Instrument Design Specialist, Senior

Audubon is seeking a Senior Instrument Design Specialist for its Houston, TX office. The role involves supervising and managing assignments and personnel related to the design of instrument equipment, components, structures, or systems.

Responsibilities

• Supervise medium to large teams producing instrument design and deliverables, managing productivity, work assignments, and performance, with input to hiring, dismissals, and evaluations.
• Interview candidates, train personnel, and create, deploy, and manage work techniques for team members.
• Plan work for self and others; estimate project budgets for self and team members.
• Prepare complete design packages, including preliminary, conceptual, and construction deliverables and engineering calculations.
• Produce detailed drawings of parts and assemblies with necessary projections, sectional views, and standard specifications.
• Interpret verbal or written direction to initiate preliminary designs.
• Perform sizing and electrical load calculations (cable sizing, conduit sizing, voltage drop, cable tray) using charts and tables.
• Develop or assist in developing control circuits for instrument components, logic controllers, and relays.
• Review and optimize instrument application and function; check detailed sketches and drawings for project applicability and optimal construction.
• Verify accuracy of drawings prepared by others and prepare parts lists, procurement lists, bills of material (BOM), and specifications.
• Revise lists, drawings, and BOM in response to engineering changes; implement revisions and change control per company standards.
• Assemble information and reference drawings from various sources; continuously seek product improvements and cost reductions.
• Confirm specification and code compliance, equipment compatibility, and optimal cost savings.
• Assist with field surveys, document existing conditions, and recommend design solutions.
• Ensure accuracy of completed drawings before final release and verify compliance with company and industry standards.
• Check field red‑lined drawings and generate accurate as‑built drawings as needed.
• Review and assist in preparation of Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals.
• Support proposal compilation using CAD and graphic tools to produce high‑level layouts and sketches.
• Utilize 2D or 3D CAD software to create layouts of instrument systems, devices, and components, and produce fabrication and assembly drawings.
• Create technical specifications to facilitate procurement, fabrication, and installation of components.
• Generate documentation required for Engineering Change Orders (ECO).
• Use engineering sketches, specifications, and supporting documents to design, detail, document, and verify instrument parts, subassemblies, assemblies, or system configurations.
• Identify dimensions, angles, curvatures, tolerances, and materials necessary for optimal construction.
• Analyze proposed changes for fit or interference issues and recommend solutions or alternate construction options.
• Produce drawings and deliverables within company standards, project‑approved schedule, and budget.
• Complete man‑hour estimates for discipline‑specific scope of work.
• Maintain proper file management in accordance with company and industry standards.
• Interact and communicate effectively with clients, subcontractors, vendors, and other consultants.
• Perform field data gathering when required to complete project deliverables within scope and schedule.
• Track and maintain awareness of overall schedule and budget for assigned projects.
• Develop detailed design schedules in coordination with schedulers, engineers, and project management personnel.
• Confirm discipline‑specific drawing quality is correct, consistent, and legible.
• Comply with all company and client health, safety, security, and environmental (HSSE) standards as well as federal and local HSSE regulations.
• Participate in company and client hazard identification and observation programs; report unsafe acts, conditions, or incidents promptly.

Experience and Skill Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s Degree from a technical institution preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of technical software applied to instrument design.
• AutoCAD experience and specialized training required.
• PDMS software experience and training preferred.
• Microsoft Office experience preferred.
• SPI (Intools) software experience and training preferred.
• Field experience required.
• Experience in offshore oil & gas, onshore gas processing, hydrocarbon storage and transportation, chemical manufacturing, or refining industry required.
• Small/medium project lead experience required; large project lead experience preferred.
• Strong problem‑solving ability and proactive approach to work‑related issues.
• Ability to comprehend instructions, request clarification, and work in a team‑oriented environment.
• Creative thinking to generate new concepts or ideas.
• Decision‑making capability to solve problems or achieve goals.
• Accountability for actions and responsibilities.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting drawing markups and engineering drawings.
• Skilled in using conventional drafting tools and CAD software to meet drafting requirements.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Responsibilities

• Perform duties in a manner that protects personal and team health and safety.
• Participate in required HSE training, meetings, and reporting activities.
• Identify and report hazards, near misses, and unsafe conditions.
• Follow safe work practices and comply with applicable regulatory requirements.