Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Energy & Industrial

Sargent & Lundy•Aurora, CO

4d•$118,023 - $180,313•Hybrid

About The Position

This position offers the opportunity to utilize and expand academic background in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering. The role involves leading project teams of I&C engineers in the design of new power plants, modifications to existing power generation facilities, plant controls betterment, and new upstream and midstream oil and gas facilities. Responsibilities include leading the design of process control systems, preparing specifications for I&C equipment procurement and installation services, and developing I&C design deliverables such as logic diagrams, control narratives, P&IDs, I/O lists, control panel designs, cause & effect matrices, network architecture, cable schedules, location plans, and specifications for instrumentation and controls equipment and related installation services. The position also requires participation in Process Hazard Analysis and Design Reviews. Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs is expected. Career development is supported through peer-learning via S&L’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice.” This position is based on a hybrid work schedule, requiring three days per week in the office.

Requirements

BS or MS degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering from an accredited engineering program.
Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training.
Ability to obtain a PE license is required.
10+ years of relevant experience in power generation, oil and gas, or heavy industrial control systems.
A strong understanding of instrumentation and control system design practices, standards, and project execution.
Extensive experience supporting the development of I&C design deliverables, including logic diagrams, control narratives, P&IDs, I/O lists, control panel designs, cause & effect matrices, network architecture, cable schedules, location plans, and specifications for instrumentation and controls equipment and related installation services.
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models.
Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership, mentorship, and day-to-day guidance to I&C engineers in support of high-quality project execution and professional development.
Proficiency with MS Office applications, with emphasis on MS Excel and Access.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience working effectively in a large collaborative team environment.
Exceptional work habits.
Resourceful and enthusiastic attitude.

Nice To Haves

Emphasis on control systems in degree.
PE license is preferred.
Experience with DCS, TCS, and/or PLC programming.
Experience in performing field work (i.e. control system upgrades, start-up and commissioning).
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

Lead project teams of I&C engineers involved in the design of new power plants, modifications to existing power generation facilities, plant controls betterment, and new upstream and midstream oil and gas facilities.
Lead the design of process control systems.
Prepare specifications for the procurement of I&C equipment and related installation services.
Lead the development of I&C design deliverables, including logic diagrams, control narratives, P&IDs, I/O lists, control panel designs, cause & effect matrices, network architecture, cable schedules, location plans, and specifications for instrumentation and controls equipment and related installation services.
Participate in Process Hazard Analysis and Design Reviews.
Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs.
Develop career via peer-learning by way of S&L’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice."
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.