Sr. Instrumentation & Controls Designer Job at The Planet Group in Washington DC
The Planet Group, Washington DC, Washington DC, US
Now Hiring: Senior I&C Designer + I&C Designer (2 Roles) | Hybrid or Fully Remote
We’re supporting a long-standing engineering group that is preparing for a significant wave of new project work arriving in early 2025. As they scale, we’re helping them bring on two Instrumentation & Controls Designers—one Senior-level and one Mid-level—to join a collaborative, well-established team.
These roles offer the chance to work on meaningful industrial and power-focused design projects with highly experienced I&C engineers and designers. If you’re looking for stability, hands-on design ownership, and a team that values accuracy, quality, and mentorship, this is a strong fit.
Location & Work Model
- Ideally Bothell, WA, but fully remote candidates across the U.S. are welcome to apply
- Hybrid available for those near an office
- Little to no travel
Pay Range
- Senior I&C Designer: $36–60/hr
- I&C Designer (Mid-level): $30–50/hr
Senior Instrumentation & Controls Designer
What You’ll Do
You’ll take a lead role in delivering complete I&C design packages—guiding design efforts, coordinating with multiple engineering disciplines, and ensuring the accuracy and quality of project deliverables. You will:
- Develop full I&C drawing sets: wiring diagrams, loop sheets, installation details, network architecture, junction boxes, etc.
- Lead and schedule design work for yourself and a small design team
- Check work for compliance with specifications, standards, and the SOW
- Perform and oversee drafting in AutoCAD (2D/3D) or Revit
- Place instrumentation in 3D models using SmartPlant 3D, AutoCAD Plant 3D, or Revit
- Support limited engineering functions under I&C engineering personnel
- Mentor junior designers and maintain project documentation
- Provide occasional support to Construction and Start-Up teams
- Track drawing registers and maintain ISO 9001-compliant revision histories
What You Bring
- AA in Drafting, AS in Instrumentation/Industrial Automation, or similar technical education
- 6+ years of industrial or power plant I&C design experience
- Deep understanding of instrumentation types, installation practices, and drafting standards
- Strong AutoCAD 2D/3D skills and experience with the SmartPlant Suite (SPI, SPPID, SP3D)
- Ability to read and incorporate P&IDs into I&C design
- Solid understanding of electronics, PLCs, DCS, transmitters, and electrical fundamentals
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work with minimal supervision
- Experience leading design work and mentoring others
Instrumentation & Controls Designer (Mid-Level)
What You’ll Do
You’ll support the preparation of I&C design packages and work alongside senior team members to deliver accurate, high-quality drawings and models. Responsibilities include:
- Creating I&C drawings from notes, sketches, vendor materials, SOW/DBD guidance
- Drafting in AutoCAD (2D/3D) or Revit
- Placing instrumentation in 3D models using SmartPlant 3D, AutoCAD Plant 3D, or Revit
- Cataloging instrumentation and producing reports
- Producing installation details and material take-offs
- Reviewing vendor and discipline drawings
- Supporting Construction and Start-Up teams as needed
- Maintaining ISO 9001-compliant document revisions
- Collaborating with designers and engineers to ensure interface accuracy
What You Bring
- AA in Drafting, AS in Instrumentation/Industrial Automation, or equivalent
- 2+ years of I&C design experience (industrial or power preferred)
- Strong AutoCAD skills and familiarity with SmartPlant tools
- Understanding of instrumentation types, drafting standards, and P&ID interpretation
- Strong math foundation (algebra and trigonometry)
- Basic understanding of PLCs, DCS, and electrical fundamentals
- Motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently with moderate supervision
Why These Roles Stand Out
- Stable, well-supported engineering group with consistent project wins
- Opportunities for mentorship (both giving and receiving)
- Flexible work model—including fully remote for the right candidates
- A chance to influence and deliver full-cycle I&C design packages
- Team culture built on collaboration, accuracy, and professional growth
Interested?
If you’d like to explore either opportunity, feel free to reach out directly or send along a resume. We’re happy to walk through the details, team structure, and answer any questions.