I&C Design Engineer (Principal Engineer Level)
COMPA Industries is searching for qualified candidates for an I&C Design Engineer position supporting DOE/NNSA operations in Aiken, SC.
Pay: $80–$85/hr
Location: Aiken, SC (100% Onsite)
Citizenship: US Citizenship Required
🚫 Mandatory Experience Requirement – Read Before Applying
Candidates must have 10+ years of direct Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) design experience within the nuclear or process chemical industry (within the last 15 years).
Applicants without hands-on experience in PLCs, DCS systems, and MicroStation CADD or those unable to perform field walkdowns will not be considered.
Impact
As an I&C Design Engineer, you will play a critical role in the design, development, and execution of complex control systems supporting nuclear operations. Your work will directly impact safety, compliance, and operational performance across mission-critical DOE facilities.
Responsibilities and Duties
Technical Leadership & Engineering Execution
- Define scope of technical programs and develop effective, high-quality engineering solutions to complex and sometimes controversial challenges
- Apply advanced engineering expertise to resolve complex, multi-disciplinary technical problems
- Incorporate advanced technical practices, new materials, and innovative approaches into engineering solutions
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to less experienced engineers
Program & Project Support
- Develop and manage technical plans, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements
- Monitor project progress, cost, and quality of deliverables
- Evaluate program results and provide recommendations for improvement
- Identify gaps in existing technologies and recommend enhancements or new approaches
Design Engineering (I&C Focus)
- Perform engineering analysis, system design, and field walkdowns
- Develop detailed design deliverables including:
- P&IDs, control logic diagrams, loop diagrams
- Instrument indices, setpoint lists
- Instrument/control valve specifications
- Panel layouts and installation designs
- Support PLC and Distributed Control System (DCS) design and integration
- Utilize MicroStation 2D CADD for design development
- Review and incorporate vendor documentation into design packages
Communication & Continuous Improvement
- Communicate technical results and objectives to customers, stakeholders, and management
- Prepare technical reports and occasionally contribute to external publications
- Stay current with emerging technologies and industry advancements
- Contribute to technical growth through engineering reports, problem solving, and innovation
Minimum Qualifications
- PhD + 5+ years experience
- OR MS + 8+ years experience
- OR BS + 10+ years experience
Degree must be in:
- Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Nuclear, or I&C Engineering
- OR Professional Engineer (PE) registration
Required Skills
Education
- PhD / MS / BS as outlined above in engineering discipline
- OR Professional Engineer (PE) license
Core Technical Skills
- 10+ years of direct I&C design experience (within last 15 years) in nuclear or process chemical industry
- Strong experience with:
- Process control instrumentation
- PLC systems
- Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
- Proficiency in MicroStation 2D CADD software
- Ability to perform weekly field walkdowns in industrial/construction environments
Preferred Skills
- Active or recent DOE “L” or “Q” clearance (within last 2 years)
- Prior Savannah River Site (SRS) experience
- Experience supporting nuclear facility projects or capital upgrades
Security Requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE “Q” Clearance
Work Environment
- 100% Onsite – Aiken, SC
- Local candidates preferred or willing to relocate at own expense
- Field work required:
- Walking long distances
- Climbing ladders
- Working in active industrial/construction environments
- Wearing required PPE
Interview Process
Contract Details
- Duration: 1 year with (2) one-year option periods
- Options not guaranteed (manager discretion)
Work Schedule
- Mon–Thurs | 6:45am – 5:15pm EST
Why Work at COMPA Industries?
We don’t just offer jobs—we build careers. COMPA Industries supports mission-critical DOE programs with best-in-class engineering and technical services.
Join a team where your expertise directly contributes to national security and advanced engineering innovation.
COMPA Industries is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
No C2C. No third-party agencies.
