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Instrumentation Controls Designer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Instrumentation Controls Designer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrumentation controls designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrumentation Controls Designer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, instrumentation principles, and process control, often supported by a relevant degree or diploma. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, PLC programming, and familiarity with industry standards like ISA are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for designing reliable, safe, and efficient control systems that meet project and regulatory requirements.

What is an instrumentation controls designer?

Instrumentation Controls Designers are professionals who design and develop systems that monitor and control engineering processes, usually in industrial settings such as manufacturing plants, oil and gas facilities, or power stations. They create layouts and specify the types of instruments and control devices needed to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation. Their work involves interpreting engineering blueprints, selecting appropriate sensors and controllers, and preparing detailed drawings for installation. They also collaborate with engineers and technicians to ensure that systems meet operational requirements and comply with industry standards.

How does an instrumentation controls designer typically collaborate with engineers and other team members during a project?

Instrumentation Controls Designers work closely with electrical, mechanical, and process engineers throughout all phases of a project. They are responsible for translating engineering requirements into detailed control system designs and schematics. Regular team meetings and design reviews ensure alignment on technical specifications, while ongoing communication with project managers and field personnel helps address challenges during installation and commissioning. Collaboration is key to ensuring that all control systems meet safety, quality, and performance standards.

What is the difference between Instrumentation Controls Designer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectInstrumentation Controls DesignerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Instrumentation, Controls, or related fieldBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation projectsPower plants, construction sites, design offices, manufacturing
Industry UsageProcess control, automation, instrumentation systemsElectrical systems, power distribution, circuit design
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve electrical knowledge, Instrumentation Controls Designers focus on automation and control systems within industrial settings, whereas Electrical Engineers have a broader scope including power systems and circuit design. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right career path or job opportunity.

What are popular job titles related to Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs in Texas? For Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Instrumentation Controls Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Instrumentation Controls Designer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER, SOLAR CELL FACTORY (STARLINK)
The Solar Cell team is revolutionizing power generation for space applications through advanced solar cell manufacturing. We're scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells to support sustainable energy solutions for Starlink constellations, launch vehicles, and beyond. As a Sr. Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you will design, build, and optimize controls and automation systems for the delivery of critical gases and chemicals in solar cell fabrication. This role requires a detail-oriented engineer passionate about safe handling of hazardous materials in a high-volume manufacturing environment, ensuring reliable control code and safe instrumentation and design of processes like vacuum deposition and etching while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency in our cutting-edge solar cell factory.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, implement, and maintain automation systems including PLC programming and SCADA development for gas farm operations (e.g., vaporizers, storage, and transfer systems) and wastewater treatment processes (e.g., solids separation, clarification, and chemical dosing) to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant performance
  • Develop and program PLC control logic, PID loops, and interlocks for centralized control of distributed subsystems, optimizing for real-time monitoring of parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow, pH, and effluent quality
  • Select, calibrate, and integrate field instrumentation (e.g., transmitters, sensors, analyzers) in hazardous environments, ensuring compatibility with safety standards like SIL, ATEX, and EPA/NPDES regulations
  • Lead commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and troubleshooting of control systems, performing root-cause analysis to minimize downtime and support 24/7 operations with rapid alarm response
  • Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or chemical discipline
  • 5+ years of experience with fluids/systems manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Excited by a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role
  • Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation stages
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to make plans and directional recommendations collaboratively and cross-functionally
  • Ability to engineer creative, new approaches to problems while adhering to ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA safety requirements to keep a factory safe
  • Hazardous process expertise in an aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industry where high pressure or hazardous systems for fluids or gasses were in use

Experience with at least one of the specific disciplines listed below. The ideal candidate is interested in learning at least the fundamentals of the other areas they are not yet strong in.
Electrical/Industrial Controls:
  • Electrical sizing of motors, valves, pneumatics, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, motor starters, various other motion systems
  • Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using both safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays
  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes
  • Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred)
  • Field bus networks, serial communication, Profinet and Ethernet communications
  • Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards

Industrial Software:
  • PLC programming, preferably Siemens TIA Portal structured text + ladder
  • HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), ignition systems with focus on user friendly navigation and machine health monitoring and control
  • Field Bus Networking protocols, preferably EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, Ethernet/IP
  • Robotics programming, preferably ABB
  • Industrial software application to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, including how to safely checkout these interdisciplinary systems prior to production implementation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US