Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Join a fast-growing organization where you'll lead complex engineering projects and drive technical innovation in process automation.

Lead Engineer/Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer/Project Lead

Salary: $130,000-$160,000

Location: Raleigh with 30% local travel (work from home or customer sites)

Role Overview

A business I'm supporting is seeking a motivated and experienced Lead Engineer to join a fast-growing organization as the technical lead for multiple projects. This is a direct hire position with local travel in Raleigh (the rest working from home).

Key Responsibilities

The Lead Engineer acts as the technical owner and primary point of contact for complex projects, coordinating with both internal and external stakeholders. You will need to be strong in both instrumentation and control system designs.

Responsibilities include

• Project Leadership: Providing direction to the project team, delegating work, and maintaining action items
• Technical Oversight: Reviewing technical details, assisting with work breakdown structures/budgets, and managing project risk
• Engineering Deliverables: Creating and reviewing P&IDs, instrument datasheets, PLC/DCS card-edge drawings, loop sheets, electrical conduit schedules, and control panel designs
• Full Lifecycle Support: Participating in all phases from pre-bid walk downs and cost estimates to startup, commissioning, and system validation (IQ/OQ)
• Software & Architecture: Developing and reviewing PLC/DCS programming, SCADA/HMI graphics, and other software interfaces
• System Evaluation: Proposing solutions for the modernization or replacement of existing control systems

Qualifications & Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related discipline). Equivalent experience may be considered
• Minimum 5 years of project leadership experience
• Minimum 5 years of automation engineering or systems integration experience
• Experience in process-based industries (Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, or Food and Beverage)

Technical Skills

• Required experience with PLC/DCS systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and/or Emerson DeltaV preferred)
• Familiarity with motor controls (VFDs, MCCs), instruments, and valves
• Knowledge of NEC Section 500 (Hazardous Areas) and NFPA70E (Electrical Safety)
• Ability to provide clear redlines for CAD designers
• Certifications: PE license or EIT preferred but not required

Physical & General Requirements

• Must have a dedicated home office space suitable for a remote work environment
• Must provide own transportation to client sites
• Must be able to navigate industrial environments, including walking between buildings and climbing multiple levels of stairs
• Ability to handle multiple simultaneous projects with high attention to detail

Benefits

• Remote Work: Fully work-from-home model
• Retirement: 401(k) with employer 3.5% match
• Time Off: Flexible PTO policy with 28 days available upfront annually
• Insurance: Medical (Blue Cross Blue Options), Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

Pay: $130,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person