Job Description
Instrumentation & Controls Engineer / Specialist - Volume Procurement
Birmingham, AL
Position Summary
The Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer / Specialist provides technical and execution support to the Volume Procurement group, enabling the efficient sourcing and delivery of instrumentation, controls systems, and associated engineering services for multiple new generation projects. This role operates in a programmatic environment, supporting multiple projects simultaneously by coordinating across engineering design teams, suppliers, procurement, quality, and project controls. The successful candidate ensures technical integrity, procurement efficiency, and alignment with project schedule, cost, and quality objectives from bid through delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Contract Execution
• Develop and issue purchase orders for instrumentation, controls systems, and associated engineering services
• Partner with design teams to assemble comprehensive bid packages, including instrumentation, technical specifications, scope of work, and evaluation criteria
• Support supplier evaluation, bid reviews, and technical recommendations for awards
• Administer supplier contracts, including scope clarification, issue resolution, and change management
Manufacturing & Supplier Coordination
• Track manufacturing and integration progress for instrumentation and control systems and validate milestones to support progress payments based on supplier performance
• Conduct weekly or biweekly progress meetings with vendors to review fabrication, panel assembly, system configuration, and testing status, identify risks, and drive issue resolution
• Gather detailed manufacturing and integration schedules and key milestones and communicate them to project scheduling teams for integration into project plans
• Develop and deliver monthly long lead time projections and status updates to stakeholders
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure adherence to technical, schedule, cyber/controls compliance, and quality requirements
Technical Oversight & Quality Assurance
• Review instrument data sheets, loop diagrams, control narratives, and technical submittals for compliance with project specifications
• Ensure Design Engineering subject matter experts (SMEs) participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) for instrumentation purchases
• Coordinate and communicate witness points and hold points to the Quality team for inspection and test planning
Project Coordination & Delivery
• Track and manage delivery of instrumentation (e.g., transmitters, analyzers, control valves, control panels) to job sites, ensuring alignment with construction and commissioning schedules
• Collaborate with project leads and project controls teams on schedule, cash flow, and quality performance
• Provide regular updates and clear communication on procurement status, risks, and mitigation strategies across multiple projects
Programmatic Support
• Support a portfolio of projects simultaneously, applying standardized processes and best practices across all procurement activities
• Drive consistency, efficiency, and continuous improvement within the Volume Procurement function
• Serve as a key interface between engineering, procurement, supply chain, quality, and project execution teams
Education
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline preferred
• Other degrees may be considered with relevant experience
• 5+ years relevant experience with technical training and hands-on experience in instrumentation, control systems, automation, or procurement-related functions will be considered in lieu of a degree
Experience
• 3+ years of experience in instrumentation & controls engineering, automation engineering, procurement engineering, or project execution preferred
• Previous experience in procurement processes, supplier management, and contract administration highly desired
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, including the ability to lead supplier calls, present updates, and coordinate across diverse stakeholders preferred
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
• Knowledge of instrumentation and control systems used in power generation, industrial, or infrastructure projects (e.g., DCS, PLCs, SCADA systems, field instruments, analyzers, control valves, networked control systems)
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, control schematics, and technical specifications
• Experience supporting power generation or utility-scale projects
• Knowledge of system integration, control logic, and industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Ethernet/IP) preferred
• Knowledge of project scheduling and cost tracking concepts
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication
Behavioral Attributes
• Demonstrate Southern Company Values - Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Superior Performance, and Act with Integrity
• Customer focused
• Works effectively in a collaborative team setting
About the Team
Southern Company Services
