Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Last Energy is seeking a hands-on Instrumentation & Controls Engineer to support the integration, deployment, and lifecycle management of industrial instrumentation, electrical, and control systems. In this role, you will serve as a technical integrator and field-oriented engineer, ensuring automation and control systems are correctly specified, installed, commissioned, and operated within a safety-critical nuclear environment.   This position is ideal for an engineer who thrives at the boundary between design intent and real-world execution — working closely with vendors, fabricators, technicians, and operations to translate requirements into reliable, field-ready systems. Key Duties & Responsibilities • Control System Specification: Define functional requirements and performance expectations for PLCs, HMIs, remote I/O, motor controllers, VFDs, and safety devices. • Support vendor selection and review vendor deliverables for technical adequacy • PLC & HMI Oversight: Review, validate, and support PLC logic and HMI designs developed by vendors or integrators. Ensure systems are modular, testable, and aligned with operational and safety requirements • System Architecture & Integration: Integrate electrical, instrumentation, and automation components into cohesive control system architectures, ensuring interoperability across hardware, networks, and field devices • Automation Improvements: Identify opportunities to automate manual or error-prone processes to improve reliability, consistency, and operational margins • Instrumentation Specification: Select and specify field instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, level, etc.), including accuracy, environmental suitability, and interface requirements • Electrical & Controls Coordination: Provide technical direction for control panels, power distribution (24 VDC / 120 VAC), grounding, and signal interfaces. Review drawings and wiring packages produced by vendors or fabricators • Lifecycle & Obsolescence Management: Manage component lifecycles, including qualification of substitutes, vendor coordination, and long-term maintainability planning • Field Deployment: Support and oversee fabrication, installation, and wiring of control cabinets and field devices, working directly with electricians, technicians, and vendors • Commissioning & Startup: Lead or support Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), loop checks, and startup activities. Troubleshoot integration issues involving wiring, instrumentation, communications, and control logic • Operational Support: Provide expert troubleshooting for installed systems, resolving complex electrical, instrumentation, and controls issues during operations • Safety Integration: Ensure control and instrumentation systems meet safety basis requirements applicable to DOE Hazard Category 1, 2, or 3 nuclear facilities • Configuration Management: Maintain disciplined configuration control of hardware and software changes. Ensure as-built documentation reflects the installed configuration and approved modifications • Vendor & Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a technical interface between internal teams, vendors, and contractors to ensure safety, quality, and schedule expectations are met Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field • 3+ years of experience supporting industrial electrical, instrumentation, and control systems in a hands-on or field-facing role • Practical experience working with PLC-based control systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), including reviewing logic, supporting testing, and troubleshooting deployed systems • Strong understanding of industrial electronics, instrumentation, and low-voltage power distribution • Demonstrated experience working directly with vendors, integrators, technicians, and installers in commissioning or operational environments • Familiarity with industrial control system cybersecurity concepts and best practices (IEC 62443 knowledge is a plus) • Experience in nuclear, oil & gas, chemical processing, or other highly regulated, safety-critical industries • Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, TCP/IP, Profinet, or Ethernet/IP