Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Location: TX, US

FuelCell Energy is a global leader in decarbonizing power and producing hydrogen through our proprietary fuel cell technology. Our mission is to enable a world powered by clean energy. As an innovator and manufacturer of fuel cell clean power platforms, FuelCell Energy has the only technology in the world capable of capturing carbon from an external source and producing power at the same time. In addition, we offer the only technology in the world capable of producing hydrogen, power and water simultaneously. The pay for this position ranges from $120000 - $132500.

We are seeking a Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer to join the multi-disciplinary engineering team responsible for designing and delivering fuel cell–based systems for power generation, carbon capture, hydrogen production, and energy storage applications. This role is senior-level and hands-on, with a primary emphasis on instrumentation, valves, and field devices, balanced with strong responsibility for PLC and HMI software development. The position requires flexibility to support multiple projects across various phases of design, construction, testing, commissioning, and operational support.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the selection, specification, and application of instrumentation, valves, and field devices, including transmitters, analyzers, control valves, actuators, and safety devices, ensuring reliable operation across process conditions and lifecycle requirements.
• Define and maintain control system architectures, including control narratives, I/O definitions, instrument integration, and alignment with PLC-based control platforms.
• Design, develop, and support PLC and HMI software, including Ladder Logic, Structured Text, function blocks, and operator interfaces, from initial design through commissioning and operational support.
• Produce and review instrumentation and controls design documentation, including P&IDs, loop diagrams, instrument datasheets, logic diagrams, control philosophies, and test procedures.
• Execute and support system testing, I/O checkout, loop checks, commissioning, and startup activities, integrating troubleshooting and validation into the design lifecycle.
• Collaborate with Electrical, Mechanical, and Systems Engineering to ensure cohesive system integration, drawing accuracy, and constructability.
• Provide technical leadership for field issue resolution and root cause analysis related to instrumentation, valves, and control systems across deployed assets.
• Support the design and implementation of Safety Instrumented System (SIS) functions, including safety requirements specification (SRS) inputs, SIL verification support, cause-and-effect logic, instrumented shutdown/alarm design, and validation/testing to align with applicable functional safety standards.
• Participate in design reviews, HAZOPs, FMEAs, and safety assessments, and mentor junior engineers by sharing best practices in instrumentation and controls engineering.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Minimum 5 years of experience in instrumentation and controls engineering within industrial, power generation, process, or energy systems. Demonstrated senior-level experience with instrumentation and valve selection, specification, and application. Strong, hands-on experience with PLC and HMI programming for industrial control systems.

Required Skills and Characteristics

Strong understanding of industrial instrumentation, control valves, actuators, and associated installation and commissioning practices. Experience with PLC platforms, including hardware configuration, Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and user-defined function blocks. Experience developing and maintaining Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs). Working knowledge of industrial communication networks. Proficient in reading and developing P&IDs, PFDs, logic diagrams, and instrument loop diagrams. Experience supporting field commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities. Familiarity with HAZOP, FMEA, DFSS, and electrochemical or process-based systems is preferred. Proficient with Microsoft Office tools. Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across multi-disciplinary teams. Self-motivated team player with a positive, goal-focused approach to solving complex engineering problems. Flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities and project demands.

Work in office, laboratory, fabrication, and field environments. Periodic outdoor work in operating power plant environments during commissioning and troubleshooting activities. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and use hand tools and test equipment. Willingness and ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE). Travel up to 10% domestic or international. Must have or be able to obtain a passport.

Equal Opportunity Employer FuelCell Energy is an equal-opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and safe work environment for people of all backgrounds. We offer a competitive compensation package as well as comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, company-paid life/disability insurance, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plan, and generous paid leave.