I&C Design Engineer (Principal Engineer Level)

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

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🚫 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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Security Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE “Q” Clearance

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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

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Interview Process

• MS Teams

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Contract Details

• Duration: 1 year with (2) one-year option periods

• Options not guaranteed (manager discretion)

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Work Schedule

• Mon–Thurs | 6:45am – 5:15pm EST

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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.

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COMPA Industries is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
No C2C. No third-party agencies.

#LI-Onsite