Houston-based Instrument & Control Engineer leading valve/instrument sizing, PLC/DCS/HMI design, SIL/SIS compliance, and hands-on commissioning/troubleshooting for safe, reliable plant operations.
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Instrument and Control Engineer with specialized expertise in valve and instrument sizing, selection, and calibration, hands-on experience in Control System architect, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), Safety Integrity Level (SIL), and low voltage and medium voltage system (switchgear, MCCs, VFDs, protective relays, etc..). The ideal candidate will also have strong field troubleshooting experience and in-depth knowledge of applicable codes and standards, as well as proven ability to prepare and review interlock matrices, cause & effect tables, and process tuning documentation to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.
Location: Houston
Department: Engineering
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: VP, Engineering
Work Type: In Office
Department: Engineering
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: VP, Engineering
Work Type: In Office
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Engineering & Design
- Perform comprehensive valve and instrument sizing, selection, and calibration for devices such as control valves, pressure transmitters, flow meters, and temperature elements.
- Prepare, review, and update P&IDs, control narratives, I/O lists, interlock matrices, cause & effect tables, and process tuning documentation.
- Specify and review instrumentation datasheets, valve data sheets, loop diagrams, wiring schematics, and system architecture drawings.
- Collaborate with process engineers to validate valve sizing calculations and ensure proper selection of trim type, Cv, and materials for process conditions.
Programming, Commissioning & Field Support
- Develop, configure, and optimize PLC logic, DCS strategies, and HMI graphics for process monitoring and operator interfaces.
- Configure alarm management systems to meet safety and operability standards.
- Lead or support commissioning activities, including FAT/SAT, loop checks, calibration verification, and control strategy tuning in the field.
- Provide field troubleshooting expertise for instrumentation, control systems, and communication networks to minimize downtime.
- Ensure seamless communication between field devices, PLCs, DCS, HMIs, and higher-level SCADA or plant monitoring systems.
- Configure the PLCs to comply with the communication protocol specified by the client including the safety monitoring and remote shutdown system.
Operations & Maintenance Support
- Conduct on-site troubleshooting and diagnostics of instrument and control systems.
- Perform root cause analysis on failures and implement corrective/preventive measures.
- Maintain up-to-date backups, calibration records, interlock documentation, and version control of PLC, DCS, and HMI systems.
- Train operators and maintenance staff on proper use, calibration, and troubleshooting of control and instrumentation systems.
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards such as IEC, ISA, NFPA, NEC, and OSHA.
- Conduct and support SIL classification studies, HAZOP reviews, and risk assessments.
- Implement and verify safety instrumented systems (SIS) to meet SIL requirements.
- Apply best practices in instrument calibration, field safety validation, and troubleshooting procedures.
- Support cybersecurity practices for industrial control networks.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation, Control, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline.
- Experience: Minimum 7+ years of experience in industrial control and instrumentation engineering with focus on PLC, DCS, HMI, SIL, valve and instrument sizing, selection, and troubleshooting.
Technical Expertise
- Proficiency in major PLC platforms (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider, or equivalent).
- Experience with DCS platforms (Emerson DeltaV, Honeywell Experion, Yokogawa, ABB, or similar).
- Skilled in HMI development and configuration for process operations.
- Strong background in control valve sizing and selection (Cv calculation, trim selection, noise/cavitation analysis), and integration of field instruments (pressure transmitters, flow meters, temperature sensors, etc.).
- Knowledge and practical experience with process tuning, interlock matrices, cause & effect tables, and field documentation.
- Knowledge of applicable codes and standards: IEC 61511/ISA, API, NFPA, NEC, ANSI/ISA, and OSHA.
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, OPC, etc.).
Skills
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD or EPLAN for control system drawings.
- Excellent teamwork, communication, and field collaboration skills.
Preferred Attributes
- Certification in PLC/DCS programming or functional safety (TÜV Functional Safety Engineer/Professional).
- Extensive field commissioning and troubleshooting experience in petrochemical, hydrogen, syngas, or process industries.
- Proven track record in advanced valve sizing methodologies, including severe service valve selection, and optimization for control stability.
- Knowledge of advanced process control (APC), SCADA integration, and cybersecurity best practices.
Location & Travel
- Based at Houston, Texas
- Frequent field work and site visits required, including travel to vendor facilities, construction sites, and operating plants.
Location Requirement
Applicants must currently reside in the Houston, TX area and be within reasonable driving distance of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) area. This is an on-site position; remote work is not available. Relocation assistance is not provided.
Work Authorization
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. HYCO1 does not provide sponsorship.