Lead Instrument and Control Engineer at Oando

Reports to: Engineering Manager

Job Summary

To lead all instrumentation, control systems, and automation engineering activities for facility modifications and projects, for the engineering department and plant operations, in order to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of control systems that maximize production performance and safeguards personnel and assets.

Key Responsibilities Areas (KRAs) and Initiatives

Instrument and Control Engineering Design and Specification

• Develop, verify, and approve detailed specifications and datasheets for all field instruments (transmitters, flowmeters, analyzers, control valves) and control systems (DCS, PLC, SIS) using industry codes (e.g., International Society of Automation (ISA), American Petroleum Institute (API)) to ensure accurate procurement, reliable performance, and safe operation of assets.
• Oversee the development, review, and application of I&C documentation, including P&IDs, instrument index, loop diagrams, cause & effect matrices, and control philosophies using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and specialized software to ensure design accuracy and seamless integration with other engineering disciplines that minimizes rework during construction.
• Lead technical evaluation of vendor proposals during procurement activities by assessing compliance with specifications, managing technical clarification queries, and ensuring equipment suitability to guarantee that all purchased control equipment is fit-for-purpose, reliable, and complies with safety and design standards.
• Conduct engineering studies and feasibility assessments for proposed facility automation upgrades by evaluating technology options, estimating costs, and defining project scopes to provide sound recommendations that support robust project planning and effective capital allocation decisions.
• Manage the quality control of all I&C engineering deliverables across the team by implementing robust review processes and adhering to internal quality assurance standards to ensure design integrity, minimize errors, and deliver high-quality engineering packages that support safe execution.

Process Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and Compliance

• Ensure all safety instrumented systems (SIS) designs strictly adhere to applicable safety regulations and international standards (e.g., IEC 61508/61511, API) by coordinating the application of Safety Integrity Level (SIL) verification calculations and procedures to mitigate legal liability and ensure reliable safety functionality.
• Lead the development and update of cause & effect matrices and safety logic diagrams by collaborating closely with process and operations teams to accurately capture all safety shutdown scenarios and ensure compliance with process safety management (PSM) requirements.
• Participate in formal hazard analysis reviews, including HAZOP (Hazard and Operability study), LOPA (Layers of Protection Analysis), and PSSR (Pre-Startup Safety Review), by providing I&C expertise on control system limitations, failure modes, and safeguards to ensure potential risks are thoroughly captured, understood, and addressed in the design.
• Oversee the engineering and validation of critical safety equipment by managing inspection cycles, reviewing test procedures, and ensuring compliance with all I&C safety regulations to prevent catastrophic failures and ensure personnel safety and environmental protection.
• Liaise with regulatory agencies and third-party inspectors by preparing documentation, coordinating statutory inspections, and addressing technical queries to ensure all I&C systems meet mandatory government and environmental regulations and receive timely clearances.

Operational Support and Optimization

• Provide expert I&C engineering support for daily plant operations by troubleshooting complex control system issues, diagnosing performance gaps in loops, and providing timely technical solutions to minimize unplanned downtime, restore production quickly, and ensure sustained facility availability.
• Lead the design and implementation of Advanced Process Control (APC) and optimization strategies by utilizing data analytics and control loop tuning techniques to improve facility efficiency, increase energy optimization, and maximize throughput without compromising safety.
• Review and approve maintenance procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to I&C equipment by verifying technical accuracy and safety implications to prevent human error, reduce operational risks, and ensure safe handling of all control systems.
• Manage the technical aspects of all Turnaround (TAR) and major maintenance activities related to instrumentation by defining scope, coordinating calibration plans, and ensuring quality control (QC) inspections are executed properly to ensure efficient and safe return-to-service of equipment.
• Develop and implement engineering solutions for digitalization and data integration by specifying Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors and integrating data with central platforms to enable predictive maintenance and data-driven decision making.

Project Management and Execution Coordination

• Manage I&C projects from planning to execution within scope, time, and budget by utilizing project management tools, allocating resources efficiently, and monitoring progress against established schedules to ensure delivery meets stakeholder requirements and organizational standards.
• Coordinate inter-disciplinary activities by serving as the bridge between I&C engineering and other functions (process, mechanical, electrical, piping, construction) to ensure seamless communication, integrated designs, and resolution of interface issues that prevents silos, rework, and project delays.
• Support procurement and construction activities by providing technical expertise, attending Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs), and conducting site inspections to ensure compliance with design specifications, resolve anomalies, and streamline operations to improve efficiency.
• Evaluate and manage design changes to the original scope of work through the formal Management of Change (MOC) process to ensure rigorous technical review, approval, and documentation of all modifications, preventing uncontrolled operational risks and compliance failures.
• Develop procedures for the control of I&C discipline activities by creating lists of deliverables and detailed time schedules in accordance with contract requirements to ensure transparent progress monitoring, effective planning, and on-time delivery of engineering documents.

Technical Leadership and Mentorship

• Mentor, coach, and guide junior and senior I&C engineers through structured feedback sessions, on-the-job training, and project support to develop their technical competencies, build internal capability, and ensure the engineering team’s long-term sustainability.
• Provide technical stewardship across the engineering department by serving as the subject matter expert (SME) on complex I&C issues and challenging design assumptions to ensure robust decision-making and the application of sound engineering principles across all projects.
• Develop and deliver internal technical training workshops on core I&C topics (e.g., DCS architecture, field instrument selection, SIL verification) to enhance the entire team's knowledge base, standardize best practices, and improve the consistency and quality of deliverables.
• Manage individual performance reviews and development plans for the I&C engineering team by setting clear goals, tracking progress, and providing honest feedback to ensure team members are aligned with departmental objectives, motivated, and achieving their full professional potential.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the team by encouraging the exploration of new technologies, data analytics tools, and industry trends to improve efficiency, enhance safety practices, and keep the department at the forefront of I&C engineering excellence.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline

Required Professional Certifications / Accreditations / Registrations

• Registered/Chartered Engineer status with a recognized professional body (e.g., COREN in Nigeria, InstMC, or equivalent international professional engineering license)

Minimum Years of Experience and Relevant Areas

• Minimum of 15 years of instrumentation and control systems engineering experience in the oil and gas, refining, or petrochemical industry.
• Minimum of 3-5 years in a lead, supervisory, or managerial role overseeing a team of I&C engineers/technicians.
• Extensive experience in the design, selection, installation, and maintenance of diverse field instruments and control systems (DCS, PLC, SIS).

Proven Experience in

• Leading multidisciplinary engineering teams for the design, construction, and commissioning of I&C systems in oil and gas facilities.
• Performing Safety Integrity Level (SIL) verification calculations and analysis in compliance with IEC 61508/61511 standards.
• Managing the technical evaluation of vendor proposals for control systems (DCS/PLC/SIS) and ensuring quality control (QC) reviews of vendor documentation.
• Troubleshooting complex control system failures and conducting formal Root Cause Analysis (RCA) within an operational environment.
• Implementing and managing Management of Change (MOC) processes and participating in formal hazard reviews (HAZID, HAZOP, LOPA).
• Utilizing engineering software tools for I&C design (e.g., INTOOLS/SPI, CAD software) and control system programming/configuration environments.

Any Additional Qualifications / Certifications or Experience (Desirable but not essential)

• Master’s degree in Control Systems Engineering, Project Management, or a related field (advantageous).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification (advantageous).
• Experience with Advanced Process Control (APC) or Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) implementation (advantageous).