Instrument Designer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Controls Designer - Combustion Equipment is responsible for the design, specification, and documentation of control systems for industrial combustion equipment, including process burners, flares, thermal oxidizers, and fired heaters. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering team, this individual will develop instrumentation and controls deliverables that meet customer requirements and comply with applicable industry codes and standards. The ideal candidate brings a passion for safe and reliable system design.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop instrumentation and controls engineering deliverables including instrument datasheets, I/O lists, control narratives, cause-and-effect matrices, and logic diagrams for combustion equipment projects.

• Specify field instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, level, flame detection) appropriate for project requirements.

• Prepare control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and bill of materials for PLC-based and relay-based control panels.

• Develop functional safety requirements and support SIL assessment activities as applicable.

Relief System Support

• Review and validate instrumentation associated with pressure relief devices, emergency depressurization systems, and flare header networks.

• Coordinate with process and mechanical engineers to ensure instrumentation supports safe operation and regulatory compliance.

• Project Execution

• Interface with clients, vendors, and project teams during FEED, detailed design, and construction phases to ensure controls deliverables are accurate and on schedule.

• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) of control panels and systems.

• Review vendor submittals, instrument data sheets, and control system documentation for technical compliance.

• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers and designers.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering Technology, Instrumentation & Controls, or a related technical discipline; or equivalent combination of technical training and experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering preferred.

• 3-5 years of experience in instrumentation and controls design.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience preparing I&C deliverables (P&IDs, datasheets, loop diagrams, cause-and-effect matrices).

• Proficiency with CAD tools such as AutoCAD Electrical / MicroStation, etc. I&C drafting.

• Ability to read and interpret process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, and equipment data sheets.

• Solid understanding of control theory fundamentals and process control loops (PID).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to produce clear technical documentation and present to clients.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deliverables simultaneously.

• Collaborative team player who also works effectively independently under minimal supervision.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to produce clear technical documentation and present to clients.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deliverables simultaneously.

• Collaborative team player who also works effectively independently under minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with fired heater, thermal oxidizer, boiler, or flare package projects.

• Knowledge of API 560 (Fired Heaters), NFPA 86, and related codes.

• Experience supporting HAZOP, LOPA, or PHR studies.

• Experience with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent) and/or SIS platforms a strong plus.

Work Environment & Physical Requirement

• This position is primarily office-based (in-office) with periodic travel to fabrication shops and field project sites. Site visits may involve exposure to outdoor industrial environments including elevated noise levels, high temperatures, and active construction. Candidates must be able to:

• Stand and walk on uneven surfaces during site visits.

• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and hearing protection.

• Work at heights with appropriate fall protection training when required.