Instrumentation Engineer (59940)

Summary

The Instrument Engineer is a key technical role responsible for the design, selection, specification, procurement support, technical oversight of installation, and lifecycle management of all instrumentation and control field devices within a process plant. This individual ensures that instrumentation systems are designed, implemented, and maintained to meet process requirements, safety standards, regulatory compliance, and plant operational efficiency goals. He/She serves as subject matter expert, providing engineering guidance for capital projects, plant modifications, and complex ubleshooting efforts.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

Design & Engineering:

• Lead or support the development of detailed engineering designs for instrumentation systems, including:

• Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) development and review of instrument requirements.

• Instrument specifications, data sheets, and procurement requisitions.

• Instrument loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and termination details.

• Instrument installation details and typicals.

• Control valve sizing and specification.

• Flow element sizing and specification.

• Material Requisitions (MRs) and Technical Bid Evaluations (TBEs) for instrumentation.

• Perform calculations and analyses for instrument sizing, selection, and performance validation (e.g., control valve sizing, relief valve sizing where I&C interacts, flow orifice sizing).

• Develop and maintain instrumentation standards, specifications, and best practices.

• Participate in HAZOP (Hazard and Operability), LOPA (Layers of Protection Analysis), SIL (Safety Integrity Level) determination studies, and other process hazard analyses, providing expertise on instrumentation and safety instrumented systems (SIS).

• Ensure instrument designs comply with industry codes and standards (e.g., ISA, IEC, API, NFPA, NEC, ASME), and regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, EPA).

Project Support & Execution:

• Provide comprehensive instrumentation engineering support for capital projects from conceptual design through commissioning and handover.
• Review vendor drawings, datasheets, and technical documentation for compliance with specifications and project requirements.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for instrument packages and control systems.
• Provide technical guidance and support during the construction, installation, calibration, and commissioning phases of projects.
• Liaise with other engineering disciplines (Process, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil), project management, contractors, and vendors.
• Manage instrumentation-related project documentation, including as-building and handover packages.

Technical Support & Optimization:

• Provide advanced technical expertise and troubleshooting support for complex instrumentation issues that cannot be resolved by maintenance technicians or I&C Specialists.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for recurrent instrument failures or control loop performance issues.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for instrument upgrades, technology improvements, and control loop optimizations to enhance plant safety, reliability, efficiency, and environmental performance.
• Support control system engineers in tuning and optimizing control loops.
• Evaluate new instrument technologies and their applicability to plant processes.

Documentation & Data Management:

• Create, review, and maintain accurate and up to date I&C documentation, including P&IDs, instrument index, loop sheets, calibration procedures, and as-built drawings.
• Manage instrument databases and ensure data integrity.
• Develop functional specifications and control narratives related to instrumentation.

Safety, Reliability & Compliance:

• Champion a strong safety culture in all aspects of instrumentation design and support.
• Ensure all instrumentation designs and modifications prioritize personnel and process safety.
• Participate in plant safety reviews and audits, offering expertise on instrument-related safeguards.
• Support compliance with internal reliability programs and strategies for Instrumentation assets.

Mentorship & Training:

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to I&C Specialists, Controls Technicians, and less experienced engineers.
• Assist in developing and delivering training programs related to instrumentation principles, new technologies, and best practices.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited university.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in instrumentation engineering within a heavy industrial or process manufacturing environment (e.g., Refining, Chemical, Petrochemical, Power Generation, Pulp & Paper, Pharmaceutical).
• Demonstrated experience with the full lifecycle of instrumentation projects, from conceptual design through commissioning.
• Strong background in specifying, selecting, and applying a wide range of process instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, level, analytical).
• Experience with control valve sizing, selection, and performance analysis.
• Experience with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) design principles (e.g., IEC 61511, ISA 84) and SIL verification are highly preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in reading and creating P&IDs, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and instrument data sheets.
• Strong understanding of control loop theory, process control strategies, and PID tuning principles.
• Knowledge of various industrial communication protocols (e.g., HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, Modbus, OPC).
• Familiarity with DCS, PLC, and SCADA architectures and their interfaces with field instrumentation.
• Experience with engineering software for instrument sizing (e.g., ValveLink, Conval, Flowel) and simulation tools.
• Familiarity with relevant industry codes and standards (e.g., ISA, IEC, API, NEC, NFPA).
• Proficiency in engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SmartPlant Instrumentation - SPI/INTOOLS is a significant plus).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Soft Skills & Attributes:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical reports, specifications, and presentations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, operations, maintenance, and external vendors.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers or technical staff.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Primarily office-based, with significant time spent in the plant environment for project support, troubleshooting, and site visits.
• Ability to conduct plant walk-downs, which may include climbing ladders, stairs, and working in elevated areas.
• May require occasional exposure to industrial noise, dust, chemicals, and varying temperatures.
• Requires the ability to wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, and hearing protection.
• May involve occasional travel to vendor sites or other company locations.
• Occasional support during plant outages, turnarounds, or emergencies may be required.

LSB Chemical L.L.C. is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. LSB prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. LSB conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.