Instrumentation and Controls Designer

Overview

The Instrumentation and Controls Designer supports the delivery of highly technical cleanroom, fab, and advanced manufacturing facilities by developing accurate and coordinated control system designs from concept through startup. This role creates and refines instrumentation and controls deliverables, including points lists, I/O schedules, P&IDs, control narratives, loop diagrams, device layouts, and installation details, while coordinating closely with process, mechanical, electrical, and construction teams. The designer reviews vendor data, supports design reviews and change control, and helps resolve field issues that affect safety, reliability, sequence of operations, and schedule. Success in this role depends on strong technical judgment, disciplined QA/QC, and the ability to collaborate with project managers, discipline leads, clients, contractors, and commissioning teams.

AI and Innovation

At SSOE, we don’t just talk about the future, we build it. As a leader in industry AI adoption, we empower our team to work smarter by providing responsible access to the industry leading AI Large Language Models, vibe-coding platforms, and securely integrating advanced tools into every role. From day one, you’ll receive the training and support needed to leverage AI as a core tool for enhancing productivity, sparking creativity, and streamlining complex workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop instrumentation and controls design deliverables for cleanroom, fab, utility, and specialty system applications, including points lists, I/O schedules, control narratives, loop diagrams, schematics, and installation details.
• Support project execution from early planning and pre design through detailed design, construction administration, startup, and turnover for semiconductor and advanced technology facilities.
• Coordinate control system requirements with process, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and architectural teams to ensure fully integrated and constructible solutions.
• Prepare and review P&IDs, sequence of operations, instrument index, device schedules, valve and sensor selection, and control panel layouts.
• Perform design calculations and technical evaluations related to instrument sizing, control valve selection, signal compatibility, redundancy, alarming, and system performance.
• Review vendor submittals, factory documentation, and equipment data sheets to confirm compliance with project requirements and control system intent.
• Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and coordination sessions to communicate technical decisions, resolve scope questions, and support alignment on project objectives.
• Support QA/QC reviews of design packages to verify accuracy, completeness, code compliance, constructability, and consistency across disciplines.
• Respond to RFIs, review construction submittals, and support field coordination during installation to resolve conflicts and preserve design intent.
• Conduct site walks, verify existing conditions, and assist with field troubleshooting, punchlist resolution, and as built documentation during construction and commissioning.
• Collaborate with startup and commissioning teams to support functional testing, point to point checks, control checkout, and sequence verification.
• Track design changes through formal change control processes, documenting impacts to schedule, cost, safety, and system performance.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks related to controls integration, maintainability, alarm management, and operational reliability.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to technical development, best practices, and consistent documentation standards across project teams.

Qualifications

• Assocate's degree in engineering design technology, or a related technical field, or equivalent progressive experience in instrumentation and controls design.
• Extensive experience designing instrumentation and control systems for semiconductor, cleanroom, advanced manufacturing, or similarly complex process environments.
• Strong working knowledge of control system components, including sensors, transmitters, analyzers, actuators, control valves, PLCs, DCS, SCADA, and building automation interfaces.
• Demonstrated ability to produce and coordinate detailed engineering deliverables such as P&IDs, control narratives, I/O lists, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and installation details.
• Experience reviewing vendor submittals, coordinating with equipment suppliers, and supporting construction and startup activities in fast paced project environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, clients, contractors, and commissioning agents while maintaining technical clarity and responsiveness.
• Strong understanding of QA/QC processes, code and standard compliance, change management, and documentation control.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Proven leadership, mentoring, and coordination skills with the ability to guide design efforts and support less experienced team members.
• Familiarity with design tools and software commonly used for controls documentation, calculation, and coordination, with the ability to learn project specific platforms as needed.
• Salary Range: $100,000 - $150,000/year depending on location, education, depth of relevant experience, and any specialized licensure/certifications. Opportunity for ample rewards, leadership incentive components, and generous bonus opportunities.
• Benefits: Includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K retirement savings plan (with company matching), opportunities for professional development and training (including support for relevant licensure & certifications), and generous PTO & paid holidays.