Instrumentation and Controls Co-op - Spring 2027

Salas O’Brien, Inc.; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Salas O’Brien, Inc. in Cincinnati, OH is seeking a Co-op Instrumentation and Controls to support engineering design and field activities.

The role will focus on developing schematics, IO lists, and instrument cutsheets while collaborating with lead engineers and clients to ensure accurate, compliant documentation. The position involves site assessments, CAD/Revit documentation, and interaction with cross‑functional teams.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree in EMET, EET, or related field.
• Valid driver's license.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Plant 3D and Raster Design.
• Navisworks experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and Documentation: Develop schematics, interconnection and IO diagrams, and conduit and cable schedules. Develop instrument cutsheets, panel layouts, power distributions, and installation details.
• Engineering Calculations: Perform calculations for cable, conduit, cable tray, panel heat Load, and wireway sizing.
• Field Work: Perform site assessments/audits, produce field sketches as needed.
• Documentation: Maintain and update project specifications, drawings, convert design sketches/mark‑ups to AutoCAD / Revit format and support documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Collaboration: Work with assigned Lead Engineer or Designer proactively asking questions and leveraging internal, client, and industry resources to meet customer requirements accurately and efficiently.
• Communication: Communicate clearly in person and in writing to keep customers, contractors, and the Salas O’Brien project team informed in a timely manner.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in EMET or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Plant 3D

Raster Design

Navisworks (desired)

Microsoft Office

Job description

Co-op Instrumentation and Controls

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Co-op Instrumentation and Controls

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future. Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges. We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more. Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

The responsibilities listed are part of the role I&C plays in ensuring that systems operate efficiently and meet the desired objectives, particularly in industries such as process, manufacturing, or energy.

Reporting Structure

This position reports to the Department Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and Documentation: Develop schematics, interconnection and IO diagrams, and conduit and cable schedules. Develop instrument cutsheets, panel layouts, power distributions, and installation details. Review and comment on P&IDs and A&IDs. Develop Instrument and IO list.
• Engineering Calculations: Perform calculations for cable, conduit, cable tray, panel heat Load, and wireway sizing.
• Field Work: Perform site assessments/audits, produce field sketches as needed.
• Documentation: Maintain and update project specifications, drawings, convert design sketches/mark‑ups to AutoCAD / Revit format and support documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Collaboration: Work with assigned Lead Engineer or Designer proactively asking questions and leveraging internal, client, and industry resources to meet customer requirements accurately and efficiently. Build strong, long-term professional relationships with coworkers, customers, suppliers, and industry partners. Maintain composure under pressure and communicate effectively with clients, engineering, and project management teams.
• Communication: Communicate clearly in person and in writing to keep customers, contractors, and the Salas O’Brien project team informed in a timely manner.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• In pursuit of an associate or bachelor’s degree within EMET, EET or related field.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Proficient with AutoCAD, Plant 3D and Raster Design.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Applications.
• Proficient with Navisworks (desired).

Core Competencies

• Technical proficiency in electrical design and engineering calculations
• Relationship building and client communication
• Cross-functional collaboration with other disciplines
• Results-oriented mindset
• Adaptability and resilience
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Performance Metrics

• Quality and accuracy of engineering calculations, drawings, and specifications
• Timeliness of assigned task completion within project deadlines
• Effectiveness of technical documentation (schematics, diagrams, schedules)
• Client satisfaction with communication and delivered results
• Successful completion of site assessments and audits

Behaviors

• Customer Focus – Demonstrates an understanding of client needs in industrial environments and delivers technical solutions that emphasize safety, reliability, compliance, and long-term value.
• Passion for Growth – Continuously develops technical, industry, and consulting skills to support personal effectiveness and firm growth
• Leadership Impact – Influences project outcomes through sound engineering/technical judgment, professionalism, and accountability
• Communication – Clearly communicates technical information, project status, issues, recommendations, etc. to clients and internal stakeholders
• Ownership – Takes responsibility for quality, schedule, and deliverables within assigned work scope
• Act With Urgency – Demonstrates a proactive sense of urgency in addressing client needs, project issues, and commitments while maintaining safety and quality standards
• Teamwork – Works collaboratively across disciplines to deliver integrated and collaborative technical solutions
• Technical Excellence – Applies solid engineering/technical fundamentals, codes, standards, and best practices to projects
• Functional Excellence – Executes work processes efficiently using tools, systems, and methodologies

Location:

Cincinnati, OH

Travel:

Travel may be required to support customer site visits.

Working Hours/Environment

• Hours average 40 per week; may require additional hours including evenings and weekends depending on business needs.
• Work is typically performed in an indoor office setting/client site.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for long periods of time.
• Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time.
• Light lifting up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to speak to and hear employees/clients via phone or in person.
• Body motor skills sufficient to enable the incumbent to move around an office environment.
• Ability to analyze unique situations and develop appropriate responses.
• Ability to climb ladders and perform field investigations.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position, and is not construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned, and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.