Lead Engineer - Instrumentation & Controls

Job Description Summary

The Lead Engineer – Instrumentation & Controls is responsible for the engineering, design, and execution support of instrumentation and control systems for Steam Power projects (Boiler, Steam Turbine, Generator, ESP, FGD). The role involves development of control system architecture, instrumentation selection, logic design, functional documentation, and technical coordination across internal teams including site support, suppliers, and project stakeholders.
This position requires strong domain knowledge in power plant systems, control philosophy, with the ability to lead engineering activities for retrofit, modernization, and service projects. The role also supports technical problem solving, design standardization, quality, on-time delivery, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The engineer is expected to independently execute assigned engineering tasks and standard project scope with limited supervision, while seeking guidance for complex technical decisions. The role requires a strong foundation in Instrumentation & Controls engineering, good coordination capability, and the ability to deliver accurate, timely, and compliant engineering documentation.

Job Description

• Execute assigned Instrumentation & Controls engineering scope for Steam Power projects covering Boiler, Steam Turbine, Generator, Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) and Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD).
• Develop and review control system architecture, instrument index, I/O lists, cause and effect diagrams, control narratives, and functional logic documentation.
• Prepare and validate engineering deliverables such as:
  • P&IDs review inputs for controls and instrumentation
  • Instrument data sheets
  • Control philosophy documents
  • Alarm and trip matrix
  • Interlock and permissive logic including Logic Diagrams
  • Loop diagrams
  • Marshalling and wiring requirements
  • Signal lists and cabinet interface documentation
• Define technical requirements for field instruments as per applicable project scope
• Support control philosophy development and logic definition for plant systems and auxiliary equipment.
• Coordinate interfaces between package systems and plant-level control systems including DCS/PLC platforms.
• Coordinate with process, mechanical, electrical, systems, commissioning, and project engineering teams to ensure design completeness and interface alignment.
• Review supplier drawings, technical offers, and engineering documents for compliance with project specifications and applicable standards.
• Support customer specification review, technical clarifications, and resolution of engineering comments.
• Participate in design reviews, HAZOP / risk reviews, FAT readiness reviews, and technical discussions with customers and partners.
• Identify technical risks, document issues, and support resolution in coordination with senior engineers and project stakeholders.
• Support commissioning and field issue resolution by analyzing control system behaviour, instrumentation issues, and logic performance.
• Drive engineering standardization, lesson learned implementation, productivity improvement, and design quality enhancement.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across the Boiler I&C team.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, cybersecurity, and engineering process requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of total experience in Instrumentation & Controls engineering for boiler, steam turbine, generator, ESP, FGD or similar industrial process applications.
• Strong experience on design, selection and engineering of instrumentation and control systems for one or more of the following plant areas Boiler, Steam Turbine, Generator, ESP, FGD
• Experience in engineering documentation for power plant or large industrial projects.
• Strong execution experience with DCS/PLC platforms like Yokogawa, ABB, etc, field instrumentation, and control panel/interface engineering.
• Knowledge of applicable international codes, standards, and engineering practices related to instrumentation and control systems.
• Strong ability to interpret P&IDs, process requirements, and system interface documentation.
• Good communication, coordination, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a global, cross-functional engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience in steam power, boiler island, or thermal plant control systems.
• Exposure to retrofit/modernization and service engineering projects.
• Familiarity with international engineering standards and power plant practices.
• Exposure to FAT, SAT, commissioning, or site support activities.
• Experience working with global engineering teams, Indian & international customers, EPC organizations and external suppliers.
• Knowledge of control system integration with plant-level systems and balance-of-plant interfaces, functional safety and alarm rationalization.
• Exposure to sizing and selection of control valves, emissions control systems, environmental compliance instrumentation, and plant performance monitoring.
• Prior experience leading a small engineering team or owning complete project scope.
• Ability to use digital tools for engineering productivity, data analysis, and reporting.
• Familiarity with industrial digitalization concepts, remote diagnostics, and control system data interpretation is an advantage.
• Working knowledge of AI-enabled productivity tools for engineering documentation, requirement summarization, technical data comparison, and workflow efficiency.

Leadership Expectations

• Take ownership of assigned engineering scope with focus on quality, schedule, and technical accuracy.
• Provide technical direction and review support to less experienced engineers.
• Collaborate effectively with global teams and stakeholders.
• Escalate technical risks proactively and support mitigation planning.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, standardization, and knowledge sharing.

Additional Information