Senior/Principal Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior/Principal Instrumentation & Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced process instrumentation and control systems across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure and energy projects. This role provides technical leadership and strategic direction for complex projects involving municipal water and wastewater systems, power generation, industrial automation, microgrids, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems.

As a senior technical authority, you will oversee full project lifecycles—from concept through commissioning—while mentoring engineering teams, interfacing with clients, and ensuring high-quality, compliant, and innovative control system solutions.

This is a direct-hire position.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership & System Design

• Lead the evaluation, design, and optimization of plant control and instrumentation systems across multiple industries
• Provide subject matter expertise in Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
• Oversee development and review of key engineering deliverables including P&IDs, I/O lists, instrument data sheets, cable schedules, and procurement specifications
• Direct the creation and validation of control logic, including ladder logic, functional block diagrams, and SAMA diagrams
• Ensure successful system integration, testing, installation, and commissioning in collaboration with site engineering teams
• Establish and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and quality control processes

Project Execution & Strategy

• Lead complex, multi-disciplinary engineering projects from planning through execution and closeout
• Perform and oversee technical analysis, design computations, and cost evaluations to support decision-making
• Evaluate design alternatives and recommend optimal solutions based on technical feasibility, cost, and risk
• Provide technical oversight during bid evaluations, vendor selection, and procurement processes
• Identify and drive process improvements, innovation, and standardization across projects

Client Engagement & Business Development

• Serve as the primary technical interface with clients, utilities, and stakeholders
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and technical discussions both onsite and remotely
• Support business development efforts, including proposal development, scope definition, and cost estimation
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through responsive communication and delivery excellence

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers, designers, and technicians
• Provide technical direction and oversight to ensure accurate translation of engineering designs into construction documents
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance engineering culture across teams

Documentation & Quality Assurance

• Ensure completeness and accuracy of all engineering documentation, including calculations, reports, and technical memoranda
• Maintain compliance with internal QA/QC standards and industry regulations
• Oversee documentation throughout the project lifecycle to ensure traceability and quality

Qualifications:

Education & Licensure

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited institution (BSEE preferred)
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• Master’s degree preferred

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in control systems engineering, with a focus on industrial, utility, or infrastructure projects
• Proven experience leading complex engineering projects and multidisciplinary teams
• Extensive background in control system design, integration, and commissioning

Technical Skills

• Deep expertise in:
  • Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
  • Industrial automation and process control systems
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • P&IDs, I/O lists, instrumentation design, and control system documentation
  • Power generation systems, water/wastewater systems, or industrial processes
• Experience with engineering design tools and industry standards