceptance and project milestone achievement.
• Risk Identification & Mitigation: Proactively identify potential commissioning risks, assess their impact on project safety, quality, and schedule, and recommend effective mitigation strategies to the Commissioning Manager.
• Performance Monitoring: Evaluate the EPC Contractor’s performance, addressing any concerns related to quality, safety, schedule adherence, or technical non-compliance in a timely and professional manner.

Engineering & Documentation Review

The Lead I&C Commissioning Engineer will review and provide technical comments on a comprehensive range of documents to ensure compliance with project requirements before commissioning activities commence. This includes:

• Commissioning Procedures and Method Statements
• Commissioning Schedules and Functional Test Procedures
• Loop Check and Cause & Effect Test Procedures
• Startup Procedures, SAT Documentation, and Turnover Packages
• Commissioning Reports, Red-Line Drawings, and As-Built Documentation

Each document will be meticulously reviewed to confirm alignment with project specifications, contractual obligations, and industry best practices.

Field Instrumentation & System Commissioning

The role requires hands-on oversight of commissioning activities for a wide array of field instrumentation and systems, including:

• Field Instruments: Pressure, temperature, flow, level, and analytical instruments, as well as smart field devices.
• Control Valves & Actuators: Motor-operated valves (MOVs), on-off valves, and instrument air systems.
• Sampling & Calibration: Instrument calibration, reinstatement, loop checking, and field verification to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Package Control Systems & Functional Testing

The Lead I&C Commissioning Engineer will oversee the commissioning of package-mounted PLC and local control systems, including but not limited to:

• Water Treatment Plants
• Fuel Gas Systems
• Air Compressors
• Fire Protection Systems
• HVAC Systems
• Chemical Dosing Systems
• Diesel Generator Controls
• Auxiliary Boilers (where applicable)
• Balance of Plant Packages

Additionally, the role involves witnessing and monitoring a variety of functional tests, including loop checks, interlock testing, permissive testing, cause & effect testing, sequence testing, valve stroke testing, and integrated system testing. Close coordination with the Lead DCS Commissioning Engineer is essential to ensure seamless integration between package control systems and the plant DCS.

Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) & Fire & Gas (F&G)

The Lead I&C Commissioning Engineer will provide technical oversight for the commissioning of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and Fire & Gas (F&G) systems, including:

• Field Devices for SIS and F&G detection
• Functional Testing, Proof Testing, and Interface Testing
• Final Acceptance Testing

This role ensures strict compliance with Functional Safety requirements and project-specific safety standards, contributing to the overall safety and reliability of the power plant.

Qualifications & Experience

Candidates for this role must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Instrumentation, or Control Engineering, or a related field, with a minimum of 10 years of experience in instrumentation and control commissioning within the power generation or heavy industrial sector. Professional certifications in functional safety (e.g., TÜV, IEC 61511) and experience with DCS, PLC, and SIS systems are highly desirable. Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills are essential to effectively manage stakeholders, resolve technical challenges, and ensure the successful achievement of project milestones.