Lead Instrumentation Engineer - Process Control & Safety

Cornerstone Surveying & Mapping

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 170,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Keystone Engineering Inc. is seeking a Lead Instrument Engineer for our Nassau Bay Area Office Team in Houston, TX.

The role focuses on leading instrumentation design, selecting suitable control devices, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance across petrochemical and manufacturing projects. The candidate will oversee a team of engineers and drafters, review technical documents, coordinate with EPC contractors, and maintain instrument databases.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Instrumentation, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
10+ 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.
Attention to detail.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer.

Responsibilities

Provide professional oversight to junior engineers & designers and perform technical review of designs and reports.
Manage a team of engineers and drafters for multiple projects including resource planning, schedule and budget and leading client meetings.
Communicate effectively with project team members and manager.
Develop strong relationships with clients and support the incoming requests in a timely manner.
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).
Review P&IDs, instrument datasheets, control panel designs, cable schedules, control narratives, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and IO lists.
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.