Principal Instrumentation & Control Engineer

Zachry Group•Downers Grove, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Zachry Engineering Corporation is seeking a highly experienced Principal Instrumentation & Control Engineer to lead the design, development, and execution of instrumentation and control systems for complex oil and gas projects. This role requires technical leadership, deep domain expertise, and the ability to mentor multidisciplinary teams while ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective project delivery. The Principal I&C Engineer will serve as a subject matter expert (SME), driving engineering excellence across upstream, midstream, and downstream projects including refineries, petrochemical plants, and power plants.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or related field (required)
15+ years of experience in instrumentation and control engineering within the oil & gas or petrochemical industry or power industry.
Extensive experience with refinery, LNG, gas processing, or pipeline control systems
Proven experience leading large-scale EPC or EPCM projects
Strong knowledge of DCS/PLC platforms (e.g., Honeywell, Emerson DeltaV, Yokogawa, Siemens, Rockwell)
Expertise in SIS design and SIL determination (IEC 61511 / IEC 61508)
Instrument selection and specification (pressure, flow, level, temperature, analyzers)
Control valve sizing and performance analysis
Industrial networking and communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, OPC)
Familiarity with IIoT, advanced process control (APC), and digital transformation initiatives
Strategic thinking and technical problem-solving
Strong leadership and decision-making skills
Excellent communication and client-facing abilities
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced EPC environment
Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Responsibilities

Lead the design and specification of instrumentation and control systems including DCS, PLC, SIS, and SCADA systems.
Provide technical oversight for all I&C deliverables, ensuring alignment with client requirements, industry codes, and Zachry standards.
Serve as the primary technical authority for complex and critical control systems, including safety instrumented systems (SIS) and process control strategies.
Review and approve key engineering documents such as instrument datasheets, control narratives, loop diagrams, cause & effect matrices, and P&IDs.
Support all phases of projects (FEED, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup).
Collaborate closely with process, mechanical, electrical, and operations teams to ensure integrated system performance.
Interface with clients, vendors, and contractors to resolve technical issues and ensure successful project delivery.
Lead design reviews (HAZOP, SIL, LOPA) and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
Ensure designs comply with industry standards and codes including ISA, IEC, API, NFPA, and OSHA regulations.
Support cyber security requirements for industrial control systems (ICS).
Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and apply best practices in digitalization, automation, and control optimization.