Instrumentation & Controls Design Engineer

I&C Design Engineer (Principal Engineer Level) COMPA Industries is searching for qualified candidates for an I&C Design Engineer position supporting DOE/NNSA operations in Aiken, SC Pay: $80-$85/hr Location: Aiken, SC (100% Onsite) Citizenship: US Citizenship Required Mandatory Experience Requirement - Read Before Applying Candidates must have 10+ years of direct Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) design experience within the nuclear or process chemical industry (within the last 15 years) Applicants without hands-on experience in PLCs, DCS systems, and MicroStation CADD or those unable to perform field walkdowns will not be considered. Impact As an I&C Design Engineer , you will play a critical role in the design, development, and execution of complex control systems supporting nuclear operations. Your work will directly impact safety, compliance, and operational performance across mission-critical DOE facilities. Responsibilities and Duties Technical Leadership & Engineering Execution * Define scope of technical programs and develop effective, high-quality engineering solutions to complex and sometimes controversial challenges * Apply advanced engineering expertise to resolve complex, multi-disciplinary technical problems * Incorporate advanced technical practices, new materials, and innovative approaches into engineering solutions * Provide technical leadership and guidance to less experienced engineers Program & Project Support * Develop and manage technical plans, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements * Monitor project progress, cost, and quality of deliverables * Evaluate program results and provide recommendations for improvement * Identify gaps in existing technologies and recommend enhancements or new approaches Design Engineering (I&C Focus) * Perform engineering analysis, system design, and field walkdowns * Develop detailed design deliverables including: * P&IDs, control logic diagrams, loop diagrams * Instrument indices, setpoint lists * Instrument/control valve specifications * Panel layouts and installation designs * Support PLC and Distributed Control System (DCS) design and integration * Utilize MicroStation 2D CADD for design development * Review and incorporate vendor documentation into design packages Communication & Continuous Improvement * Communicate technical results and objectives to customers, stakeholders, and management * Prepare technical reports and occasionally contribute to external publications * Stay current with emerging technologies and industry advancements * Contribute to technical growth through engineering reports, problem solving, and innovation Minimum Qualifications * PhD + 5+ years experience * OR MS + 8+ years experience * OR BS + 10+ years experience Degree must be in: * Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Nuclear, or I&C Engineering * OR Professional Engineer (PE) registration Required Skills Education * PhD / MS / BS as outlined above in engineering discipline * OR Professional Engineer (PE) license Core Technical Skills * 10+ years of direct I&C design experience (within last 15 years) in nuclear or process chemical industry * Strong experience with: * Process control instrumentation * PLC systems * Distributed Control Systems (DCS) * Proficiency in MicroStation 2D CADD software * Ability to perform weekly field walkdowns in industrial/construction environments Preferred Skills * Active or recent DOE "L" or "Q" clearance (within last 2 years) * Prior Savannah River Site (SRS) experience * Experience supporting nuclear facility projects or capital upgrades Security Requirements * Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE "Q" Clearance Work Environment * 100% Onsite - Aiken, SC * Local candidates preferred or willing to relocate at own expense * Field work required: * Walking long distances * Climbing ladders * Working in active industrial/construction environments * Wearing required PPE Interview Process * MS Teams Contract Details * Duration: 1 year with (2) one-year option periods * Options not guaranteed (manager discretion) Work Schedule * Mon-Thurs | 6:45am - 5:15pm EST Why Work at COMPA Industries? We don't just offer jobs—we build careers. COMPA Industries supports mission-critical DOE programs with best-in-class engineering and technical services. Join a team where your expertise directly contributes to national security and advanced engineering innovation COMPA Industries is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. No C2C. No third-party agencies.