Instrument & Control Engineer

Engineering & design

• Perform comprehensive valve and instrument sizing, selection, and calibration (control valves, pressure transmitters, flow meters, 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, loop diagrams, wiring schematics, and system architecture drawings.
• Design and specify Motor Control Centers (MCCs) including bucket sizing, feeder coordination, and arc flash labeling per NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584.
• Specify, size, and configure Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for pump, compressor, and fan applications; verify harmonic distortion compliance per IEEE 519.
• Develop electrical panel designs including one-line diagrams, panel schedules, conduit and cable routing layouts, and termination drawings per NEC Article 408.
• Size and select Protective relays, circuit breakers, and switchgear for LV/MV power distribution systems; coordinate protection settings per ANSI/IEEE C37 series.
• Collaborate with process engineers to validate valve sizing calculations and ensure proper Cv, trim type, and materials selection.

Programming, commissioning & field support

• Develop, configure, and optimize PLC logic, DCS strategies, and HMI graphics. Configure alarm management systems. Lead or support FAT/SAT, loop checks, calibration verification, and control strategy tuning. Commission VFDs including parameter setup, motor protection settings, and communication configuration via Modbus, Profibus, or EtherNet/IP.
• Support MCC and switchgear energization activities including pre-energization checklists, insulation resistance testing, and functional verification. Troubleshoot instrumentation, control systems, and power distribution equipment. Ensure communication between field devices, PLCs, DCS, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Configure PLCs to comply with client communication protocols including safety monitoring and remote shutdown systems.

Operations & maintenance support

• Conduct on-site troubleshooting and diagnostics of instrument, control, and electrical systems. Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive measures.
• Troubleshoot VFD faults (overcurrent, ground fault, comm loss, overtemperature) and MCC component failures (contactors, overload relays, circuit breakers). Maintain backups, calibration records, interlock documentation, and version control of PLC/DCS/HMI systems. Maintain electrical panel drawings, MCC schedules, VFD parameter logs, and relay settings in the document management system. Train operators and maintenance staff on instrumentation, electrical power systems, VFD operation, MCC safety practices, and arc flash PPE per NFPA 70E.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation Engineering, Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution (required).
• Nice to have education:
  • Master’s degree in electrical, Control, or Chemical Engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering (Texas PE preferred or eligibility to obtain)
  • ISA Certified Automation Professional
  • (CAP) credential
• Experience: Minimum 7+ years of experience in industrial instrumentation, control, and electrical engineering.
  • Must include demonstrated hands-on experience with: PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Schneider); DCS configuration (Emerson DeltaV, Honeywell Experion, Yokogawa, or ABB); HMI development; SIL/SIS design per IEC 61511; control valve sizing (Cv, trim selection, cavitation analysis); VFD specification, commissioning, and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley PowerFlex, Siemens SINAMICS, or ABB ACS); Control System Architect (CSA); MCC design (NEMA/IEC starters, feeder coordination, arc flash labeling per NFPA 70E/IEEE 1584); electrical panel design (load calculations, short-circuit analysis, conduit/cable sizing per NEC Articles 310 and 408); protective relay selection and coordination per ANSI/IEEE C37 series. Industry experience in petrochemical, hydrogen, syngas, or process plant environments strongly preferred.

Technical expertise

•  Required:
  • AutoCAD or EPLAN (instrumentation and electrical drawings);
  • PLC programming software
  • (Studio 5000 / RSLogix, TIA Portal, or Unity Pro); DCS configuration platform (DeltaV, Experion PKS,
  • CENTUM VP, or 800xA); HMI development tools (FactoryTalk View, Wonderware, or equivalent);
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel for I/O lists, Word for narratives, Project for scheduling). Familiarity with industrial communication protocol configuration tools (Modbus, Profibus, EtherNet/IP, OPC-UA).
  • Knowledge of applicable codes and standards: IEC 61511/ISA, API, NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 70E, IEEE 519, IEEE 1584, ANSI/ISA, and OSHA.
• Nice to have:
  • SKM PowerTools or ETAP for arc flash / short-circuit analysis; CAESAR II or similar for instrument support calculations.
  • Certification in PLC/DCS programming or functional safety (TÜV Functional Safety Engineer/Professional).Experience with advanced process control (APC) and SCADA integration; arc flash hazard analysis experience using IEEE 1584 methodology with SKM or ETAP
  • Experience with severe service valve selection and optimization for control stability; knowledge of industrial cybersecurity best practices for ICS/SCADA networks
  • Experience supporting HAZOP reviews and SIL classification studies; prior field commissioning experience at hydrogen, syngas, or petrochemical facilities.

Skills

• Maintain strong and positive relationships with team members, customers, clients, partners, etc.
• Strong proven leadership/management ability
• Possess and demonstrate excellent computer skills in utilizing MS Office Suite
• Demonstrate strong strategic, analytical, and organizational skills
• Work with honesty and integrity
• Must be proficient in writing and speaking English
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must be able to perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to meet the attendance and travel requirements of the position

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.

Physica activities and requirements of this position:

This position may require planned and efficient travel. Must have the ability to sit for long periods of time and view computer screens for long periods of time. Must be able to speak and listen clearly. Fine visual acuity to read labels, safety notices, and other written materials for accuracy required. May be exposed at times to loud noises, wet and humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic chemicals, and extreme hot and cold, depending on weather conditions.

Physical strength:

• Must be able to climb four flights of stairs in PPE
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must be able to carry 25 pounds for distances up to 100m
• Must be able to work outside in hot/cold weather if required
• Must be able to sit and work at a keyboard and screen for long periods

Compensation

HYCO1 offers competitive compensation and a competitive benefits package including stock options, performance-based incentive compensation, Paid Time Off, 401K, Wellness Plan, and a Flexible Spending Account.

Work authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. HYCO1 does not provide sponsorship.

Intent and function of job description

All descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included. Requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the position. In no instance should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements described herein be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional duties may be assigned by HYCO1 as deemed appropriate.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodation will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. HYCO1 is an at-will employer. Employees may be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

HYCO1 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected category.