Remote Optical Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

QualificationsEducation

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of industrial instrumentation and controls engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading instrumentation and controls teams and project execution efforts.
• Experience supporting DCS migration, modernization, or control system replacement projects.
• Proven success managing engineering scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverable quality.
• Experience in industries such as pulp & paper, chemicals, manufacturing, refining, power generation, or other heavy industrial environments.

Technical Expertise

Strong working knowledge of:

• Instrumentation specification and application
• Process measurement technologies
• Control valve sizing and application
• Control system hardware architecture
• PLC, DCS, and remote I/O systems
• Marshalling and field wiring design
• Industrial communications networks
• Fiber optic systems
• Instrument installation practices
• AutoCAD and/or MicroStation

Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong mentoring and talent development capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Excellent client-facing communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Results-oriented with a commitment to technical excellence and project success.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a seasoned Instrumentation & Controls professional who has progressed into a technical leadership role and is passionate about developing teams and delivering high-quality engineering solutions. They possess strong expertise in instrumentation systems, control system hardware, and DCS migration projects, and can confidently lead the development and review of instrument indexes, I/O lists, datasheets, loop drawings, control system hardware packages, and construction deliverables. They thrive in a client-facing environment and have a proven track record of successfully leading complex industrial projects from concept through startup.

Instrumentation & Controls Discipline Lead

Overview

Hargrove Engineers & Constructors is seeking a highly experienced Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Discipline Lead to provide technical leadership for industrial capital projects and control system modernization initiatives, including large-scale DCS migration programs. This role is responsible for leading I&C engineering teams, driving project execution, ensuring technical excellence, and delivering high-quality engineering solutions throughout all phases of a project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate is a proven I&C leader with a strong background in instrumentation design, control system hardware, and project execution. This individual will lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee engineering deliverables, mentor technical staff, and serve as a trusted advisor to clients and project stakeholders. While familiarity with control systems is essential, this position focuses on instrumentation engineering and control system hardware implementation rather than software programming or DCS configuration.

Key ResponsibilitiesDiscipline Leadership

• Lead instrumentation and controls engineering activities for industrial capital and sustaining projects.
• Develop and execute discipline plans, staffing strategies, schedules, budgets, and resource forecasts.
• Coordinate assignments and workload across engineers, designers, and support personnel.
• Monitor progress, identify project risks, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Serve as the primary technical representative for I&C engineering with clients, project teams, vendors, and construction personnel.
• Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and project planning activities.
• Ensure engineering deliverables comply with project requirements, client standards, applicable codes, and industry best practices.
• Foster collaboration, technical growth, and mentorship within the I&C team.

Technical Leadership & Quality Assurance

• Provide technical oversight for instrumentation and control system engineering deliverables.
• Review and approve engineering documentation for technical accuracy, completeness, constructability, and quality.
• Support the resolution of complex instrumentation, field installation, and control system hardware challenges.
• Drive consistency in engineering practices, standards, and design approaches across projects and offices.
• Ensure compliance with ISA standards and industry regulations.

Instrumentation Engineering Leadership

Direct the development and review of:

• Instrument Indexes
• Instrument Datasheets
• Control Valve Datasheets and Sizing
• Analyzer Specifications
• I/O Lists
• Loop Diagrams
• Instrument Location Plans
• Installation Details
• Junction Box Drawings
• Cable Schedules
• Procurement Packages
• Material Take-Offs (MTOs)
• Construction Work Packages

Provide technical guidance for:

• Instrument selection and specification
• Process measurement technologies
• Control valve application and sizing
• Analyzer system design and specification
• Instrument installation practices
• Field device standardization programs

DCS Migration & Control System Modernization

• Lead instrumentation and controls engineering efforts supporting DCS migration and modernization projects.
• Oversee development of migration-related engineering packages, including:
  • I/O Databases
  • Signal Lists
  • Marshalling Drawings
  • Cabinet Layouts
  • Network Architecture Drawings
  • System Architecture Drawings
  • Fiber Optic Routing Plans
  • Loop Migration Packages
  • Cutover and Transition Documentation
• Coordinate hardware migration activities with operations, maintenance, automation teams, and project stakeholders.
• Lead field verification, gap assessments, and migration planning efforts.
• Review and approve hardware designs associated with DCS, PLC, remote I/O, and industrial communications infrastructure.
• Support implementation strategies that minimize operational disruption and startup risk.

Project Execution & Coordination

• Collaborate closely with process, electrical, mechanical, piping, and project management teams.
• Support project scoping, proposal development, estimating, and planning activities.
• Develop resource plans and coordinate execution across multiple office locations.
• Monitor project performance related to scope, schedule, budget, and quality.
• Provide technical leadership throughout design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup.

Construction, Commissioning & Startup Support

• Provide technical leadership during procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup phases.
• Review vendor drawings, equipment submittals, and instrumentation packages.
• Support constructability reviews, field investigations, and installation planning.
• Assist in resolving field issues related to instrumentation and control systems.
• Coordinate technical support activities through startup and system turnover.