Direct Hire - DCN Instrumentation & control Engineer - ETO

Instrumentation & Control Engineer

Key Details

• Job Title: Instrumentation & Control Engineer
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent (Direct Hire)
• Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite
• Location: Houston, TX 77072
• Compensation:
  • Base Salary: $90,000 – $135,000 annually
  • Performance-Based Bonus: 10% – 20%, based on experience and performance

Role Overview

The Instrumentation & Control Engineer supports the Engineering Lead and Product Engineering Manager by owning the controls and instrumentation scope for large-scale, modular hyperscale data center projects. This role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, reliability, efficiency, and safety of control and instrumentation systems across all phases of the project lifecycle, including design, manufacturing, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning. The position plays a critical role in supporting manufacturing operations and resolving technical challenges during installation and start-up.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, check, and approve engineering drawings, documentation, and technical information to ensure compliance with project requirements and applicable industry standards.
• Participate in design and development planning and review sessions to align engineering solutions with customer and industry needs.
• Prepare technical requisitions for electrical and instrumentation systems and associated components.
• Review vendor quotations, perform detailed technical bid evaluations, and provide technical feedback to support procurement decisions.
• Develop controls and instrumentation engineering deliverables, including instrument lists and indexes, data sheets, control system architecture drawings, alarm schedules, and control narratives.
• Review P&IDs, IOM procedures, start-up procedures, and control and shutdown philosophies to ensure successful factory acceptance testing, installation, and operation.
• Support manufacturing activities and assist stakeholders with troubleshooting during installation, start-up, and commissioning.
• Perform or oversee ladder logic programming when required.
• Perform control valve sizing, relief valve sizing, and flow element sizing, and provide guidance or training to team members as needed.
• Recommend control systems, control valves, level instruments, and flow instruments best suited for specific applications based on performance, safety, and lifecycle considerations.
• Participate in HAZOP and other safety and risk assessment activities.
• Provide instrumentation hookup guidance to contractors and review subcontractor scope to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Prepare material take-offs (MTOs) and detailed bills of materials (BOMs).
• Provide technical support during the construction phase, including responding to RFIs and attending site visits, project meetings, and commissioning activities.
• Represent the organization in technical discussions with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Apply advanced engineering knowledge to resolve complex or unique technical challenges while working independently with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Controls Engineering from an accredited university.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in controls and instrumentation engineering.
• Experience supporting large-scale, modular, or EPC-style projects.
• Strong experience with data center infrastructure, industrial facilities, or similar complex environments.
• Demonstrated ability to produce and review detailed engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of control systems, control valves, relief valves, and flow measurement devices.
• Familiarity with industry codes and standards, including API, ASME, ANSI, IEC, IBC, ISA, OSHA, NEC, and NFPA.
• Experience reviewing P&IDs and control systems for complex equipment.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint).
• Proficiency with PDF editing tools.
• Working knowledge of engineering and design software such as SAP, SolidWorks, Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, BIM 360, and Navisworks.

General Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Comfortable performing in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineering (PE) license.
• Experience with hyperscale or high-density data center environments.
• Experience supporting fast-track design/build or major upgrade projects.
• Experience interfacing with regulatory authorities and supporting permitting and design approvals.
• Ability to propose alternative instrumentation or control solutions to optimize cost, space, schedule, operation, or maintenance.