Instrumentation and Controls Design Engineer

Responsibilities

• Design & Documentation: 
• Own the end-to-end design of instrumentation and control systems for state-of-the-art battery recycling and metal extraction processes. 
• Produce detailed instrument lists, wiring diagrams, loop diagrams, and layout drawings 


• Conceptual & Equipment Input: 
• Collaborate closely with equipment vendors and internal teams during the conceptual design phase, ensuring that equipment choices align with product quality, process control, cost targets, and operational timelines. 
• Challenge and refine equipment designs, balancing technical specifications with practical installation and operational constraints. 


• Procurement & Specification Development: 
• Craft precise, unambiguous specifications for the procurement of low voltage controls and instrumentation essential for mechanical, chemical, and process systems. 
• Ensure all procured equipment fits within the overarching design framework and operational requirements. 


• Project Coordination & Execution: 
• Drive integration efforts during design, construction, commissioning, and startup phases, ensuring all components of process automation are seamlessly executed. 
• Maintain design integrity during installation and startup—identifying potential pitfalls early and steering cross-functional teams toward rapid, safe implementations. 


• Maintenance & Continuous Improvement: 
• Develop and/or support robust calibration and maintenance programs to ensure the consistent performance and reliability of control systems. 
• Work closely with operations and R&D teams to provide technical feedback, develop rigorous test plans, and implement continuous process improvements. 


• Systems & Software Support: 
• Consult in PLC and SCADA system development throughout the project lifecycle, from initial programming to final commissioning. 
• Develop clear sequences of operations and control narratives that translate engineering intent into robust, reproducible performance on the plant floor. 


• Risk Management & Safety Analysis: 
• Take part in rigorous hazard analyses and FEMAs, ensuring that every control strategy accounts for safety, reliability, and operational risk mitigation. 
• Evaluate and challenge designs—both internal and external—to uphold the highest safety standards. 


• Contract & External Resource Management: 
• Oversee and guide contract resources, holding them to the same high standards expected of internal teams. 
• Provide expert feedback on designs executed by external firms, ensuring alignment with project goals and technical requirements. 

Qulifications

• Minimum Required Qualifications:
• Background in Electrical/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering or equivalent industry experience in Instrumentation and Controls 
• 5+ years of engineering/design experience focusing on industrial automation systems 
• Exposure to a variety of instrument manufacturers and technologies 
• Able to interpret and produce Process Flow Diagrams (PFD) and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) 
• Chemical processing background (Oil, Gas & Chemicals, Metals & Mining, Mineral Processing, etc.) 
• Ability to positively collaborate in a team environment 


• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with Autodesk CAD programs (Plant3D, Revit) 
• Experience with database systems (MSSQL, MySQL, PostcreSQL) 
• Exposure to a variety of automation hardware (Siemens, Allen Bradley, Wago) 
• Exposure to Inductive Automation Ignition 
• Exposure to Codesys 
• Experience working hands-on in a manufacturing or chemical facility