Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Engineer

Edgewater Technical Associates is seeking qualified candidates for an Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer opportunity in Oak Ridge, TN .

Job Description:

We're seeking a I&C Engineer to lead major process controls engineering projects spanning digital control systems (PLC/DCS/HMI), complex test stands, and chemical processes. The I&C Engineer will take problems from issue to solution, setting expectations for data-driven decision making, automation, and the responsible use of AI/agentic AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective, compliant designs. This role blends hands-on engineering (design, fabrication, assembly, programming, testing) with technical leadership, client engagement, and rigorous software configuration management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engineer and integrate PLC, DCS, HMI, network switches, and control systems; lead programming and commissioning for Allen-Bradley platforms (ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk).
• Implement robust controls architectures, safety interlocks, alarming, data logging, recipe management, and historian integrations for test and process systems.
• Develop Functional Requirements and Procurement Specifications for instrumentation and control components and systems.
• Prepare design input documentation for drawings including cable block diagrams, wiring schematics, loop sheets, and detailed I/O maps.
• Help in creating and maintaining P&IDs and System Design Descriptions (SDDs).
• Interface with vendors; prepare and review equipment purchase specifications.
• Produce clear, concise technical reports and engineering studies.
• Establish and enforce software configuration management (SCM) for PLC/HMI code, scripts, and documentation.
• Review design drawings and documentation produced by others.
• Direct process-improvement initiatives: automate calculations, summarize technical documents, generate design documentation, and guide when/how AI or agentic AI tools are used.
• Oversee engineering automation via Python, MATLAB, or advanced Excel; review and validate automated outputs.
• Champion responsible integration of AI/ML into controls systems, including predictive maintenance and anomaly detection.
• Mentor less experienced I&C engineers and support multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• 5+ years of experience in design engineering for process control systems.
• Hands on expertise with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs and FactoryTalk systems.
• Experience designing, fabricating, assembling, programming, and testing test stands and chemical process systems.
• Strong SCM proficiency including Git, versioning, and code reviews.
• Excellent communication skills and experience reviewing design drawings.
• Active DOE Q Clearance or eligibility to obtain.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related engineering field.
• Experience with PlantPAx, FactoryTalk Analytics, OPC UA, historians, and industrial networking.
• Familiarity with SIS, PHA, ISA standards, and NFPA/NEC codes.
• Experience integrating AI/ML into industrial systems.
• Additional learning such as CS, AI, or Software Engineering certificates or minors.

Other Job Requirements:

• United States Citizenship

If you are interested in being considered for this position and your resume clearly outlines your relevant experience for this position, please follow the application steps via our website:

Edgewater will not submit your resume without first having detailed discussions with you and obtaining your permission to do so. We look forward to hearing from you!

WORKING WITH EDGEWATER TECHNICAL ASSOCIATES

Founded in 2003, Edgewater Technical Associates, LLC (Edgewater) is a New Mexico-based small business headquartered in Los Alamos, NM, with five (5) regional offices across the United States to locally support their growing presence at project sites. Edgewater has a proven track record and is a trusted provider of fixed-price construction projects, engineering, and technical services for the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD), National Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Canadian Commercial Nuclear Industry, and private sector commercial contractors involved in nuclear, high-hazard, or complex operations. Edgewater's experience and guidance ensure that its customers perform hazardous operations, comply with regulatory requirements, and maintain the highest quality and safety standards.

Originally founded to support the Los Alamos National Laboratory, Edgewater now supports customers across the U.S. and Canada. Edgewater has five offices, with corporate headquarters in Los Alamos, NM and regional offices in Carlsbad, NM; Oak Ridge, TN; Aiken, SC; and Richland, WA.

Edgewater is committed to recruiting and maintaining a staff of highly skilled professionals to support our customers. In keeping with this objective, we offer highly competitive salaries and employee benefit packages structured to best suit your needs. We offer multiple individual and family benefit options including paid time off, medical, dental, life, vision, and disability insurance, and a pre- and post-tax 401 (k) retirement account with Company matching contributions and 100% vesting for eligible participants beginning DAY 1.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Edgewater is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veterans, or individuals with disabilities in accordance with EO 14173.

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