Principal Electrical/I&C Engineer
About the role
Columbia Energy & Environmental Services is a well-established small business headquartered in Richland, WA, with a strong track record in engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, and other specialized services. We serve both federal and commercial clients and have recently expanded our operations to Idaho Falls, ID.
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
Columbia Energy & Environmental Services offers a competitive salary range of $120,000 – $170,000, depending on experience. We also provide a supportive and innovative environment where team members can thrive, fostering a culture of technical excellence and professional growth.
Pay
$120,000 – $170,000, depending on experience.
Schedule
Not specified.
Benefits
Not specified.
Application Instructions
Not specified.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Columbia Energy & Environmental Services is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.