Instrumentation and Controls Designer
Explicitly supports vibe-coding platforms and LLMs; encourages AI-assisted workflows from day one.
About the Role
Design and develop instrumentation and control system deliverables for advanced technology facilities (cleanrooms, fabs, and advanced manufacturing) from concept through startup, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure constructable, reliable control solutions and support commissioning and QA/QC activities.
Job Description
Role
The Instrumentation and Controls Designer develops coordinated control system designs and documentation for semiconductor, cleanroom, fab, and advanced manufacturing facilities. This role supports projects from early planning through detailed design, construction administration, startup, and turnover, and works closely with process, mechanical, electrical, construction, and commissioning teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Create instrumentation and controls deliverables: points lists, I/O schedules, control narratives, loop diagrams, schematics, device layouts, control panel layouts, and installation details.
- Prepare and review P&IDs, instrument indexes, device schedules, valve and sensor selections, and sequence of operations.
- Perform design calculations and technical evaluations for instrument sizing, control valve selection, signal compatibility, redundancy, alarming, and performance.
- Review vendor submittals, factory documentation, and equipment data sheets for compliance with project requirements.
- Coordinate control system requirements across disciplines to ensure integrated, constructible solutions.
- Support construction administration, respond to RFIs, review construction submittals, conduct site walks, verify as-built conditions, and assist with field troubleshooting and punchlist resolution.
- Collaborate with startup and commissioning teams to support functional testing, point-to-point checks, control checkout, and sequence verification.
- Track design changes through formal change control processes and document impacts to schedule, cost, safety, and performance.
- Identify and mitigate technical risks related to controls integration, maintainability, alarm management, and operational reliability.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to technical development and documentation standards.
Requirements
- Associate’s degree in engineering design technology or a related technical field, or equivalent progressive experience in instrumentation and controls design.
- Extensive experience designing instrumentation and control systems for semiconductor, cleanroom, advanced manufacturing, or similarly complex process environments.
- Strong working knowledge of control system components including sensors, transmitters, analyzers, actuators, control valves, PLCs, DCS, SCADA, and building automation interfaces.
- Demonstrated ability to produce and coordinate detailed engineering deliverables (P&IDs, control narratives, I/O lists, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, installation details).
- Experience reviewing vendor submittals and supporting construction and startup in fast-paced projects.
- Strong collaboration skills with multidisciplinary teams, clients, contractors, and commissioning agents.
- Solid understanding of QA/QC processes, code and standard compliance, change management, and documentation control.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proven leadership/mentoring ability.
- Familiarity with design tools and software commonly used for controls documentation, calculation, and coordination; ability to learn project-specific platforms.
AI & Innovation
- Company provides responsible access to Large Language Models and vibe-coding platforms and expects new hires to leverage AI tools to enhance productivity, creativity, and workflows. Training and support are provided from day one.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $100,000 - $150,000 per year (dependent on location, education, experience, and certifications).
- Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; 401(k) with company matching; professional development and training support (including licensure/certification support); generous PTO and paid holidays; and bonus/incentive opportunities.