Instrumentation & Controls Lead Project Engineer

Lead Project Engineer – Instrumentation & Controls (I&C)

Contract to Hire

Houston, TX 77082

Summary

The Lead Project Engineer (I&C) is responsible for leading the execution of Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) engineering activities across multiple projects. This role provides leadership, direction, and accountability for engineering resources, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within scope, and to the highest quality standards. The Lead Project Engineer partners with Project Managers, engineering teams, and clients to drive execution, resolve issues, and maintain consistent project performance.

Responsibilities

Project Leadership

• Lead execution of I&C engineering scope across multiple concurrent projects.
• Establish project priorities, execution plans, and engineering schedules.
• Monitor project progress and proactively resolve execution risks and technical challenges.
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within scope, and aligned with client requirements.
• Participate in project meetings and provide engineering leadership throughout all project phases.

Team Leadership

• Lead and coordinate engineering resources across local and remote teams.
• Assign work, establish priorities, and manage engineering workloads.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and accountability to engineering staff.
• Promote collaboration across engineering, design, procurement, and project management teams.
• Drive consistent execution while minimizing rework and improving overall team performance.

Engineering Oversight

• Provide technical leadership for Instrumentation & Controls engineering activities.
• Ensure engineering deliverables meet project requirements, applicable codes, and industry standards.
• Oversee development and review of engineering deliverables, including:
  • Instrument Indexes
  • I/O Lists
  • Instrument Datasheets
  • Specifications
  • Requisition Packages
  • Control Narratives
  • Cause & Effect Matrices
  • Vendor Documentation
• Engage subject matter experts when specialized technical support is required.

Project & Client Support

• Serve as the primary engineering representative for I&C execution.
• Participate in client meetings and technical discussions.
• Coordinate engineering responses to client comments, technical questions, and vendor inquiries.
• Support procurement activities including bid evaluations and vendor document reviews.
• Occasional travel may be required based on project or client needs.

Required

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

Experience & Skills

• 20+ years of Instrumentation & Controls engineering experience within EPC, refining, petrochemical, industrial, or related industries.
• Proven experience leading I&C engineering execution on EPC or industrial projects.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple projects, priorities, and engineering teams simultaneously.
• Experience leading both local and remote engineering teams.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation systems, field devices, DCS, PLC, SIS, and I&C engineering workflows.
• Experience overseeing Instrument Indexes, I/O Lists, Instrument Datasheets, Specifications, Control Narratives, Cause & Effect Matrices, and Requisition Packages.
• Experience supporting procurement activities, technical bid evaluations, vendor documentation, and drawing reviews.
• Working knowledge of ISA, IEC, NEC, API, NFPA, and other applicable industry standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage engineering resources, prioritize work, and deliver high-quality results on schedule.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across engineering, project management, procurement, clients, and other stakeholders.

Success in This Role

• Delivers predictable project execution across multiple concurrent projects.
• Maintains high-quality engineering deliverables with minimal rework.
• Effectively leads engineering teams while balancing schedules, priorities, and resource utilization.
• Resolves technical and execution challenges quickly to maintain project momentum.
• Builds strong relationships with clients and internal teams while consistently meeting project objectives.