Instrumentation And Controls Engineer

Job Title: Instrumentation and Controls Engineer Job Description
The Instrumentation and Controls Engineer supports the delivery of highly technical cleanroom, fab, and advanced manufacturing facilities by developing accurate and coordinated control system designs from concept through startup. This role creates and refines comprehensive instrumentation and controls deliverablessuch as points lists, I/O schedules, P&IDs, control narratives, loop diagrams, device layouts, and installation detailswhile closely coordinating with process, mechanical, electrical, and construction teams. The engineer reviews vendor data, supports design reviews and change control, and helps resolve field issues that affect safety, reliability, sequence of operations, and schedule. Success in this role depends on strong technical judgment, disciplined QA/QC practices, and the ability to collaborate effectively with project managers, discipline leads, clients, contractors, and commissioning teams in fast-paced project environments.
Responsibilities
- Develop detailed instrumentation and controls design deliverables for cleanroom, fab, utility, and specialty system applications, including points lists, I/O schedules, control narratives, loop diagrams, schematics, and installation details.
- Support project execution from early planning and pre-design through detailed design, construction administration, startup, and turnover for semiconductor and advanced technology facilities.
- Coordinate control system requirements with process, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and architectural teams to ensure fully integrated, constructible, and reliable solutions.
- Prepare and review P&IDs, sequences of operations, instrument index, device schedules, and valve and sensor selections to ensure alignment with project requirements and control strategies.
- Develop and review control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and related documentation to support field installation and commissioning activities.
- Perform design calculations and technical evaluations related to instrument sizing, control valve selection, signal compatibility, redundancy, alarming, and overall system performance.
- Review vendor submittals, factory documentation, and equipment data sheets to confirm compliance with project requirements and control system intent.
- Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and coordination sessions to communicate technical decisions, resolve scope questions, and support alignment on project objectives.
- Support QA/QC reviews of design packages to verify accuracy, completeness, code and standard compliance, constructability, and consistency across disciplines.
- Respond to RFIs, review construction submittals, and support field coordination during installation to resolve conflicts and preserve design intent.
- Conduct site walks to verify existing conditions and assist with field troubleshooting, punchlist resolution, and as-built documentation during construction and commissioning.
- Collaborate with startup and commissioning teams to support functional testing, point-to-point checks, control checkout, and sequence of operations verification.
- Track design changes through formal change control processes, documenting impacts to schedule, cost, safety, and system performance.
- Identify and mitigate technical risks related to controls integration, maintainability, alarm management, and operational reliability.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to technical development, best practices, and consistent documentation standards across project teams.
- Maintain clear, accurate documentation and communication throughout the project lifecycle to support effective coordination with all stakeholders.
Essential Skills
- Extensive experience designing instrumentation and control systems for semiconductor, cleanroom, advanced manufacturing, or similarly complex process environments.
- Strong working knowledge of control system components, including sensors, transmitters, analyzers, actuators, control valves, PLCs, DCS, SCADA, and building automation interfaces.
- Demonstrated ability to produce and coordinate detailed engineering deliverables such as P&IDs, control narratives, I/O lists, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and installation details.
- Experience reviewing vendor submittals, coordinating with equipment suppliers, and supporting construction and startup activities in fast-paced project environments.
- Strong understanding of QA/QC processes, code and standard compliance, change management, and documentation control.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, clients, contractors, and commissioning agents while maintaining technical clarity and responsiveness.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
- Proven leadership, mentoring, and coordination skills, with the ability to guide design efforts and support less experienced team members.
- Ability to identify and manage technical risks related to controls integration, maintainability, alarm management, and operational reliability.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Associate's degree in engineering design technology or a related technical field, or equivalent progressive experience in instrumentation and controls design.
- Familiarity with design tools and software commonly used for controls documentation, calculation, and coordination, with the ability to learn project-specific platforms as needed.
- Background working in semiconductor, cleanroom, and advanced manufacturing environments.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to support disciplined QA/QC and documentation control.
- Ability to work effectively in fast-paced project settings and adapt to changing priorities and requirements.
Work Environment
This role operates within highly technical cleanroom, fab, utility, and advanced manufacturing facility projects, focusing on complex process environments such as semiconductor and specialty systems. Work involves close collaboration with process, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, architectural, construction, and commissioning teams throughout planning, design, construction, startup, and turnover phases. The environment is fast-paced and detail-oriented, with a strong emphasis on safety, reliability, code compliance, and disciplined QA/QC practices. The position includes both office-based design and documentation work using industry-standard design tools, as well as time spent on active construction and commissioning sites for site walks, field coordination, troubleshooting, and verification of existing conditions. Project work requires clear communication, thorough documentation, and effective teamwork to deliver integrated and constructible control system solutions.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Austin, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $150000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K retirement savings plan (with company matching), opportunities for professional development and training (including support for relevant licensure & certifications), and generous PTO & paid holidays.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Austin, TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 1, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

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Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
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