Protection And Control Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Senior Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer to support industrial and municipal infrastructure projects. This role focuses on the design, documentation, and execution of I&C systems from concept through construction and commissioning, working directly with clients and multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop Instrumentation & Controls systems for new and existing facilities.
• Produce construction-ready documents including control system network and communication diagrams, control panel layouts, and wiring termination diagrams.
• Create instrument location plans and installation details as well as Electrical Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Provide construction administration support, including commissioning and testing oversight.
• Conduct field investigations to support facility upgrades and modifications.
• Define and configure industrial communication protocols, including Ethernet-based systems.
• Design, upgrade, and support PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA systems.
• Perform limited PLC/HMI programming as needed.
• Lead equipment selection, cost estimating, and equipment layout development.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in PLC design and programming, as well as HMI and SCADA configuration.
• Strong working knowledge of I&C wiring diagrams, control panels, switchgear, and motor controls.
• Experience with PLC integration with electrical systems and Ethernet-based control system communications.
• Proficiency with Rockwell Automation, Wonderware, or similar PLC/HMI platforms.

• California Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Experience supporting wastewater or water infrastructure projects.
• Passing the EIT, FE Exam is required during the probation period.

The position is based in the office located in San Diego, CA, with a hybrid schedule allowing remote work on Wednesdays and Fridays. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 401(k) with company match, medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, flexible spending accounts, and discretionary bonus incentives. The work is challenging and engaging, providing opportunities for growth and change implementation with management support. An end-of-year bonus is also provided based on performance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $81.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 19, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.