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Instrumentation Controls Designer Jobs in Washington

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$86K - $112K/yr

Designs, develops, and implements control system (logic software and hardware) to meet process ... with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen Bradley, Schnieder Modicon ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Designs, develops, and implements control system (logic software and hardware) to meet process ... with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen Bradley, Schnieder Modicon ...

Paper Converting Machine

Controls Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

... designing automation controls systems (PLC, SCADA) * A solid understanding of industrial control panel design and fabrication (UL508A) * A solid understanding of instrumentation and controls (I&C)

Barry Wehmiller Group

Controls Engineer

Sterling, VA

$82K - $107K/yr

... designing automation controls systems (PLC, SCADA) * A solid understanding of industrial control panel design and fabrication (UL508A) * A solid understanding of instrumentation and controls (I&C)

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Instrumentation Controls Designer information

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 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 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 Washington?

For Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Instrumentation Controls Designer job openings:

Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrumentation Controls Designer job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Ocean Atomics LLC

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 hours ago

Job description

The ocean is the largest undeveloped frontier on earth - and the next chapter of abundant energy will be written at sea. We're building the infrastructure to power it.
About Ocean Atomics (OA)
Ocean Atomics is an American company designing, licensing, and assembling a standardized nuclear electric power plant and the surrounding support systems for maritime applications. We will install these plants on any vessel built to our nuclear-ready standards, and will provide end-to-end sustainment in our planned nuclear lifecycle dockyard. We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new capability for your energy intensive application at sea. To move fast and to lead the creation of this new market, we are leveraging the compact, proven systems enabled by water-cooled reactors.
Our mission
Scale nuclear energy. Power generations.
Our vision
A maritime commons thriving with abundant, economical, modern, and safe nuclear-powered activity - built, serviced, and staffed by re-industrialized American shipyards and people.
Role Summary
Designs and analyzes the instrumentation and control (I&C) systems for the reactor and ship plant, sensors, control logic, protection systems, and operator interfaces. Uses the engineering simulator to develop, test, and validate control strategies and system response.
What you'll do
  • Design and analyze I&C systems, considering control logic, reactor protection, and human-machine interfaces.
  • Develop and validate control strategies and system response using the engineering simulator, tuning logic and verifying behavior across normal and transient conditions.
  • Define I&C requirements, set points, and instrument specifications, and establish interfaces with plant systems.
  • Support failure modes, reliability, and safety analyses for control and protection functions.
  • Document I&C designs, simulator validation results, and as-built configurations, and support design reviews and integration testing.

What you bring
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, nuclear, or systems engineering required (advanced degree preferred).
  • Experience designing or analyzing instrumentation and control systems, preferably for nuclear or other safety-critical plants.
  • Familiarity with control system modeling and engineering simulators for design validation.
  • Working knowledge of reactor protection systems, sensors, and control architectures.
  • Strong grounding in control theory and signal processing.

Don't meet every bullet? We'd still like to hear from you. If you're excited by the mission and most of this resonates, apply.
Export control notice
This role involves access to information subject to U.S. export control laws, including unclassified nuclear technology governed by the U.S. Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. Depending on a candidate's status, access may require DOE authorization, which Ocean Atomics may apply for. Any offer is contingent on your ability to work in compliance with these requirements. We evaluate all applicants regardless of citizenship or national origin, except where required by law.
Why this matters
Every industry on Earth needs scalable, clean energy, and the ocean is the ideal place to unlock it. Joining Ocean Atomics means building real, lasting infrastructure - the kind that powers generations. The world needs abundant energy. Let's make it happen.
Ocean Atomics LLC is an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to a workplace free of discrimination and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations; if you need an accommodation during the application process, contact info@oceanatomics.com.

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