Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Birmingham, AL

Quanta Power Solutions brings together the industry-leading capabilities and resources of Quanta's operating companies to deliver complete EPC solutions. Our integrated approach spans power generation, battery energy storage, renewables, transmission, substation, and underground infrastructure — from concept to commissioning, we execute complex power infrastructure projects with the speed, certainty, and operational excellence our customers depend on.

At Quanta Power Solutions, we are driven by a culture of safety, integrity, and disciplined execution — and we're building a team that shares that commitment.

Quanta Power Solutions is seeking a motivated Instrumentation Engineer I to support the design, development, and implementation of instrumentation and control systems for power generation, renewable energy, battery energy storage systems (BESS), data centers, substations, transmission, and industrial infrastructure projects. This entry-level engineering role works under the guidance of senior engineers and contributes to the development of safe, reliable, and efficient process control systems within EPC project environments.

The ideal candidate will have a foundational understanding of instrumentation and control systems, strong technical aptitude, and the ability to support multidisciplinary engineering teams in delivering high-quality project designs.

• Assist in the design and development of instrumentation and control systems for EPC projects.
• Support preparation and revision of:
  • Instrument index and I/O lists
  • Instrument data sheets
  • Control system architecture diagrams
  • Loop diagrams and wiring diagrams
  • P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams) markups
    Assist in selection and specification of field instrumentation including:
  • Pressure, temperature, flow, and level instruments
  • Analytical and process monitoring devices
  • Control valves and actuators
    Support integration of instrumentation systems into overall plant control systems.

Control Systems Support

• Assist in development of PLC, DCS, and SCADA system documentation.
• Support input/output (I/O) mapping and control logic documentation.
• Participate in control system configuration reviews under senior engineer direction.
• Assist with development of functional descriptions and control narratives.
• Support coordination of automation and process control requirements.

Project Execution Support

• Support instrumentation engineering activities through conceptual design, detailed engineering, procurement, and construction phases.
• Assist in preparation of material take-offs (MTOs) and equipment lists.
• Support review of vendor submittals and technical documentation.
• Track assigned deliverables and support adherence to project schedules.
• Assist in preparation of construction and commissioning documentation.

Multidisciplinary Coordination

• Coordinate instrumentation work with electrical, mechanical, civil, structural, and process engineering teams.
• Participate in design review and coordination meetings.
• Assist in resolving interface issues between control systems and field instrumentation.
• Support integration of instrumentation systems into overall facility design.

Construction & Commissioning Support

• Assist with field verification activities and site visits as required.
• Support responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) under engineer guidance.
• Assist in loop checks, calibration support, and system testing activities.
• Help update documentation based on field conditions and construction feedback.
• Support commissioning and startup activities.

Quality & Standards

• Follow company engineering standards, project specifications, and applicable codes.
• Assist in technical reviews and quality checks of instrumentation deliverables.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation and revision control.
• Support continuous improvement of instrumentation design practices and workflows.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• 0–2 years of experience in instrumentation, controls, or automation engineering.
• Internship or co-op experience in EPC, power generation, industrial, or manufacturing environments preferred.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred.

Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of:
  • Instrumentation principles and process control systems
  • PLC, DCS, and SCADA fundamentals
  • Industrial automation and control system architecture
    Familiarity with:
  • P&IDs and control system documentation
  • Instrumentation data sheets and wiring diagrams
  • Engineering design and revision processes
    Proficiency with:
  • AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
    Exposure to tools such as SmartPlant Instrumentation, Aveva, or similar is a plus.

Professional Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to follow direction and work under supervision.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Willingness to learn and develop technical expertise in EPC environments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to travel periodically for site visits, field verification, construction support, and commissioning activities.
• Ability to work in active industrial and construction environments as required.

• Competitive Compensation
• Weekly Pay
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Comprehensive Health Coverage
• Pet Insurance

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.