Commissioning Inst & Control Specialist

Job Summary

McDermott is hiring a Commissioning Inst & Control Specialist (TIL) in Kasenyi Village, Buliisa, Uganda. Requiring an Engineering Diploma and 5+ years of EPC commissioning experience across 3 major oil & gas projects, this role supervises instrument loop testing, DCS/PLC/ESD logic validation, vendor SATs, and E&I subcontractor compliance on a major Central Processing Facility.

Key Roles & Operational Responsibilities

1. Control Logic, Interlock Validation & Safety Systems

• Logic & Cause-and-Effect Verification: Validate control philosophies, interlock logic, cause-and-effect matrices, and control narratives for DCS, PLC, ESD, and FGS systems prior to and during energization.
• Functional Safety Testing: Assist in functional safety verification, including Safety Integrity Level (SIL) validation, High-Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPS) testing, Safety Instrumented System (SIS) checks, and Emergency Shutdown (ESD) logic execution.
• Loop Testing Leadership: Plan and execute the field loop testing program, verifying end-to-end signal integrity between field instruments and central control systems.

2. Field Equipment Supervision & Subcontractor Oversight

• First-Line Supervision: Direct technicians and E&I subcontractor crews performing pre-commissioning, pre-energization checks, repairs, and calibration of field instrumentation and package control systems.
• Vendor Coordination & SATs: Collaborate with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and vendor specialists during Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) and initial start-up of equipment packages (turbines, compressors, pumps).
• Work Front Planning: Issue Permits to Work (PTW) and Job Safety Analyses (JSA) for instrument commissioning activities, managing daily work fronts according to master schedules.

3. Completions, Documentation & Quality Assurance

• Database & Completions Management: Record all completed instrument and control activities, transferring verified records to the Systems Completion team for entry into database tools (OPERCOM / ICAPS frameworks).
• Walkdowns & Punchlisting: Participate in joint client/contractor walkdown inspections, logging, clearing, and reinstating instrument system punch list items.
• As-Built Redlining: Maintain accurate as-built redline instrument drawings during pre-commissioning and commissioning phases per project procedures.

Foundational Capabilities & Prerequisites

Required Academic Background & Track Record

• Educational Baseline: Diploma in Engineering (Instrumentation, Electronics, Automation, or Electrical) preferred.
• Contractor Experience: Minimum of 5 years of direct experience as a commissioning instrument supervisor or specialist within a contractor organization.
• EPC Industry Portfolio: Proven track record of executing pre-commissioning, commissioning, and start-up on at least 3 major EPC projects in the refinery, oil, and gas sectors.
• Equipment Knowledge: Practical experience with large rotating machinery packages (gas turbines, pumps, heavy compressors) and field instruments.

Technical Expertise & Key Assets

• System Familiarity: Broad knowledge of Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Emergency Shutdown Systems (ESD), Fire & Gas Systems (FGS), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
• Specialized Instrumentation Assets: Prior experience with Fire & Gas Detection, MMS, LDS, Analysers & Sampling Systems, Tank Gauging, and HIPS is strongly preferred.
• Completions Methodology: Familiarity with Completions Management Systems (OPERCOM and ICAPS software methodology) is a distinct advantage.
• Communication & Safety: Strong English oral and written communication skills; proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); commitment to zero-harm HSE practices.

Why Join McDermott Uganda?

• Flagship Energy Development: Work directly on one of East Africa's most significant onshore oil field Central Processing Facilities.
• Ethical Employment Standards: Benefit from McDermott's strict ethical hiring policy—all recruitment, medical, and mobilization costs are 100% employer-funded.
• Technical Rigor: Gain high-level exposure to advanced automated control frameworks, high-integrity safety systems, and global EPC completions standards.

Skills Required:

• Electrician / Electronics / Electrical / Engineering