Principal Instrumentation & Control Engineer

Valar Atomics•Hawthorne, CA

About The Position

The Principle Instrumentation & Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, specification, integration, and lifecycle support of instrumentation, control systems, and automation equipment for complex process facilities. This role supports projects involving gas processing systems, chemical plants, thermal systems, and other industrial or research facilities with stringent safety, reliability, and performance requirements. The engineer will lead design efforts, mentor junior staff, and interface with multidisciplinary teams across mechanical, electrical, process, and operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Nuclear, or related Engineering discipline.
10+ years of experience in I&C engineering within gas systems, chemical plants, petrochemical, power generation, or similar process industries.
Strong knowledge of industrial instrumentation and process control fundamentals.
Experience with one or more major control platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Emerson DeltaV, Honeywell Experion, Siemens PCS7).
Proficiency with ISA symbols, P&IDs, control logic, and instrumentation data management tools.
Experience performing or supporting functional safety lifecycle tasks (HAZOP, LOPA, SIL verification).
Ability to review and produce detailed engineering drawings and calculations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with high-temperature gas systems, hydrogen/helium systems, corrosive or reactive chemical environments, or radiological systems.
Experience designing or maintaining safety instrumented systems (SIS).
Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop specifications for field instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, level, analytical, gas detection, etc.) for high-temperature, high-pressure, and hazardous environments.
Select and size sensors, transmitters, control valves, actuators, and specialty instrumentation for gas systems, chemical processes, and high-purity or reactive media.
Perform instrument installation design: impulse lines, capillaries, remote seals, support hardware, wiring, grounding, and environmental protection.
Design and configure industrial control systems including PLCs, PACs, DCS platforms, and safety-related systems (e.g., Rockwell, Emerson, Honeywell, Siemens).
Develop P&IDs, control narratives, cause-and-effect matrices, interlock logic, and alarm philosophies.
Implement control strategies for process loops (PID control, sequencing, permissives, interlocks, safety trips).
Perform HAZOP / LOPA participation and ensure design compliance with safety integrity requirements.
Lead I&C engineering work on multidiscipline projects from conceptual design through commissioning.
Generate engineering deliverables: specifications, data sheets, instrument indexes, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, network architectures, and control panel designs.
Collaborate with procurement on vendor selection, technical bid evaluations, and design reviews.
Ensure design compliance with applicable codes and standards (ISA, IEC, NFPA, ASME, API, IEEE).
Provide engineering support for process safety systems, including emergency shutdown systems, gas detection, and critical interlocks.
Support creation and maintenance of functional safety documents (SRS, SIL verification, proof test procedures).
Lead field installation checks, loop checks, control system commissioning, and functional testing.
Troubleshoot complex instrumentation/controls issues and provide technical support to operations and maintenance.
Prepare operating manuals, test procedures, and training materials for operations staff.
Guide and review work from junior engineers and designers.
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including contractors, vendors, and regulatory bodies.
Drive continuous improvement in instrumentation reliability, control performance, and plant operability.