Principal Electrical/I&C Engineer

About the role

Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, headquartered in Richland, WA, is a well-established small business with a strong track record of delivering comprehensive solutions in engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, and other specialized services. With expertise in fixed-price design/build/test projects, we serve both federal and commercial clients, consistently delivering high-quality results through innovation and technical precision. Our collaborative and experienced team is committed to providing practical, client-focused solutions tailored to address a wide range of challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor junior engineers, supporting technical growth and professional development.
• Act as discipline lead on projects, ensuring technical quality and project success.
• Provide direction on design/build/test projects and guide multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Identify, design, evaluate, and test solutions for nuclear and hazardous waste remediation, chemical processing, and commercial projects.
• Develop P&IDs and oversee all aspects of instrumentation and controls, including system design, control panel design, and testing.
• Conduct design and analysis in compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., NEC, UL-508A).
• Specify, integrate, and program hardware and software components, including PLCs.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, monitoring, and control systems.
• Support multiple simultaneous projects across Washington, Idaho, and other locations.
• Collaborate with designers to produce accurate, detailed drawings.
• Generate test plans and procedures, supporting system testing and validation.
• Maintain configuration control of baseline drawings and documents.
• Communicate project status, progress, and technical challenges to stakeholders.
• Provide construction oversight, including inspection, installation, testing, training, and system turnover.
• Maintain a strong safety focus in office, fabrication shop, and field environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an ABET-accredited university.
• Minimum of 15 years of demonstrated experience in control system design.
• Proven ability to prepare design deliverables, resolve review comments, and finalize design packages.
• Experience leading project teams and mentoring junior staff.
• Experience in construction oversight, including installation, testing, training, and upgrades.
• Proficiency with PLC programming, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Strong problem-solving skills with instrumentation and control systems.
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail and pride of ownership in work.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain government security clearance (required for federal contract work).

Qualifications

• Registered Professional Engineer (PE).
• Experience in hardware and software integration.
• ASME NQA-1 or DOE project experience.
• Nuclear facility and/or Navy Nuclear background.
• Project management experience.
• Flexibility to take on new challenges and expand technical skills.

Skills

• Leadership and mentorship.
• Technical proficiency in instrumentation, controls, and PLC systems.
• Collaboration with engineers, designers, project managers, and shop staff.
• Solution-oriented approach to complex technical and compliance challenges.
• Adaptability to a fast-paced environment while balancing leadership and project execution.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

$120,000 – $170,000, depending on experience.

Schedule

Not specified.