Site DCS Engineer

Site DCS Engineer (ICSS / PLC / DCS) The Site DCS Engineer is responsible for overseeing the installation, integration, testing, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and handover of Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Integrated Control and Safety Systems (ICSS), and PLC-based control systems on a major LNG facility project. The role supports the full project lifecycle from engineering through to operational readiness.

Key Responsibilities Technical Assurance

• Ensure control and safety systems comply with engineering specifications, project requirements, and international standards.
• Review and validate system documentation including architectures, I/O lists, logic diagrams, cause and effect matrices, network designs, and cybersecurity requirements.
• Support design reviews, process safety studies, and system reliability improvements.

Construction Support

• Support installation of DCS, ICSS, PLC, SIS, ESD, Fire & Gas, networking, server, workstation, and field instrumentation systems.
• Review inspection and test plans (ITPs), construction documentation, and inspection reports.
• Participate in site inspections, loop checks, Ex inspections, and equipment preservation activities.
• Provide technical support to contractors and resolve site queries, deviations, and non-conformances.

Pre-Commissioning & Commissioning

• Support development and execution of commissioning procedures.
• Participate in Site Acceptance Tests (SATs) and witness:
  • I/O loop testing
  • Logic and interlock testing
  • Sequence testing
  • System performance testing
  • Network redundancy testing
  • PLC-to-ICSS integration testing
• Assist with punch list management, commissioning dossiers, and operational readiness activities.

Vendor & Package Integration

• Coordinate integration of package PLC systems from equipment vendors such as compressors, generators, HVAC systems, pumps, and analysers.
• Validate communication interfaces including Modbus TCP/IP, OPC, hardwired I/O, and serial communications.
• Support vendor troubleshooting and ensure cybersecurity controls are maintained.

Interface Management

• Coordinate interfaces across Process, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Telecoms, Marine, Subsea, Commissioning, and Operations teams.
• Support integration of electrical monitoring, equipment monitoring, subsea control systems, metering systems, analyzers, HVAC controls, telecoms, and safety systems.

HSE & Quality

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with site HSE requirements.
• Apply safe systems of work including LOTO, PTW, and electrical isolation procedures.
• Ensure all work meets project quality standards.

Reporting & Documentation

• Report progress, risks, and technical issues to the E&I Lead.
• Maintain up-to-date as-built documentation, system configurations, network drawings, and commissioning records.
• Support turnover and handover documentation.

Working Environment

• Based at a remote LNG construction site in Northern Mozambique.
• Rotational assignment (4 weeks on / 4 weeks off).
• Multinational project environment with interaction across engineering centres, contractors, vendors, and operational teams.
• Requires high levels of autonomy, adaptability, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensure technical integrity and operability of all control and safety systems.
• Ensure installation, testing, and commissioning activities meet engineering, safety, quality, schedule, and contractual requirements.
• Provide timely technical support to maintain project progress.
• Support safe and efficient handover to commissioning and operations teams.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in Automation, Instrumentation, Control Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years' experience in DCS, ICSS, and PLC engineering on large oil & gas or LNG projects.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • DCS/PCS systems
  • ESD, SIS, and Fire & Gas systems
  • Package PLCs
  • Industrial communication protocols
  • HAZOP, LOPA, and safety lifecycle processes
• Experience working with major EPC contractors.
• Strong construction and commissioning experience.
• Fluent English required; Portuguese or French advantageous.
• Able to work effectively in remote, multicultural environments.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.