Electrical Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Job Summary

The Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, integration, commissioning, and optimization of electrical power, instrumentation, automation, and control systems supporting DISA’s mineral processing and remediation technologies. This role serves as a technical leader in the development and deployment of PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, instrumentation, and power distribution systems used in pilot, demonstration, and commercial-scale processing facilities. The E&I Controls Engineer will work closely with process engineers, mechanical engineers, operations personnel, fabricators, vendors, and customers to ensure systems are designed for reliability, safety, scalability, and maintainability. This position plays a critical role in advancing DISA’s patented High-Pressure Slurry Ablation (HPSA) technology through automation, process optimization, digital monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven operational improvements. The ideal candidate combines strong electrical engineering fundamentals with hands-on industrial controls experience and thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where innovation and execution are equally valued.

Education/ Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred but not required.
• 5+ years of experience designing, programming, commissioning, and supporting industrial automation and control systems.
• Experience in mining, mineral processing, oil and gas, manufacturing, water treatment, chemical processing, or other heavy industrial environments preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with PLC, HMI, SCADA, industrial networking, instrumentation, and power distribution systems.
• Experience with Siemens platforms required. Experience with Rockwell Automation, Allen-Bradley, Ignition, Wonderware, FactoryTalk, or similar automation platforms preferred.
• Experience supporting field commissioning, troubleshooting, and startup activities.

Supervisor

R&D Manager, unless otherwise designated.

Typical Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical, instrumentation, and control systems for mineral processing and remediation equipment.
• Create electrical one-line diagrams, panel layouts, wiring schematics, I/O lists, loop drawings, and instrumentation specifications.
• Design and program PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial automation systems for pilot and commercial operations.
• Develop and maintain control philosophies, functional design specifications, cause-and-effect matrices, and operating procedures.
• Select, specify, and integrate instrumentation including flow meters, pressure transmitters, level sensors, density meters, analyzers, vibration sensors, and other process measurement devices.
• Design and oversee implementation of power distribution systems, motor control centers (MCCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), and industrial control panels.
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities.
• Optimize process control strategies to improve recovery, throughput, equipment reliability, energy efficiency, and operating performance.
• Develop process monitoring, alarming, trending, and reporting systems to support operational decision-making.
• Collaborate with process and mechanical engineering teams to integrate automation solutions into new equipment and process designs.
• Analyze operational data to identify opportunities for process improvement, predictive maintenance, and system optimization.
• Support development of remote monitoring and digital operational technologies to improve equipment performance and customer support capabilities.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for electrical, instrumentation, communication, and automation system issues.
• Manage relationships with electrical contractors, automation vendors, instrumentation suppliers, and systems integrators.
• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical codes, industry standards, and safety regulations including NEC, NFPA 70E, OSHA, MSHA, and applicable international standards.
• Support R&D initiatives by designing and testing new control strategies, instrumentation technologies, and automation solutions.
• Assist in developing technical documentation, operating manuals, training materials, and customer support resources.
• Train operators, technicians, engineers, and customers on control systems operation and maintenance.
• Support project execution activities including budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and technical reviews.
• Participate in customer meetings, technical presentations, and site visits as a subject matter expert for automation and control systems.
• Stay current on emerging technologies in industrial automation, AI-enabled controls, IIoT, machine learning, and advanced process control.
• Abide by all policies and procedures established by DISA.
• Attend and participate in all required safety trainings.
• Assist with any task required by the direct supervisor. 

Requirements

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of industrial automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA platforms, industrial networking, and instrumentation.
• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and other equivalent industrial control platforms.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Profinet, Profibus, OPC-UA, and MQTT.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and technical specifications.
• Experience with VFDs, MCCs, motor controls, power distribution systems, and industrial electrical design.
• Strong troubleshooting skills related to instrumentation, automation, process controls, and electrical systems.
• Understanding of process control principles including PID control, sequencing, alarming, interlocks, and safety systems.
• Experience with data historians, analytics platforms, and process monitoring systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex technical issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• High attention to detail, accountability, reliability, and ownership of results.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Uphold and demonstrate DISA’s Values of Dedication, Innovation, Sustainability, and Accelerate Change.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and maintain compliance with OSHA/MSHA and company safety standards.
• Be a valid U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit and/ or stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Must be able to interact with people and technology while either standing or sitting.
• To best service our customers, all employees must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to travel up to 50%. 
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as typing. 

DISA Technologies provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. 

Benefits

• Bonus Pool
• 401(k) with matching up to 4%
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Professional Development