Senior I&C Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Summary:

The Senior Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Specialist is responsible for the technical execution and oversight of instrumentation, control, and safety instrumented system (SIS) scopes across the project lifecycle from design review and FAT through construction, pre-commissioning, commissioning, startup, and early operations. The role serves as the technical authority for DCS, PLC, and SIS platforms, providing expert troubleshooting, loop and logic verification, and coordination with engineering, operations, and vendor representatives. Assignments may include refining and petrochemical revamps, modular fabrication projects, and renewable energy (hydrogen, CCUS, electrolyzers).

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the senior I&C technical authority on assigned projects,providingexpert guidance on instrumentationselection, loop design, control narrative interpretation, and SIS architecture.
• Review and red-line P&IDs, loop diagrams, logic diagrams, cause-and-effect matrices, instrument index, I/O lists, and SIS safety requirement specifications (SRS) during design and pre-construction phases.
• Develop andmaintaindiscipline -level work products including commissioning procedures, loop-check protocols, function test procedures, and turnover packages.
• Mentor junior I&C technicians, engineers, and project staff.
• Plan and execute pre-commissioning and commissioning activities including instrument calibration, loop checking, function testing, SIS proof testing, and pre-startup safety reviews (PSSR) support.
• Lead loop check and function test campaigns; manage punch list closure and turnover package compilation per project quality requirements.
• Support SIS lifecycle activities including PHA/LOPA workshop participation, SIL verification reviews, SIS validation testing, bypass management, and CMMS PM setup for SIS proof testing.
• Coordinate vendor FAT and SAT participation for control system, analyzer, and packaged equipment scopes; ensure punch items and deviations are properly captured and dispositioned.
• Diagnose and resolve complex instrumentation, control, and SIS issues during construction, commissioning, startup, and early operations support.
• Interpret and apply field device diagnostics; perform configuration and tuning of smart field instruments and digital communication networks.
• Provide hands-on support for DCS, PLC, and SIS configuration changes, MOC implementation, and bypass tracking in support of commissioning and operations.
• Enforce compliance with project specifications, governingcodesand standards (ISA, IEC, NEC/NFPA, API), and client-specific engineering standards.
• Support hazardous area classification verification, intrinsic safety loop validation, and grounding/bonding verification activities.
• Document all field activities, test results, deviations, and lessons learnedin accordance withthe project document management plan and CC&C procedures.
• Champion a strong HSE culture;participatein pre-job safety briefings, JSAs, and incident investigations asrequired.

• Interface with engineering, construction, operations, automation, electrical, and HSE disciplines to ensure seamless system integration.
• Serve as the primary discipline point of contact with vendor representatives for control systems, analyzers, valves, and instrumentation packages.
• Represent the I&C discipline in client-facing meetings, technical reviews, and turnover walks.

Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of process instrumentation: pressure, temperature, flow, level, and analytical measurement technologies, includingselection, installation, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of major distributed control systems (DCS) used in refining and petrochemical operations.
• Working knowledge of common PLC platforms and dedicated safety instrumented system (SIS) platforms.
• Strong understanding of functional safety and SIS lifecycle, including PHA/LOPA, SIL determination, safety requirement specification development, SIL verification, validation, and proof testing.
• Knowledge of common industrial communication protocols and fieldbus technologies.
• Familiarity with applicable industry codes and standards governing instrumentation, control systems, functional safety, electrical safety, hazardous area classification, and refining/petrochemical practice.
• Knowledge of hazardous area classification, intrinsic safety, and standard explosion protection methods.
• Understanding of refining and petrochemical unit operations sufficient to interpret process control requirements and support commissioning of major process units.
• Familiarity with energy transition scopes such as hydrogen, CCUS,electrolyzer, andrenewablesprojects is a plus.

Skills:

• Expert troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of instrumentation, control, and SIS issues in operating and commissioning environments.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting P&IDs, loop diagrams, logic diagrams, cause-and-effect matrices, electrical schematics, and instrument datasheets.
• Proficient with HART communicators, multifunction calibrators, decade boxes, multimeters, and field test equipment.
• Proficient in CMMS platforms for PM development, work order management, and SIS proof test tracking.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; able to manage multiple parallel scopes during commissioning.
• Effective communication and mentoring skills across technician, engineering, operations, andmanagementaudiences.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio); familiarity with electronic completions management platforms is a plus.

Abilities:

• Ability tooperateas a senior individual contributor with minimal supervision whilemaintainingalignment with project and practice standards.
• Ability to translate complex technical issues into clear recommendations for project management, operations, and client stakeholders.
• Ability to plan, sequence, and execute multi-loop commissioning campaignsunder schedulepressure.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior technicians and engineers without holding formal supervisory authority.
• Ability to work in field conditionssuch aselevatedwork,confined spaces.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required by project assignment.
• Ability to obtain andmaintainsite access credentials, security clearances, and medical and drug-screening clearances required by assigned client sites and host countries.

Experience:

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressive instrumentation andcontrolsexperience in refining, petrochemical, chemical, or comparable process industries.
• Minimum of five (5) years of direct experience with safety instrumented systems (SIS) across multiple lifecycle phases.
• Demonstrated experience executing commissioning, startup, and turnaround scopes on operating units.
• Hands-on experience with multiple major DCS, PLC, and SIS platforms used in the refining and petrochemical industry.
• Experience supporting or leading PHA/LOPA workshops, SIL verification, and SIS proof test programs is highly preferred.
• Prior experience in a senior or supervisory I&C role within an owner-operator environment is preferred.
• Previousexperience working in Nigeria or similar developing countries is an asset.

Education/Certification:

• Required:Associate degree in Instrumentation, Electrical, or related technical discipline; or equivalent combination of trade school, military, and progressive industry experience.
• Preferred:Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

• Preferred certifications:Recognized instrumentation, controls, or functional safety certifications relevant to the discipline, such as ISA control systems credentials, functional safety engineer/expert designations, NCCER industrial maintenance credentials, and OSHA safety training.

Entry Requirements:

• Passport:

• Passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended stay in Nigeria.
• Ensure your passport has at least one blank page.

• Vaccinations:

• Yellow Fever: A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate isrequiredfor all travelers.
• Other Vaccinations: It is highly recommended that travelers areup to dateon routine vaccinations, and that they consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and other diseases as recommended by their doctor or travel clinic.

Additional Notes:

• Visa: A valid visa is required for entry into Nigeria. Company will obtain the visa from a Nigerian embassy or consulate before travel.
• Travelers should consult with a healthcare professional or travel clinic for the most current and detailed information on recommended and required vaccinations.
• Entry requirements can change, so it's essential to check the latest information from the Nigerian Immigration Service or the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate before traveling.