Instrument Engineer*

Keystone Engineering Inc.; Lake Charles (LA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Engineering Inc. seeks an Instrument Engineer for a Lake Charles Area on-site client position. The role focuses on instrumentation and controls, including DCS systems (DeltaV preferred) and PLCs (Allen Bradley).

Responsibilities include evaluating instrument data sheets, leading field modifications, and ensuring compliance with ISA/IEC/API standards. Occasional travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Requires B.S. in Engineering from ABET-accredited program.
• 8+ years experience in detailed engineering and design for petrochemical/refining industries.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally and lead in all project communications.

Responsibilities

• Investigate instrumentation failures and develop corrective actions.
• Root cause analysis during startup/shutdown operations.
• Size and specify instrumentation for flow, pressure, and temperature.
• Review vendor data sheets and installation details.
• Serve as instrumentation discipline lead during FEED and detailed design phases.

Skills

Communication skills

Self-motivation

Organizational skills

Field trip capability

Education

B.S. in Engineering from ABET-accredited program

Tools

Emerson DeltaV

ABB instrumentation

Allen Bradley PLC

Job description

Keystone Engineering Inc. opened for business in 1988 and for decades, has been a reliable provider of qualified engineering resources and technically innovative solutions. Keystone was founded to be an enduring company, and to provide an environment for our employees and clients to innovate, thrive, and be successful.

Keystone’s family of companies include: Milestone Project Services, SIS SILverstone, VeraPro, and Salmon & Associates

Our varied and extensive experience indicates that successful projects come down to personnel. We incorporate their individual skills in a process that’s geared toward excellence. The intentional pairing of people and process is the reason why clients know that they can trust their projects in the hands of Keystone. Services Offered: 3D Laser Scanning, Controls & Automation, Construction Management, Design & Drafting, Engineering: Civil/Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Process, Functional Safety, Information Technology, Instrumentation, On-Site Services, Operations & Commissioning Support, Procurement, Project Management.

Keystone Engineering is currently seeking an Instrument Engineer for a Lake Charles Area on-site client position.

Position Type: Full-time

Location: Lake Charles Area Facility

Work Environment/Physical Demands: Office/Sedentary, Plant

Travel Requirements: Occasional

Reporting to the Discipline Engineering Lead, the Instrumentation Engineer provides subject matter expertise supporting Discipline Engineering and Project Delivery across the Americas. The role spans ongoing operations, capital projects, and turnaround activities with a primary focus on instrumentation engineering and is expected to own technical changes in the facility within all aspects of instrumentation and controls.

Essential Functions:

• Investigate instrumentation failures, control loop anomalies, and instrumented system deficiencies and develop corrective action recommendations.
• Root cause analysis of instrumentation failures during startup, shutdown, or abnormal operations.
• Size and specify instrumentation for flow, pressure, level, temperature, and analytical applications per applicable standards.
• Develop and review instrument datasheets, specifications, and installation details.
• Review and approve vendor data sheets and fabrication packages for instrumentation and control equipment.
• Serve as engineer of record for on-site instrumentation engineering and design.
• Support design, configuration, and modification of DCS systems including I/O architecture and wiring — with preference for Emerson DeltaV and ABB platforms.
• Support PLC design and programming review including ladder logic and function block diagrams — with preference for Allen Bradley.
• Define instrumentation and controls integration requirements for capital projects and facility modifications.
• Support SIS design activities in compliance with IEC 61511 and ISA 84
• Participate in SIL assessments and safety requirement specification (SRS) development.
• Participate in or lead PHA/HAZOP reviews for instrumented systems and control loops.
• Ensure compliance with ISA, IEC, NEC, and API standards; support the waiver process when necessary.
• Manage instrumentation documentation register ensuring as-built accuracy after MOC or TAR activity.
• Define the instrumentation and controls basis of design during FEL for new or modified units.
• Review P&IDs for instrumentation completeness, consistency, and code compliance.
• Serve as instrumentation discipline lead during FEED and detailed design phases.
• Coordinate pre-TAR instrumentation scope including device calibration, inspection, testing, and return-to-service verification.
• Evaluate instrumentation condition reports and disposition findings.
• Develop or revise company instrumentation engineering standards and specifications.
• Conduct gap assessments against ISA, IEC, and API code updates and lessons learned.
• Knowledge of DCS systems including I/O interface requirements and wiring; Emerson DeltaV and ABB experience preferred.
• Knowledge of PLC systems including ladder logic and function block programming; Allen Bradley experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of Safety Instrumented System design principles and IEC 61511/ISA 84 requirements; willingness to develop deeper proficiency as needed.
• Knowledge of stage gate project development and execution processes.
• Familiarity with SAP or a similar enterprise system.
  

Requirements:

• B.S. in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Experience performing detailed engineering and design for PSM-regulated petrochemical or refining industries.
• 8+ years relevant experience required.
• Ability to make field trips and lead in all project communications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, organized, and solution advocate.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer.
• Current TWIC Card needed.

Experienced Preferred:

• Professional Engineering License preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.