Instrumentation & Controls Design Leader

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Instrumentation & Controls Design Leader

Job Type: Full-time, Direct Hire

Location: Birmingham, AL

Job Summary:

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Design Leader to oversee and guide multidisciplinary engineering and design teams on complex, heavy industrial projects. This role is suited for an experienced Engineer or Senior Designer with 15–20 years of industry experience. The ideal candidate will lead the development of high-quality I&C deliverables, collaborate across disciplines, and ensure successful project execution from early design through implementation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage teams of I&C engineers and designers on large-scale, multi-discipline industrial projects
• Develop technical scopes of work and I&C design documentation
• Design, review, and check key deliverables, including: Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), including instrumented P&IDs with control and interlock notes, instrument data sheets, control system architecture drawings, functional descriptions and control narratives, instrument index and loop sheets, interconnection diagrams, instrument location plans, I/O lists and cable schedules
• Direct and oversee the production of deliverables to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to standards
• Review and approve vendor drawings and technical submittals
• Perform FEL (Front-End Loading) estimates (FEL 1, 2, and 3)
• Collaborate with other discipline leads and clients to resolve technical issues and drive effective solutions
• Conduct plant site walk-downs to gather field data and verify design conditions
• Participate in client meetings, bid walk-downs, and project reviews

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred (Electrical, Controls, or related field), but not required
• 15–20 years of experience in instrumentation and controls design, preferably in heavy industrial environments
• Proven leadership experience managing engineering and design teams on complex projects
• Strong knowledge of industry standards, control systems, and instrumentation best practices
• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in both office and field environments

Preferred Experience:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred, but not required
• Experience in heavy industrial sectors (e.g., chemical, manufacturing, energy, oil & gas)
• Background in front-end engineering design and FEL phase estimating
• Experience interfacing directly with clients, vendors, and multidisciplinary teams