Inspector Topside Control System

Topside Control Systems (ICSS/SCADA) 

Reports to: Project QA/QC Manager / I&C Engineer
Location: Vendor Manufacturing Facilities / Automation Shops

About the Project This role supports a major offshore gas development involving two offshore gas fields, new drilling platforms, transmission infrastructure to an existing treatment complex, and a carbon‑capture facility. The project is designed to deliver up to 750 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, strengthening regional energy reliability and export capabilities. It includes full project‑management coverage such as planning, design coordination, procurement support, QA/QC, schedule control, and risk oversight.

Role Summary
The Topside Control Systems (ICSS/SCADA) Inspector is responsible for technical surveillance and quality assurance of Integrated Control & Safety Systems, including PLC/DCS hardware, logic programming, HMI/SCADA interfaces, and safety‑critical architectures. The role ensures that all systems meet SIL requirements and are fully validated through rigorous FAT, logic verification, and hazardous‑area compliance checks.


Key Responsibilities

1. Quality Control & FAT Oversight

• Lead witness and verification of integrated Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for ICSS, including DCS, ESD, and Fire & Gas systems.
• Inspect PLC/DCS hardware racks, marshalling panels, server cabinets, and associated assemblies for compliance.
• Verify wiring terminations, grounding, cable routing, shielding, and labeling to prevent signal issues.

2. Functional Safety & Logic Verification

• Review programmed logic (IEC 61131‑3) to ensure alignment with the Cause & Effect matrix and Functional Design Specification (FDS).
• Validate Safety Integrity Level (SIL) compliance for safety-critical loops (IEC 61508 / IEC 61511).
• Witness internal and external loop checks from instrument simulators to HMI/SCADA consoles.

3. HMI & Hazardous Area Compliance

• Inspect SCADA/HMI graphics for correct representation, alarm prioritization, trending, and navigation logic.
• Verify that equipment intended for hazardous areas carries valid ATEX/IECEx certification and uses correct protection methods (IS, Ex‑d, etc.).
• Monitor configuration and testing of communication protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, and Ethernet/IP.

4. Technical Competencies & Skills

• Strong understanding of PLC/DCS system architectures (e.g., Siemens, Honeywell, Yokogawa, Emerson).
• Deep knowledge of IEC 61131, IEC 61508/61511, ATEX/IECEx compliance, and functional‑safety programming.
• Skilled in logic simulation, root‑cause troubleshooting, and interpreting complex Cause & Effect diagrams.
• Ability to diagnose hardware/software interplay during FAT.

5. Interface & Coordination

• Liaise with Instrumentation & Control Engineers for logic deviations or hardware non‑conformities.
• Coordinate with Telecom Engineers regarding integration of ICSS data into the plant communication backbone.
• Ensure all FAT documentation, test logs, and hazardous‑area certifications are compiled for the MRB.

Qualifications 

• Education: BSc in Instrumentation, Control, or Electrical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Certifications:
  • TÜV or Exida Functional Safety Professional (CFSP/CFSE) — mandatory
  • CompEx (or equivalent) for hazardous areas — preferred
• Languages: Excellent spoken and written English, with proven technical‑report writing ability.

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