We’re Hiring Senior / Lead Instrument Engineer

We are seeking a highly competent Senior / Lead Instrument Engineer to support strategic brownfield revamp, debottlenecking, and decarbonization initiatives across refining and petrochemical assets. The role requires strong expertise in field instrumentation, control systems engineering, FEED & detailed engineering, and the ability to translate process improvement concepts into executable engineering deliverables.
This position is based in Sohar, Oman.Job Title: Senior / Lead Instrument Engineer
Function: Engineering – Technical Services Industry: Refining & Petrochemicals (Downstream)
Location: Sohar
Experience: 12-18+ years (Senior / Lead level)Minimum requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumentation / Electronics / Control Engineering
10-18+ years of experience in refining / petrochemical / oil & gas industries
Proven experience in brownfield projects (FEED + Detailed Engineering)
Strong analytical capability to evaluate existing vs proposed system modifications
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skillsKey Responsibilities
Instrument Engineering & Brownfield Modifications
Capability to perform field instrument sizing and selection including control valves, flow meters, pressure, temperature, and level instruments.

• Evaluate brownfield modification proposals by assessing: Existing system vs. proposed changes
• Impact on Field JBs / Cable Routing / IO Sizing / DCS / ESD / PLC configurations
• Wiring modifications, loop changes, and cabinet expansion requirements
• Spare availability, obsolescence risks, and system constraints
• Develop instrument engineering scope and deliverables aligned with end-user requirements.

FEED & Feasibility Engineering
Contribute to as an Instrument Engineering specialist for feasibility studies and FEED phases such as:Revamp & debottlenecking projects
Energy optimization and decarbonization initiatives (e.g., flare gas recovery, CO/CO₂/H₂ recovery, furnace revamp & recovery etc.)Translate process concepts into: Instrument index, IO list, Instrument datasheets, control philosophy inputs, F&G and Analyzer requirements
Preliminary control system architecture and sizing etc.
Prepare clear and structured Scope of Work (SOW) from Instrumentation and Control Systems engineering aspects for FEED/EPC contractors.Hazardous Area & Compliance
Apply strong knowledge of hazardous area classification and compliance.

• Ensure proper selection and design of instruments based on: ATEX / IECEx requirements
• Intrinsic Safety (IS) philosoph
• Functional Safety design and engineering requirements including SIL classification & verification hands-on experience
• Support safe design practices in compliance with international standards.

Multidiscipline Interface Management

• Coordinate effectively with: Process Engineering (P&IDs, control narrative, control philosophy, cause & effect, process conditions data requirements for instrument selection & sizing etc.)
• Piping & Mechanical / Rotating Equipment (isometrics interfaces, rotating machinery instrumentation etc.)
• Electrical Engineering (power, earthing, hazardous area interfaces)

Identify and manage instrumentation & control interface boundaries early to prevent scope gaps and rework.Control Systems & Instrumentation Deliverables
Hands-on experience with: DCS, ESD, PLC systems
Analyzers and package systems
CCTV and auxiliary systems (as applicable)
Field Instruments, F&F and Analyzers
Prepare/review key deliverables: Instrument datasheets
Instrument loop diagrams
Hook-ups and installation details
Wiring diagrams (power & signal)
Instrument layouts and location drawings
IO lists and controller sizing
Instrument air & power consumption calculations
Control system architecture and network diagramsCommunication Protocols
Working knowledge and application of: HART protocol
Foundation Fieldbus
Review and validate associated engineering deliverables and integration aspects.Technical Bid Evaluation
Lead technical bid evaluations (TBE) for instrumentation and control systems.
Conduct technical clarifications with vendors/OEMs.
Ensure compliance with project specifications, standards, and lifecycle requirements.Engineering Standards & Lifecycle Perspective
Strong familiarity with FEED and Detailed Engineering deliverables, including: Instrument Index & IO Lists
Cause & Effect inputs
Control narratives/philosophies
Cable schedules and routing
Junction box, marshalling, and cabinet design
FAT/SAT requirements and support
Ensure alignment with company engineering standards and lifecycle management practices.
Good experience in preparing clear scope of work document for Instrument & Control Systems engineering in consideration to both brownfield modifications as well as new proposed systems.Preferred / Added Advantage
Experience in decarbonization and energy optimization projects
Exposure to large-scale revamp and debottlenecking programs
Prior experience working with leading EPC contractors and end-users
Familiarity with international standards and best practices (e.g., ISA / IEC frameworks)Key Competencies
Individual Contributor in Instrumentation & Control Systems Engineering
Brownfield Engineering Judgment
Multidiscipline Coordination
FEED-to-Execution Continuity
Problem Solving & Decision MakingPeople are our business worldwideOrion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.