Principal Instrumentation & Controls Eng
McDermott
Houston, TX · Posted October 29, 2026
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About the job
Job Overview:
McDermott is looking for an experienced I&C Lead Engineer to lead the I&C scope on projects (oil and gas, petrochemical, power projects). The Lead will be responsible for leading a team of engineers and designers for the completion of the field instrumentation scope, automation scope, telecom scope, and design scope. The Lead will report to the Project Engineering Manager and be responsible for providing progress and schedule updates. The Lead will work with other discipline Leads for coordination of activities, and with Clients to resolve technical and scope issues. The engineers and designers will be in multiple global offices; thus, some travel will be required for periodic face-to-face coordination. For small projects and FEEDS, the Lead will have small teams and will be expected to help develop deliverables.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
Be involved at onset of projects to help develop the contract, scope, budgets, and specifications
Develop project execution plan for the I&C project team
Help develop project schedules
Provide direction to the I&C project team on the proper development of deliverables
Mentor I&C project team members and establish roles for each member
Provide weekly reports and monthly progress of activities
Approve all documents developed by the I&C project team
Work with Project Management and other discipline Leads to coordinate activities
Hold weekly meetings with the I&C project team (including remote teams) to provide direction and resolve issues
Support project proposals by estimating costs and workhours
Travel to support offices for project coordination meetings
On very small projects and FEEDs, in addition to being the I&C Lead, may be asked to develop some of the deliverables (indexes, datasheets, requisition packages, cause & effect charts, and others)
On some projects, may be asked to be a Task Lead, such as a requisition engineer to help manage procurement of instruments (data sheets, requisition packages, supplier evaluations, supplier data reviews, factory testing), or a Mechanical Package Support Lead to assist the Mechanical discipline with purchase of equipment
Essential Qualifications and Education:
Minimum 15-20 years in the oil and gas or petrochemical industry working as an I&C engineer
Must have served as an I&C Lead Engineer on at least one medium to large-size project ($500 Million+)
Knowledge of current automation technologies (DCS, SIS, FGS)
Detailed knowledge of field instrumentation
Familiar with industry codes and standards
Experience working with Clients and Suppliers to resolve technical issues
Able to work in team environment with company, Suppliers, and Clients, including remote teams in other countries
Experience using MS Office Suite (MS Word, MS Excel)
Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline
Preferred Qualifications and Education:
Experience using SmartPlant Instrumentation.
Experience at a job site during construction or commissioning.
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