Instrumentation & Controls Design Leader

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