Instrument & Controls Engineer - Entry Level
The entry-level Instrumentation and Control Engineer will support the design, programming, and commissioning of SCADA and industrial control systems for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Working closely with senior engineers, the role offers hands-on experience in system design, PLC/HMI programming, network communications, and cybersecurity within critical infrastructure. This position provides growth opportunities to become a technical leader in SCADA system design while contributing to impactful public infrastructure projects.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Instrument & Controls Engineer to join their team in Pleasant Hill, PA. This role supports planning, design, programming, and construction of SCADA and industrial control systems for public water and wastewater facilities. You will work alongside senior engineers and system integrators to learn SCADA design, PLC/HMI programming, network communications, and cybersecurity best practices for critical infrastructure.
What You’ll Do
- Work in a collaborative environment assisting senior engineers on I&C system design
- Prepare control system and SCADA drawings: P&IDs, control panel layouts, schematic wiring, I/O point diagrams, and network architecture diagrams
- Develop process control and functional narratives
- Prepare specifications for control and SCADA components and equipment
- Produce engineering construction cost estimates for I&C scopes
- Coordinate design with electrical and mechanical engineering team members
- Inspect, test, and commission control and communications systems on site
- Review and coordinate construction submittals and RFIs with control system integrators
- Design and program PLC-based control systems (Allen-Bradley, Modicon, and similar)
- Support OIT/HMI graphical programming and operator interface development
- Perform field inspections, testing procedures, and commissioning work (travel to sites ~10%)
- Demonstrate and apply industrial cybersecurity best practices
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or related engineering discipline, or equivalent technical degree
- 0–4 years of relevant experience (entry-level candidates encouraged)
- Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams
- Experience with CAD software such as AutoCAD and Revit
- Willingness to pursue EIT/FE certification and eventual PE license
- Strong desire to learn industrial automation, instrumentation, controls, and communications
- Self-motivated, curious, and able to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- U.S. citizenship required; the Confidential Client will not sponsor work visas for this role
Work Environment & Growth
- Work on critical infrastructure projects supporting public water and wastewater systems
- Collaborate with experienced SCADA, controls, and instrumentation professionals
- Hands-on experience in SCADA design, networking, and industrial cybersecurity
- Career growth toward technical leadership in SCADA and controls engineering
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $70,000 — $125,000 per year (good-faith estimate; actual offer depends on experience and qualifications)
- Flexible work schedule options
- Competitive salary and leave accrual with paid holidays
- Healthcare benefits and group life insurance (with optional additional life insurance)
- Short- and long-term disability insurance options
- Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement and employee assistance program
- Parental and maternity leave benefits
Additional Information
- Travel: occasional local travel (~10%) to construction sites for field investigations and factory/site acceptance testing
- Required submissions: resume and a copy of current or most recent school transcript (if attachments are not permitted by the posting site, follow the Confidential Client’s alternative instructions)
- Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Confidential Client will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visas for this opportunity.
- Confidential Client is not accepting resumes from third-party recruiters for this position.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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