Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Overview

Within SSOE’s Advanced Technology division, we specialize in high-tech facility design, offering top-tier design and engineering services to a diverse array of clients and markets. Our team is composed of highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals who excel across various disciplines. We pride ourselves on our cross-disciplinary approach, which allows us to understand and address our clients' needs more comprehensively than traditional, siloed methods. What sets us apart is our ability to seamlessly conceptualize, plan, and detail every aspect of design. Our in-house experts collaborate closely, optimizing and enhancing our work through multi-discipline strategy sessions. By leveraging cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art software, we deliver industry-leading technology and innovative solutions from day one.

The Instrumentation and Controls Engineer will lead the design and coordination of instrumentation and control systems for cleanroom, fab, and advanced manufacturing facilities. This role develops complete I&C design packages for process, utility, and support systems, including instrumentation selection, control narratives, loop diagrams, panel layouts, and coordination of PLC and DCS architectures. Working closely with project managers, discipline leads, clients, vendors, and contractors, the engineer will support design reviews, manage technical interfaces, and maintain quality through all project phases from early planning through construction and startup. The position requires strong attention to safety, code compliance, change control, and constructability in highly technical process environments.

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

• Independently produce complete instrumentation and controls design packages for semiconductor and advanced technology facilities, including control system concepts, I/O lists, loop diagrams, schematics, panel layouts, and instrument indexes.
• Develop and coordinate control system architectures for PLC and DCS-based systems, including hardware selection, network interfaces, remote I/O, and integration with process and facility systems.
• Interpret and incorporate P&IDs, one-line diagrams, process flow diagrams, and equipment data into coordinated design deliverables that support process performance, maintainability, and operational reliability.
• Prepare control narratives, sequence of operations, cause-and-effect matrices, and point-by-point control descriptions for process, utility, and environmental systems.
• Select and specify field instrumentation, analyzers, control valves, transmitters, switches, and associated accessories suitable for cleanroom, fab, and high-tech manufacturing applications.
• Coordinate with electrical, mechanical, process, structural, and architectural teams in AutoCAD and Revit environments, using model coordination tools such as Navisworks to resolve interferences and maintain design alignment.
• Perform engineering calculations and layout reviews to support raceway sizing, panel space planning, signal separation, cable routing, and equipment placement in compliance with applicable electrical, fire, and instrumentation codes.
• Support QA/QC reviews, interdisciplinary model reviews, and client design reviews to ensure accuracy, constructability, maintainability, and conformance with project requirements and industry standards.
• Coordinate with vendors and equipment suppliers to review submittals, resolve technical deviations, verify instrument performance, and ensure compatibility with project specifications and control system standards.
• Respond to RFIs, review shop drawings, participate in construction administration, and support field coordination to resolve design intent questions and maintain schedule and quality objectives.
• Conduct site walks, existing condition verification, and field observations to validate installation progress, identify coordination issues, and support change management during construction and startup.
• Assist with startup, commissioning, and turnover activities by reviewing functional testing, punch lists, as-built documentation, and operational readiness requirements for I&C systems.
• Maintain clear technical documentation and communicate effectively with internal teams, clients, and contractors regarding design decisions, risks, scope changes, and issue resolution.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to technical knowledge sharing, standards development, and consistent application of instrumentation and controls best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering design technology, drafting, or a related technical field.
• At least 15 years of instrumentation and controls design experience in industrial, semiconductor, advanced technology, or comparable process facility environments.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop a complete I&C design package with minimal oversight.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit, with working familiarity in model coordination tools such as Navisworks.
• Strong working knowledge of PLC and DCS hardware architectures, control panel construction, and field instrumentation types.
• Ability to read, interpret, and translate P&IDs, one-line diagrams, process flow diagrams, and related technical documentation into coordinated design deliverables.
• Solid understanding of applicable electrical and fire codes, ISA instrumentation standards, and safe design practices for high-tech manufacturing facilities.
• Experience coordinating across multiple disciplines and communicating technical requirements clearly with project managers, clients, vendors, contractors, and construction teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document decisions, manage design changes, and support technical reviews.
• Proven ability to mentor junior staff, support quality-focused project delivery, and contribute to complex, fast-paced project environments.
• 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.

Join us at SSOE, where your expertise will thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design and engineering excellence. Our company culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. We believe in fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment where every team member can thrive. If you're passionate about innovation and eager to make a significant impact, we invite you to apply and become a part of our forward-thinking team.