Senior Instrument & Controls Engineer - OnSite Energy & Power (Multiple Locations)

Burns & McDonnell; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable engineering firm is seeking a Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer in Dallas, Texas. This role involves leading engineering activities for process control systems in various projects, serving as the primary client contact, and mentoring junior engineers. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with at least 7 years of relevant experience, strong communication skills, and familiarity with EPC project dynamics. Opportunities for technical leadership and diverse project involvement are prominent.

Qualifications

• 7 years of electrical engineering experience, preferably with EPC projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead I&C engineering activities across all project phases.
• Serve as the primary client point of contact for I&C scope.
• Perform quality reviews of engineering deliverables.

Skills

Electrical engineering experience

Client-facing technical role

Critical thinking skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering

Master Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Instrumentation & Controls Engineering

Description The Senior Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer will support and lead the design and development of process/plant/building control systems for distributed generation and district energy projects, including electric, steam, chilled water, hot water, and cogeneration facilities. This position will execute and lead I&C engineering activities across the full project lifecycle on Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) and traditional Design-Bid-Build (DBB) projects, ensuring deliverables are completed in accordance with project scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements.

The Senior I&C Engineer will serve as a discipline lead and primary client interface for I&C-related scope, providing technical direction, oversight, and mentorship to staff engineers while coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver integrated engineering solutions across varying project delivery methods.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead I&C engineering activities across all project phases, including Front-End Loading (FEL-1, FEL-2, FEL-3), detailed design, procurement, construction, and commissioning, for both EPC and Design-Bid-Build projects.

• Serve as the primary client point of contact for I&C scope:

• Interface directly with clients to define requirements, scope, and design expectations.

• Present technical solutions, studies, and design packages.

• Support resolution of technical issues and incorporate client feedback into design.

• Support early project development and FEL activities, including:

• Scope definition and development.

• Control system and instrumentation philosophy development.

• Conceptual and preliminary design packages.

• Input to capital cost estimates and project schedules.

• Lead the design and development of process control systems (DCS and/or PLC), including:

• Control system architecture and network design.

• I/O lists and system configuration requirements.

• Control narratives, logic diagrams, and cause & effect diagrams.

• HMI/graphics design concepts.

• Development of interlock matrices and control philosophies.

• Develop and manage instrumentation design deliverables, including:

• Instrument lists and index development.

• Instrument data sheets and specifications.

• Instrument installation details and location plans.

• Wiring diagrams, loop diagrams, and interconnection drawings.

• Support and coordinate the development of Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) in collaboration with process and mechanical engineering teams.

• Perform instrumentation engineering calculations and sizing, including:

• Control valves and regulators.

• Flow measurement devices (e.g., orifice plates, mag meters, etc.).

• Thermowells and other field instruments.

• Apply knowledge of measurement technologies and control strategies to select appropriate instrumentation for process variables such as pressure, temperature, flow, level, and analytical measurements.

• Develop control system design criteria, functional specifications, and system requirements in alignment with project and client standards.

• Participate in process safety activities, including Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies and design reviews, and incorporate findings into control system design.

• Lead procurement support activities for I&C scope, including:

• Development of technical specifications and RFQ documentation.

• Technical bid evaluations and vendor selection support.

• Review and approval of vendor submittals.

• Coordinate with control system vendors and third-party suppliers to ensure compliance with project requirements, including participation in Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).

• Perform quality reviews of engineering deliverables to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and company procedures.

• Provide technical support during construction, installation, and commissioning phases, including field inspections and issue resolution.

• Lead field investigations, site visits, and data collection efforts for both new and existing facilities.

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to assistant and staff engineers:

• Delegate work assignments and review deliverables.

• Support technical development and knowledge sharing within the team.

• Coordinate effectively with other engineering and architectural disciplines to ensure a cohesive and integrated design approach.

• Prepare and present technical reports, studies, and documentation for clients and internal stakeholders.

• Ensure compliance with company, client, and site safety policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and 7 years electrical engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred.

• Bachelor Degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and 7 years electrical engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred.

• Master Degree in Electrical Engineering and 6 years electrical engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred.

• Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures. Strong knowledge of electrical equipment design ANSI and IEEE Standards. Strong computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience with leading the discipline design for large projects and delegating work tasks to team members. Ability to lead execution of work and resolve issues in a team environment.

• Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.

• Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to perform quality reviews for detailed engineering documents and specifications.

• Ability to travel.

• Must have or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).

• Professional Engineer (PE) License Preferred

Preferred

• Demonstrated experience serving in a client-facing technical role and leading I&C discipline design efforts on multi-disciplinary projects.

• Strong knowledge of instrumentation and control system design principles, practices, and industry standards (ISA, ANSI, IEEE).

• Experience supporting process safety reviews (e.g., HAZOP, PHA, etc.) and developing interlock/control documentation.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Primary Location: US-MO-Kansas City

Other Locations: US-TX-Fort Worth, US-TX-Dallas, US-NC-Raleigh

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time