Senior EI&C Engineer Roles and Responsibilities
Overview –
The Senior EI&C Engineer is responsible for leading and delivering electrical, instrumentation, and control systems engineering for EPC power-generation and industrial projects.
This includes system design, grid interface, protection studies, instrumentation engineering, control system architecture (PLC/DCS), equipment specification, vendor oversight, commissioning support, and coordination with multi-discipline engineering teams.
The role functions as the EI&C technical authority, ensuring that all designs meet EPC contractual requirements, Irish/European regulations, safety standards, and company quality processes.
The position aligns with Engineers Ireland senior engineer competencies, requiring professional judgement, leadership, and independent technical capability.
Key Role and Responsibilities
General Characteristics
- Applies broad and deep knowledge of power systems, protection, control, instrumentation, and automation within EPC industrial environments.
- Independently evaluates complex technical issues and develops practical, compliant engineering solutions.
- Understands related disciplines (mechanical, civil, process) and manages multi-discipline interfaces.
- Interprets and applies relevant Irish, UK, and European regulations, including:
- ET 101 / IS 10101 Wiring Rule
- IEC/EN 60204, 60364, 60034, 60947
- Grid Code and utility connection requirements
- ATEX / IECEx
- Machinery Directive
- Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Regulations
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of industry developments relevant to EI&C and power systems.
- Represents the EI&C discipline in client, vendor, contractor, and regulatory interactions.
Technical Responsibilities
Electrical Power Systems
- Lead the development, review, and approval of all electrical engineering deliverables, including SLDs, protection schemes, MCCs, switchgear specifications, load flow and fault studies, cable sizing calculations, and grounding/earthing system design.
- Oversee EOR electrical design for compliance with project specifications, Irish/EU regulations, and company standards.
- Perform or review:
- short-circuit analysis
- protection coordination studies
- arc flash hazard assessments
- harmonic and power quality assessments
- HV/LV cable sizing and routing
- transformer, generator, and motor sizing
- Ensure designs comply with:
- IS 10101 and IEC/EN electrical standards
- Grid Code and utility requirements
- relevant Irish electrical and safety legislation
- EN/IEC protection and control standards
- ATEX classification and equipment selection (where applicable)
Control & Instrumentation
- Lead the design and oversight of control systems (PLC/DCS/SCADA), including architecture, I/O allocation, network design, and functional descriptions.
- Review and approve:
- control logic, cause & effect diagrams, control narratives
- DCS/PLC configurations
- graphic interfaces and alarm philosophies
- instrumentation datasheets, specifications, and installation details
- instrument index, I/O lists, loop diagrams, and wiring details
- Ensure compliance with relevant EN/IEC standards for control systems (e.g., IEC 61131, 61511, 61508).
- Support safety instrumented system (SIS) design and SIL assessments as required.
Vendor & Equipment Engineering
- Review vendor documentation including GA drawings, wiring diagrams, protection settings, instrument specifications, FAT/SAT procedures, and performance data.
- Participate in technical bid evaluations, vendor clarifications, and technical negotiations.
- Support integration and testing of major EI&C equipment such as:
- HV/MV/LV switchgear
- MCCs and VFDs
- protection relays
- DCS/PLC systems
- instrumentation packages
- electrical rooms, substations, and distribution systems
- Ensure equipment meets technical specifications, performance guarantees, and CE/PED/ATEX requirements.
Risk, Safety, and Sustainability
- Lead EI&C engineering risk assessments, including design hazard reviews, HAZOP/HAZID sessions, arc flash studies, and reliability assessments.
- Integrate safety-in-design principles, ensuring compliance with SHWW Regulations, ATEX, and electrical safety standards.
- Ensure operability, maintainability, lifecycle considerations, and energy efficiency are embedded into EI&C designs.
Documentation & Compliance
- Prepare and approve engineering documentation, including specifications, calculations, datasheets, test procedures, and reports.
- Maintain accurate digital engineering records in line with ISO 9001 and company document control procedures.
Program, Project, and Task Management
- Plan and coordinate EI&C engineering scopes, budgets, schedules, and deliverables across project stages.
- Prepare EI&C inputs for engineering execution plans, tender submissions, and resource planning.
- Evaluate EI&C risks and opportunities, developing mitigation strategies.
- Coordinate interfaces between EI&C and mechanical, civil, structural, and process teams.
- Track progress of EOR deliverables and ensure timely submission of drawings, specs, and calculations.
- Support permitting processes, including grid applications, electrical safety submissions, and hazardous area documentation.
Management, Supervision & Mentorship
- Provide daily technical direction, leadership, and coaching to junior EI&C engineers and designers.
- Support competency development and Engineers Ireland professional formation plans for EI&C staff.
- Review design work completed by the team to ensure accuracy, compliance, and quality.
- Lead or participate in EI&C design reviews, coordination meetings, and technical workshops.
- Represent the discipline in internal and external meetings, supporting the Project Engineering Manager as required.
Construction Support & Field Engineering
- Provide specialist support during installation, testing, pre-commissioning, and commissioning of EI&C systems.
- Conduct site visits to inspect cable installations, electrical rooms, grounding systems, MCCs, instrumentation, and control panels.
- Review method statements, energisation plans, commissioning procedures, protection relay settings, and FAT/SAT reports.
- Resolve EI&C design issues encountered on site to protect schedule and cost outcomes.
- Support energisation, loop checking, relay testing, functional testing, and performance verification.
- Participate in punch lists, NCR closeout, and as-built documentation.
Procurement & Subcontractor Interface
- Support procurement activities, including preparation of technical specifications, datasheets, and scope documents.
- Lead technical bid evaluations for EI&C equipment and subcontracted services.
- Participate in vendor meetings, design reviews, FATs, and technical workshops.
- Monitor supplier documentation for compliance and timely delivery.
- Support preparation of EI&C sections of purchase orders and subcontracts.
Health, Safety, Environmental & Quality (HSEQ)
- Apply ISO 45001, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 aligned practices to all EI&C engineering tasks.
- Ensure compliance with Irish and EU electrical safety legislation, including:
- IS 10101
- SHWW Act & General Application Regulations
- ATEX (2014/34/EU)
- Machinery Directive
- Support root-cause analysis, incident investigations, and continuous improvement.
- Participate in safety audits, risk assessments, hazardous area classification reviews, and design safety workshops.
