Instrument Engineer

Keystone Engineering Inc; Metairie (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering company is seeking an experienced Instrument Engineer for their Metairie office. The role involves developing instrumentation systems for complex processes in petrochemical settings and requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field along with 7+ years of industry experience. The ideal candidate will be proficient with PLCs and DCS systems and possess strong communication skills. This full-time position offers opportunities for occasional travel for site inspections.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant experience in the petrochemical or process manufacturing industries.
• Experience with hazardous area classification and intrinsically safe systems.
• Ability to lead project communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and specify instrumentation systems for complex control applications.
• Support field installation, calibration, and commissioning of instruments.
• Ensure instrumentation systems comply with industry codes and standards.

Skills

Instrumentation systems design

PLC and DCS systems

Strong written and verbal communication

Self-motivated and organized

Education

Bachelor's degree in Instrumentation, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

SPI (SmartPlant Instrumentation)

AutoCAD

Job description

Overview

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 our Metairie Office Team.

Position Type: Full-time

Work Environment/Physical Demands: Office/Sedentary, work includes time in industrial operating units.

Travel Requirements: Occasional travel for site inspections, vendor FATs, or commissioning support.

Responsibilities

• Develop and specify instrumentation systems for complex process control applications in petrochemical and manufacturing environments.
• Select instruments and control devices suitable for harsh environments (e.g., hazardous areas, corrosive chemicals, high-temperature operations).
• Generate and review P&IDs, instrument datasheets, control panel designs, cable schedules, control narratives, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and IO lists.
• Support field installation, calibration, and loop-checking of instruments and control devices.
• Perform pre-commissioning and commissioning activities, ensuring all systems function according to process and safety requirements.
• Ensure instrumentation systems comply with industry codes and standards (API, ISA, IECEx, ATEX, NEC, etc.).
• Support compliance with process safety standards (e.g., SIL ratings, HAZOP recommendations, alarm management).
• Participate in safety audits and provide technical expertise on instrument-related safety systems.
• Interface with EPC contractors, vendors, and internal teams on instrumentation packages and control system integration.
• Maintain and update instrument databases, calibration records, and system documentation.
• Provide technical reports, inspection summaries, and recommendations for improvements.
• In-depth understanding of process instrumentation and control strategies.
• Experience with hazardous area classification and intrinsically safe systems.
• Familiar with tools like SPI (SmartPlant Instrumentation), AutoCAD, or equivalent.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Instrumentation, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in the petrochemical, refinery, or process manufacturing industries.
• Experience with DCS, PLCs, ESD systems, field instrumentation, and communication protocols (e.g., HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus).
• 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.

Experienced Preferred

• PE Licensure.
• OSHA or local safety certification for refinery/manufacturing environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.