Entry Level Instrument, Electrical and Controls (IE&C) Engineer

Instrument, Electrical and Controls (IE&C) Engineer

At Salas OBrien we tell our clients that were engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. Thats why were committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and theyll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas OBrien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrows requirements are todays opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary: ENTRY-LEVEL INSTRUMENT, ELECTRICAL AND CONTROLS

Salas OBrien is seeking a new graduate or early-career Instrument, Electrical and Controls (IE&C) Engineer for our Decatur, Alabama office. Candidates with relevant internship or co-op experience are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of experienced engineers and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver quality IE&C engineering services for industrial process and manufacturing clients.

Responsibilities

- Work with engineers and designers of various disciplines to ensure safe, timely, efficient designs that comply with Salas OBrien and client policies and procedures as well as applicable codes and standards.

- Provide designs for new and modification type IE&C projects for clients in chemical processing and industrial facilities.

- Work independently and/or assist senior engineers with:

The development of IE&C installation drawings (AutoCAD/Revit).

- Data sheets and specifications that meet client requirements and applicable codes and standards.

- Development and troubleshooting of PLC Logic (Rockwell-Automation) for new and existing equipment.

- Anticipate and coordinate design details with other disciplines to produce successful overall projects.

- Support project managers and lead discipline engineers by tracking assigned tasks, communicating progress, and completing work within established scope, schedule, and budget requirements.

- Provide project leadership to ensure communication and execution of work within scope, schedule and budget by monitoring project progress, coordinating activities; resolving problems.

- Maintain schedule for multiple projects, multiple clients, and multiple resources.

- Recognize and communicate scope and design changes to client in a timely manner.

- Prepare specifications and obtain quotations for purchase of materials and equipment.

- Develop the instrumentation and controls elements of P&IDs.

- Perform periodic design reviews; ensure designs follow specifications, codes, regulations, and contract requirements. Ensure technical and quality standards are maintained.

- Produce effective and accurate written scopes of work, technical documents, and reports.

- Prepare contractor bid packages.

- Develop project proposals for multi-discipline projects.

- Travel to various sites to gather field data and provide construction support.

- Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational and safety standards.

- Perform startup and commissioning support.

- Build and maintain client relationships while promoting and integrating company-wide initiatives and values.

- Participate in client meetings, support relationship-building activities, and learn how the company identifies and develops new business opportunities.

Types of Projects Include:

Process instrumentation sizing and specification

Power system protection coordination modeling and load studies

Industrial low and medium voltage power distribution system design

Grounding and lightning protections systems

Communication systems

Arc flash hazards analysis

DCS Installations

Electric heat tracing systems

Low voltage motor control systems

Industrial facility lighting

VFD system installation and support

Process analyzer and sample system

PLC control system design, modifications, and migrations

Backup power systems

Experience & Education

- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from ABET accredited institution.

- Passed the FE exam, holds EIT certification, or is willing to pursue FE exam completion within an agreed timeframe after hire.

- Relevant internship, co-op, academic project, or entry-level experience involving instrumentation, electrical power, controls, manufacturing, process, or heavy industrial facilities.

Preferences:

- Internship, co-op, or other exposure to industrial facilities, plant environments, engineering consulting, or IE&C project work.

Physical Requirements:

- Lifting/carrying: Carrying light loads related to field measurement equipment, and equipment cases weighing 15 lbs. or less.

- Dexterity: Ability to type using a keyboard with relative efficiency, ability to make handwritten notes and sketches indoors and outdoors at industrial plant and construction sites at any time of the year.

- Walking/Climbing: Ability to use multi-level stair towers and rung ladders unassisted.

- Visual Acuity: Ability to discern single line and 3-dimensional computer images representing objects being designed or drafted.

- Hearing: Ability to hear safety alarms and signals while wearing hearing protection.

- Physical exertion: Ability to walk up to one mile on industrial plants and construction sites outdoors at any time of the year. Ability to work in protective clothing which may elevate body temperatures by several degrees Fahrenheit for periods of up to 15 minutes without a break.

Job Location: Decatur, Alabama

Travel: 5%

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected base salary range for this role is $80,000 - $90,000 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

- Medical, dental, and vision insurance

- 401(k) with company match

- Paid time off and company holidays

- Wellness programs and employee assistance resources

- Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here .

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas OBrien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas OBrien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas OBrien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.