Instrumentation Engineering Specialist

Join the ECI Group's Professional Technical Services Network as a onsite Instrumentation Engineering Specialist .  This an 18- 24-month duration from award based in the New Orleans (Waggaman) area.    Note: You must be a US Citizen or Permanent US Resident to qualify for this position. 

About our Client
Our client is developing and operating a major chemical manufacturing facility in Waggaman, Louisiana, producing Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) and Ethyl Methyl Carbonate (EMC) for the battery supply chain.   The site is a petrochemical/chemical manufacturing operation requiring engineering support for construction, commissioning, startup, reliability, maintenance, and operations activities

Position Summary
The Instrumentation Engineering Specialist is responsible for providing technical expertise in the design, specification, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning, and startup of instrumentation and control systems for the UBE project. The position supports safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations through the application of sound engineering principles, compliance with industry standards, and coordination with multidisciplinary project teams.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and review instrumentation engineering deliverables including instrument datasheets, instrument indexes, I/O lists, loop diagrams, hook-up drawings, cable schedules, and installation details.
• Specify and select field instrumentation including pressure, temperature, flow, level, analytical instruments, and control valves.
• Review and provide input to P&IDs, process flow diagrams, control narratives, and cause-and-effect matrices.
• Support the design, configuration, and implementation of Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), and associated control networks.
• Coordinate with process, mechanical, piping, electrical, and construction teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Prepare technical requisitions, evaluate vendor proposals, and review supplier documentation.
• Provide engineering support during equipment fabrication, installation, construction, and commissioning activities.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), loop checks, and startup activities.
• Support alarm management, control strategy development, and process optimization initiatives.
• Assist with troubleshooting instrumentation and control system issues during commissioning and operational phases.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in Process Safety Management (PSM) activities, including HAZOP, LOPA, and SIL reviews.
• Maintain project documentation and ensure accurate records are updated throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support project schedules, cost control efforts, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related engineering discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in instrumentation and controls engineering within chemical, petrochemical, manufacturing, energy, or industrial process facilities.
• Experience supporting capital projects from conceptual design through commissioning and startup.
• Experience with process instrumentation, control systems, and plant automation technologies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of process measurement and control principles.
• Experience with DCS, PLC, and SIS systems.
• Knowledge of ISA, IEC, NFPA, ANSI, and applicable industry standards.
• Familiarity with process safety requirements and functional safety design.
• Ability to interpret and develop engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Proficiency in instrument sizing, specification, and selection.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with project stakeholders, contractors, and vendors.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) registration preferred.
• ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) or equivalent certification preferred.
• Experience with specialty chemical or petrochemical processing facilities.
• Experience with Emerson DeltaV, Honeywell, Yokogawa, Siemens, ABB, or Rockwell automation platforms.
• Experience supporting brownfield and greenfield project execution.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to conduct field inspections in industrial plant environments.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and access operating units as required.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to travel periodically for vendor visits, construction support, commissioning, and startup activities.

Key Deliverables

• Instrumentation design packages.
• Instrument specifications and procurement documents.
• Control system integration support.
• FAT/SAT and commissioning documentation.
• Startup and operational readiness support.
• Project engineering documentation and closeout records.

This position serves as the subject matter expert for instrumentation and controls engineering and is responsible for ensuring reliable, safe, and compliant instrumentation systems that support successful execution of the UBE project.
Reports To: Maintenance & Engineering Manager
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

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