Sr Instrumentation Engineer

Job Title: Sr Instrumentation Engineer

Job Description

The Project Instrumentation Engineer provides expert instrumentation engineering support for capital and maintenance projects, with a strong focus on instrumentation specification and design, Safety Instrumented System (SIS) design, work plan development, cost estimation, equipment procurement, and system startup. This role supports projects from conceptual design through detailed design and field implementation, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of process systems. The engineer manages multiple concurrent assignments, collaborates closely with project management, construction, operations, and DCS teams, and performs both office-based design work and hands-on field engineering at project construction sites.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple instrumentation-related project tasks to ensure completion on time and within budget while maintaining a high level of internal and external client satisfaction.
• Communicate project and task status, issues, and risks clearly with project managers, clients, and company leadership.
• Apply engineering discipline and experience to resolve project issues that arise during installation and commissioning.
• Locate and review existing project drawings and provide initial markups for drafting teams to incorporate into updated design documents.
• Oversee and prepare instrumentation designs and work plans from conceptual design through detailed design packages, focusing on instrumentation engineering while supporting other design disciplines as needed.
• Select appropriate instruments and valves, specify cables including wire and cable sizing, and contribute to tray routing and wire routing design.
• Work with the Functional Safety Project Manager to prioritize and implement projects that support migration and Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) efforts.
• Develop and provide a basis for the utilization of instruments and valves in accordance with established Functional Safety procedures.
• Develop and update instrument specification sheets, loop sheets, connection diagrams, electrical schematics, and engineering flow diagrams including P&IDs.
• Create and maintain cable schedules, instrument indices, equipment lists, and material takeoffs to support procurement and construction planning.
• Prepare requests for bids for subcontractors and material vendors, including scopes of work and technical requirements.
• Develop construction and equipment specifications, including means and methods, to ensure clarity and alignment with design intent.
• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor bids, compare technical and commercial aspects, and recommend selections based on project requirements.
• Perform field walks on project opportunities to assess existing DCS connections, installed instruments, control schemes, and utility or facility constraints, and support preparation of cost estimates.
• Collaborate with the site DCS team to implement DCS changes related to assigned projects, ensuring proper integration of instrumentation and control strategies.
• Work with and understand various electrical voltage levels, including 24 VDC, 120 VAC, and 480 VAC, in the context of instrumentation and control systems.
• Work with and understand instrumentation signal systems, including 4–20 mA, 0–5 VDC, and 0–10 VDC signals.
• Perform the function of field engineer, including hands-on field work and/or supervision of subcontractors on the jobsite, and review daily work schedules and budgets.
• Conduct QA/QC inspections in the field to ensure construction work complies with design specifications and quality standards.
• Identify, communicate, and coordinate resolution of work quality or safety concerns with construction coordination, project management, general management, and technology stakeholders to ensure safe and proper project completion.
• Assist construction supervisors and system operators with equipment commissioning, system startup, and operational troubleshooting as needed.
• Work independently based on general instructions, directions, or objectives received from the Project Electrical Engineering Technical Lead, demonstrating sound judgment and ownership of assigned tasks.

Essential Skills

• At least 8 years of instrumentation engineering experience.
• Preferably at least 5 years of experience in chemical production or refinery environments.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation specification, selection, and design, including instrument and valve selection and cable sizing.
• Experience with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) design and specification.
• Ability to develop and update instrument spec sheets, loop sheets, connection diagrams, electrical schematics, and P&IDs.
• Proficiency in preparing cable schedules, instrument indices, equipment lists, and material takeoffs.
• Experience preparing construction and equipment specifications and requests for bids for subcontractors and vendors.
• Ability to perform field engineering, including QA/QC inspections and supervision of subcontractors.
• Understanding and practical experience working with 24 VDC, 120 VAC, and 480 VAC systems.
• Understanding and practical experience working with 4–20 mA, 0–5 VDC, and 0–10 VDC instrumentation signals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with project teams and stakeholders.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously in a project-driven environment.
• Ability to climb stairs or ladders unassisted and lift up to approximately 50 pounds as needed in the field.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), Safety Integrity Level (SIL), and Safety Requirement Specifications (SRS).
• Experience and practical knowledge of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards related to instrumentation and functional safety.
• Experience working in chemical production plants, refineries, or similar process industry facilities.
• Familiarity with construction environments and construction practices related to instrumentation and controls.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley or similar control and automation platforms.
• Self-starter with the ability to take initiative and move work forward with minimal oversight.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in project or field engineering contexts.
• Ability to take direction while also acting independently to solve problems and deliver results.
• Strong organizational skills with a focus on detail, documentation accuracy, and schedule adherence.

Work Environment

This role is primarily based at project construction sites and associated facilities, combining office-based engineering work with regular field presence. The work environment involves active construction areas where the engineer performs field walks, QA/QC inspections, and hands-on engineering support. The position requires the use of a company-provided vehicle for on-site driving only. Work includes exposure to typical industrial plant conditions, including process equipment, utilities, and various chemicals, with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) available for all chemicals onsite. The role may involve working at heights up to approximately 4 feet without fall protection and lifting up to about 50 pounds. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and includes steel-toe footwear, hardhat, gloves, goggles, and safety glasses. The engineer works with electrical and instrumentation systems at 24 VDC, 120 VAC, and 480 VAC, as well as 4–20 mA, 0–5 VDC, and 0–10 VDC signals, and collaborates closely with DCS teams, construction personnel, and operations staff in a fast-paced, project-focused environment.

This is a Contract position based out of New Orleans, LA.

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $65.00/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 New Orleans,LA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 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.