Lead Automation & Control Systems Engineer 1 - Mission Critical

Sargent & Lundy•Richland, WA

17d•$118,023 - $180,313•Hybrid

About The Position

As a member of a multi-disciplined project team, this position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your background in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering and PLC/HMI design. This role involves working on project teams for the design of new Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based control systems, Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), and other industrial control system platforms. The position also includes preparing specifications and design media for the procurement and implementation of software, instrumentation, and control system platforms. Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training in our Automation Lab, you will increase your knowledge and skills in Automation/Control Systems Engineering. You will develop your career via peer learning through S&L's systems of process and associated "Communities of Practice". Travel to client offices and project sites is required.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen; Dual citizenship with a country other than the U.S. does not qualify.
Must be able to obtain US Government security clearance
BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program
10+ years of progressively responsible experience in instrumentation and controls or automation and control systems engineering
Proven ability to interface with craft for troubleshooting and problem solving
Experienced with designing, programming, documenting, and/or testing automated machinery or processes at industrial facilities
Experienced with industrial communication design (Ethernet IP is preferred and a familiarity with Modbus and Profibus is a plus)
Experienced with producing P&IDs, Control System Narratives, I/O Lists, Cause and Effect or Logic Diagrams, Wiring Diagrams, Factory Acceptance Test Procedures, and Software documentation including O&M manuals

Nice To Haves

MS degree preferred
Professional Engineer (PE) License
Experienced with programming Rockwell RSLogix 5000 and RSView
Fabrication, Construction, and Instrumentation & Control System Testing
Additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

Responsibilities

Work on project teams with other discipline engineers involved in the design of new Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based control systems, Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), and other industrial control system platforms
Prepare specifications and design media for the procurement and implementation of software, instrumentation, and control system platforms
Travel to client offices and project sites, as required
Lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
Direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
Oversee engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs.