Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Principal/New Generation
About The Position
The Instrumentation and Controls Engineer supports gas, coal, and renewable plant retrofit projects, as well as new-generation self-build projects. The role defines design-basis expectations and supports technical specifications, engineering, and equipment and I&C system design in collaboration with Architect & Engineering (AE) and Engineer, Procure and Construct (EPC) firms. The engineer works with internal and external stakeholders to ensure operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems meet design requirements, and supports construction to help ensure successful project implementation. The position engages original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) throughout RFx processes and uses EPC and technical equipment specifications maintained by Engineering Services to support self-build proposals. It also involves managing OT networks and associated devices, applying cybersecurity practices, supporting technology evolution and obsolescence management, and coordinating work and providing guidance to lower-level employees. The position is on site in Columbus, Ohio; Shreveport, Louisiana; Tulsa, Oklahoma; or Charleston, West Virginia, with approximately 25% travel.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program and typically 8 or more years of related engineering experience; or a master’s or Ph.D. in engineering from an ABET-accredited program and 6 years of related engineering experience.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology may satisfy the degree requirement when accompanied by a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
- Acceptable alternative: a non-ABET Bachelor’s degree in engineering plus a master’s degree or Ph.D. in engineering from a university with an ABET-accredited Bachelor’s program.
- Experience working with gas, coal, and renewable energy projects.
- Knowledge of industry best practices and emerging technologies in I&C systems.
- Proven instrumentation and controls engineering experience, particularly in power generation projects.
- Strong understanding of gas/combustion turbine technology and GE Mark VIe control systems.
- Hands-on experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and SCADA systems.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in complex environments.
- Strong understanding of OT and IT systems integration and cybersecurity practices.
- Solid grasp of control theory, including PID, adaptive, and model predictive control.
- Ability to interpret and create technical documentation such as System Descriptions, SAMA logic diagrams, P&IDs, and schematics.
- Strong communication skills for team collaboration.
- Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in a U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred unless waived by the organization’s EVP; the posting also lists a PE license or equivalent certifications among the qualifications.
- Must adhere to site-specific safety requirements and use required safety gear at generating stations.
- Approximately 25% travel, including day trips and overnight stays of up to a week or more.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with servers, thin clients, network equipment, and computer-based instrumentation.
- Proficiency in MS Access, Excel, Word, SQL, SharePoint, or Visual Basic.
- Familiarity with CEMS, renewable energy systems (solar, battery, or wind), or regulatory compliance.
- Hands-on experience with systems such as AB Rockwell, Emerson Ovation, ABB Symphony, Siemens, or Vestas.
- Familiarity with network configuration, protocols such as firewalls, Ethernet, Modbus, and OPC, and datalink setup.
- PE registration in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico, subject to the stated waiver provision.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with AE and EPC firms to define and implement I&C system design-basis expectations.
- Ensure OT and IT systems meet design requirements and incorporate industry best practices.
- Manage the OT network and associated devices for system integration and communication.
- Implement cybersecurity best practices to safeguard control systems.
- Facilitate communication with internal and external stakeholders to align project goals.
- Engage with OEMs during RFx processes to ensure compliance with technical specifications.
- Support creation of equipment and AE/EPC services scope documents for plant retrofits and new generation projects, and support subsequent self-build proposals.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop safe, reliable, and compliant control strategies.
- Support development and review of technical specifications, EPC specifications, and designs.
- Support construction of retrofit and new-build projects to help ensure successful implementation.
- Assist in managing technology evolution and addressing obsolescence concerns.
- Coordinate work activities and provide training and guidance to lower-level employees.
- Coordinate input for routine project and improvement-requisition cost forecasts, use scheduling techniques for budget and planning activities, and initiate corrective action when project objectives are not being met.
- Develop, review, or present technical reports, studies, analyses, and improvement requisitions.
- Identify stakeholders, collaborate with peers, resolve conflicts, and build consensus.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package intended to support and enhance employees’ overall well-being.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
