Emerson DCS Engineer / DCS Commissioning Specialist Location: Huelva, Spain
Engagement Type: Freelance / Contract

Overview We are seeking an experienced Emerson DCS Engineer to support the commissioning and start-up phase of a major industrial plant project in Huelva, Spain. The successful candidate will join the commissioning team and play a key role in ensuring the Distributed Control System (DCS) is fully tested, verified, and operational ahead of plant start-up.

This position requires strong hands-on experience with Emerson DCS platforms, including troubleshooting, logic modification, system optimisation, and commissioning support within a process industry environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support commissioning and start-up activities for a new industrial process plant.
• Troubleshoot, analyse, modify, and optimise Emerson DCS control logic.
• Verify and commission control loops and Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems.
• Assist in debugging and resolving DCS-related issues during commissioning activities.
• Optimise HMI graphics, alarm management, and operator interfaces to minimise start-up downtime.
• Conduct system testing, loop checks, and site acceptance activities.
• Produce and maintain accurate as-built documentation.
• Update control narratives, logic diagrams, and HMI displays as required.
• Support operational readiness and ensure a stable DCS environment for handover to the operations team.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering, commissioning, and operations teams.

Deliverables

• Fully verified control loops and ESD logic prior to hot commissioning.
• Completed loop checks and commissioning documentation.
• Updated red-line P&IDs and control system documentation.
• Finalised logic diagrams and HMI graphics.
• Site Acceptance Test (SAT) reports and software punch-list tracking.
• Operational procedures and DCS handover documentation.
• Commissioned and stabilised control system ready for operational use.

Required Experience

• Minimum 3 years' experience working with Emerson DCS systems.
• Proven commissioning and start-up experience within industrial process plants.
• Strong understanding of control systems, instrumentation, and process automation.
• Experience troubleshooting and modifying DCS logic in a live commissioning environment.
• Knowledge of ESD systems, loop checking, and system validation activities.
• Ability to work independently on site while collaborating with wider project teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience within air separation, chemical, gas, energy, or heavy industrial facilities.
• Previous involvement in greenfield projects and plant start-ups.
• Familiarity with commissioning documentation and handover procedures.

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.