Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer

Napakiak Ventures; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Napakiak Ventures is seeking a skilled I&C Engineer to lead engineering projects in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This position involves design engineering for process control systems and ensuring effective integration of digital control systems.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years experience and expertise with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs. Responsibilities include mentoring less experienced engineers, automating processes, and ensuring compliance with technical standards. Candidates with an active DOE Q Clearance preferred.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in design engineering for process control systems.
• Hands-on experience with design, fabrication, assembly, programming, and testing.
• Active DOE Q Clearance or eligibility to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Engineer and integrate PLC, DCS, HMI, and control systems.
• Implement robust controls architectures and safety interlocks.
• Oversee engineering automation via Python and MATLAB.

Skills

Expertise with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs

SCM proficiency including Git

Communication skills

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Engineering from an ABET accredited program

Tools

Python

MATLAB

FactoryTalk

Job description

Overview

We’re seeking a I&C Engineer to lead major process controls engineering projects spanning digital control systems (PLC/DCS/HMI), complex test stands, and chemical processes. You will take problems from issue to solution, setting expectations for data-driven decision making, automation, and the responsible use of AI/agentic AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective, compliant designs. This role blends hands-on engineering (design, fabrication, assembly, programming, testing) with technical leadership, client engagement, and rigorous software configuration management.

Key Responsibilities

Digital Systems & Controls Engineering

Engineer and integrate PLC, DCS, HMI, network switches, and control systems; lead programming and commissioning for Allen-Bradley platforms (ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk).

Implement robust controls architectures, safety interlocks, alarming, data logging, recipe management, and historian integrations for test and process systems.

Instrumentation Specification & Systems Design

Develop Functional Requirements and Procurement Specifications for instrumentation and control components and systems.

Prepare design input documentation for drawings including cable block diagrams, wiring schematics, loop sheets, and detailed I/O maps.

Help in creating and maintaining P&IDs and System Design Descriptions (SDDs).

Vendor Coordination & Technical Documentation

Interface with vendors; prepare and review equipment purchase specifications.

Produce clear, concise technical reports and engineering studies.

Configuration Management & Quality

Establish and enforce software configuration management (SCM) for PLC/HMI code, scripts, and documentation.

Review design drawings and documentation produced by others.

Leadership in Automation & AI/ML

Direct process‑improvement initiatives: automate calculations, summarize technical documents, generate design documentation, and guide when/how AI or agentic AI tools are used.

Oversee engineering automation via Python, MATLAB, or advanced Excel; review and validate automated outputs.

Champion responsible integration of AI/ML into controls systems, including predictive maintenance and anomaly detection.

Mentorship & Collaboration

Mentor less experienced I&C engineers and support multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• 5+ years of experience in design engineering for process control systems.
• Hands on expertise with Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley PLCs and FactoryTalk systems.
• Experience designing, fabricating, assembling, programming, and testing test stands and chemical process systems.
• Strong SCM proficiency including Git, versioning, and code reviews.
• Excellent communication skills and experience reviewing design drawings.
• Active DOE Q Clearance or eligibility to obtain.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related engineering field.
• Experience with PlantPAx, FactoryTalk Analytics, OPC UA, historians, and industrial networking.
• Familiarity with SIS, PHA, ISA standards, and NFPA/NEC codes.
• Experience integrating AI/ML into industrial systems.
• Additional learning such as CS, AI, or Software Engineering certificates or minors.