Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Last Energy

Austin or Bryan, TX

Full Time

Posted January 12, 2026

$90k - $134k· Est.

Energy Management

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Job Description

Last Energy is seeking a hands-on Instrumentation & Controls Engineer to support the integration, deployment, and lifecycle management of industrial instrumentation, electrical, and control systems.

Key Responsibilities

Control System Specification: Define functional requirements and performance expectations for PLCs, HMIs, remote I/O, motor controllers, VFDs, and safety devices.
Support vendor selection and review vendor deliverables for technical adequacy
PLC & HMI Oversight: Review, validate, and support PLC logic and HMI designs developed by vendors or integrators. Ensure systems are modular, testable, and aligned with operational and safety requirements
System Architecture & Integration: Integrate electrical, instrumentation, and automation components into cohesive control system architectures, ensuring interoperability across hardware, networks, and field devices
Automation Improvements: Identify opportunities to automate manual or error-prone processes to improve reliability, consistency, and operational margins
Instrumentation Specification: Select and specify field instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, level, etc.), including accuracy, environmental suitability, and interface requirements
Electrical & Controls Coordination: Provide technical direction for control panels, power distribution (24 VDC / 120 VAC), grounding, and signal interfaces. Review drawings and wiring packages produced by vendors or fabricators
Lifecycle & Obsolescence Management: Manage component lifecycles, including qualification of substitutes, vendor coordination, and long-term maintainability planning
Field Deployment: Support and oversee fabrication, installation, and wiring of control cabinets and field devices, working directly with electricians, technicians, and vendors
Commissioning & Startup: Lead or support Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), loop checks, and startup activities. Troubleshoot integration issues involving wiring, instrumentation, communications, and control logic
Operational Support: Provide expert troubleshooting for installed systems, resolving complex electrical, instrumentation, and controls issues during operations
Safety Integration: Ensure control and instrumentation systems meet safety basis requirements applicable to DOE Hazard Category 1, 2, or 3 nuclear facilities
Configuration Management: Maintain disciplined configuration control of hardware and software changes. Ensure as-built documentation reflects the installed configuration and approved modifications
Vendor & Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a technical interface between internal teams, vendors, and contractors to ensure safety, quality, and schedule expectations are met

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field
3+ years of experience supporting industrial electrical, instrumentation, and control systems in a hands-on or field-facing role
Practical experience working with PLC-based control systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), including reviewing logic, supporting testing, and troubleshooting deployed systems
Strong understanding of industrial electronics, instrumentation, and low-voltage power distribution
Demonstrated experience working directly with vendors, integrators, technicians, and installers in commissioning or operational environments
Familiarity with industrial control system cybersecurity concepts and best practices (IEC 62443 knowledge is a plus)
Experience in nuclear, oil & gas, chemical processing, or other highly regulated, safety-critical industries
Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, TCP/IP, Profinet, or Ethernet/IP