Job Description

Zachry Engineering Corporation is seeking a highly experienced Principal Instrumentation & Control Engineer to lead the design, development, and execution of instrumentation and control systems for complex oil and gas projects. This role requires technical leadership, deep domain expertise, and the ability to mentor multidisciplinary teams while ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective project delivery.

The Principal I&C Engineer will serve as a subject matter expert (SME), driving engineering excellence across upstream, midstream, and downstream projects including refineries, petrochemical plants, and power plants.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Lead the design and specification of instrumentation and control systems including DCS, PLC, SIS, and SCADA systems.
• Provide technical oversight for all I&C deliverables, ensuring alignment with client requirements, industry codes, and Zachry standards.
• Serve as the primary technical authority for complex and critical control systems, including safety instrumented systems (SIS) and process control strategies.
• Review and approve key engineering documents such as instrument datasheets, control narratives, loop diagrams, cause & effect matrices, and P&IDs.

Project Execution

• Support all phases of projects (FEED, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup).
• Collaborate closely with process, mechanical, electrical, and operations teams to ensure integrated system performance.
• Interface with clients, vendors, and contractors to resolve technical issues and ensure successful project delivery.
• Lead design reviews (HAZOP, SIL, LOPA) and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Standards & Compliance

• Ensure designs comply with industry standards and codes including ISA, IEC, API, NFPA, and OSHA regulations.
• Support cyber security requirements for industrial control systems (ICS).
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and apply best practices in digitalization, automation, and control optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or related field (required)
• 15+ years of experience in instrumentation and control engineering within the oil & gas or petrochemical industry or power industry.
• Extensive experience with refinery, LNG, gas processing, or pipeline control systems
• Proven experience leading large-scale EPC or EPCM projects

Certifications (Preferred)

• Professional Engineer (PE) license

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of DCS/PLC platforms (e.g., Honeywell, Emerson DeltaV, Yokogawa, Siemens, Rockwell)
• Expertise in SIS design and SIL determination (IEC 61511 / IEC 61508)
• Instrument selection and specification (pressure, flow, level, temperature, analyzers)
• Control valve sizing and performance analysis
• Industrial networking and communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, OPC)
• Familiarity with IIoT, advanced process control (APC), and digital transformation initiatives

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and technical problem-solving
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and client-facing abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced EPC environment
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Employee will be required to communicate in person, via telephone, email, use of arm/hand steadiness, manual dexterity, finger dexterity, multi limb coordination, oral expression, and comprehension. May be required to lift, carry, and move objects safely.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Will work in a general office environment. Capable of operating and functioning in a fast-paced work environment. Must possess a vision (corrected or uncorrected) that allows for clear visibility from a distance of 20 inches or less. Hybrid or office based depending on project needs. Occasional travel to client sites, fabrication yards, or operating facilities

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the expected salary range for this Illinois position, Principal Instrumentation & Control Engineer is between $165,900 and $237,345 annually. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law.

This position Principal Instrumentation & Control Engineer is eligible for participation in Zachry's Total Employee Rewards Program, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and other ancillary benefits. This position is also eligible for participation in the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.