INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROLS ENGINEER SKILLS, EXPERIENCES, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS
Updated: Sep 19, 2025 - The Instrumentation and Controls Engineer supports the design, integration, and commissioning of control systems in industrial settings such as semiconductor or manufacturing facilities. This role demands hands-on experience with platforms and communication protocols, along with strong knowledge of ISA 18.2 standards, SQL, Python, and mechanical systems. The engineer also creates detailed control documentation, troubleshoots complex systems, manages competing priorities, and collaborates across disciplines with strong communication, analytical, and customer-focused skills in a fast-paced environment.
Essential Hard and Soft Skills for an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer Resume
- Control Systems
- Process Control
- Testing Commissioning
- Maintenance Planning
- Design Review
- Documentation Management
- Network Protocols
- Cybersecurity Design
- Instrumentation Review
- P&ID Design
- Project Management
- Team Collaboration
- Problem Solving
- Team Leadership
- Client Relations
- Vendor Coordination
- Project Coordination
- Technical Assistance
- Training Mentoring
- Conflict Resolution
Summary of Instrumentation and Controls Engineer Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume
1. BS in Instrumentation Engineering with 7 years of Experience
- Experience working with Instrumentation and Control
- Working knowledge of PLC, DCS, and other control applications
- Understands Process and Instrumentation Drawings (P&IDs)
- Able to develop Instrument Data Sheets in Excel or SPI
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
- Passion for buildings and construction
- Awareness of Civil nuclear plant systems, structures and components and associated design and assessment guidelines
- Awareness of relevant guidelines, standards and practices (e.g. IEC 61508, 61511, 61513, 61226, ONR SAPs / TAGS)
- Awareness of risk identification, quantification, management and of HSE requirements
- Knowledge and experience in the systematic design lifecycle of a C&I system, including specification, design, assessment, verification, testing, installation, commissioning and maintenance of safety or process critical I&C Systems
- Understanding and/or experience of designing Control Systems
- Understanding and/or experience of Equipment qualification and assessment (hardware and software), Nuclear safety cases, Ageing and obsolescence management
- Experience in authoring engineering documentation such as engineering plans, technical reports and specifications
- Ability to understand and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications and a familiarity with electrical systems, control systems and process instrumentation
2. BS in Mechatronics Engineering with 6 years of Experience
- Proficient in the use of computers and basic software packages (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel)
- Ability to read, understand and adhere to standard operating procedures
- Experience with (LC-MS instrumentation) Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry
- Experience in immunology, antibody capture, and (ELISA) Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay technologies
- Experience in process safety management
- Excellent technical knowledge and an ability to work autonomously and within teams
- Ability to perform investigations (Taproot), consider deviations, resolve and manage technical issues
- Strong interpersonal skills and great communication skills, in particular, as this role will interface with various stakeholders of varying skills and knowledge levels
- Ability to identify and assess engineering risk
- Strong team-based focus, assisting in peer checks and upskilling others
- Ability to identify and assess engineering risk
- Experience in work planning, execution and cost/budget management
3. BS in Electrical Engineering with 3 years of Experience
- Previous professional experience in similar or related fields
- Good knowledge of programming languages (i.e, C#, C++)
- Team worker, yet capable of working independently, on challenging and diversified activities
- Capable of working in a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to complex projects
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Good knowledge of English
- Knowledgeable of applicable codes and client standards for installations
- Ability to collaborate with multi-disciplinary technical subject areas and a general understanding of each
- Ability to work in the field to review project scopes, grasp project complexities, and gauge potential safety issues
4. BS in Automation Engineering with 7 years of Experience
- Working knowledge of GOST and SNiPs
- Experience in the Instrumentation and automation field
- Demonstrable background in the design and maintenance of instrument/control systems in a process industry environment
- Detailed knowledge of key process plant systems and practices
- Basic knowledge of engineering design principles and applicable design guides and standards related to the engineering discipline
- Basic industry knowledge and technology trends
- Basic knowledge of the company quality program
- Basic knowledge of construction and constructability practices and principles
- Experience in requirements capture/analysis methods, such as Systems Engineering
- Extensive knowledge of Software engineering and associated languages and platforms (Python, C/C++, C#, ASP.net, SQL, Azure, Windows, Linux)
- Proficiency in the application of Network protocols, e.g., UDP, TCP/IP and Application of Network hardware
- Able to design and configure control systems, such as PLCs
- Good knowledge of current products, technologies and methods
5. BS in Power Engineering with 6 years of Experience
- Experience including the management and implementation of process technical
- Advanced knowledge of engineering design principles and applicable design guides and standards related to the engineering discipline
- Experience in industrial engineering consulting, performing design and construction services or controls integration
- Ability to lead, manage, and mentor a team of electrical, instrumentation and control engineers on interesting and complex projects
- Ability and willingness to work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team on interesting and complex projects
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to multitask with strong attention to detail
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work well under the pressure of deadlines
- Experience in PLC programming for Rockwell, Siemens, Modicon, or General Electric processors
- Experience of HMI programming in one or more of the following: WonderWare, IFIX, RS View, Intellution
- Ability to write project proposals and technical approaches
6. BS in Mechanical Engineering with 5 years of Experience
- Experience with industrial or aerospace control system design or operation
- Ability to design electrical circuits using CAD based schematic and panel layout tools (AutoCAD Electrical)
- Proficiency with electrical diagnostic equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, etc.) to trouble shoot instrumentation and control circuits
- Experience in at least one programming language: Python, PLC Ladder Logic, or LabVIEW
- Design experience in noise reduction, shielding, and analog and digital filtering to provide high fidelity measurements
- Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
- Experiences in a relevant control and instrumentation position or graduated as a control and Instrumentation engineer
- Able to join the control and instrumentation team, working along with senior engineers
- High technical competency in Control and Instrumentation theories and electronic basis
- Fluent in English communication in both writing and listening
7. BS in Electronics Engineering with 4 years of Experience
- Experience in Instrumentation engineering in Petrochemical or Chemical Process Industries
- Able to work independently and in Team Collaboration
- Knowledge of the procedures and E&I department standards
- Experienced with EPC contracts
- Experience with cost/schedule/quality control procedures
- Thorough knowledge of all the discipline-related engineering and design matters
- Fluent in Dutch and English
- Knowledge of the requirements for control and safeguarding systems
- Knowledge of Instrumentation systems applied to the process industry (Chemicals and Energy)
8. BS in Manufacturing Engineering with 6 years of Experience
- Industrial experience in leading engineering initiatives
- Interpersonal skills with a strong client focus
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Must have strong analytical skills
- Experience with Instrumentation and Controls, including power design for mobile equipment
- Strong understanding of control logic to integrate a large number of I/O, counters, power sources, digital and analog signaling, in partially and fully automated scenarios
- Experience in the specification and selection of control hardware including PLC Hardware, I/O modules including digital, analog, network, counters, sensors, etc.
- Capable of programming control systems in their native language (Ladder logic, etc.)
- Experience with the integration of electronic devices into a PLC-based control system
- Strong experience with logic programming using ladder logic
- Experienced with selecting instrumentation components
- Understanding of software revision control
9. BS in Industrial Engineering with 3 years of Experience
- Experience as a Control Systems Engineer
- Experience in Bio Pharma, Pharmaceutical and Lab process Instrumentation and controls
- Knowledge of International codes like ASME BPE, Hygienic systems (Process, water system, Clean steam, etc)
- Knowledgeable of the life science industry, Automation, DCS and PLC control systems, and development of P&IDs, control system architectures and associated design deliverables and field instrumentation
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to learn quickly and driven to broaden knowledge base
- Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a variety of teams, including multi-disciplinary teams
- Ability to collaborate with international teams
10. BS in Petroleum Engineering with 7 years of Experience
- Must have Engineer In Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license
- Experience in HMI/PLC platforms
- Experience in IT and field networks
- Basic proficiency in Microstation, Autocad, or Revit
- Able to assist the PLE during the hand-over phase, capture and clarification of the scope to profile
- Able to review specifications and C&E’s elaboration of the Client Document List
- Able to resist PM/PLE with the definition of WBS activities/elements relevant to the project scope
- Able to develop overall controls concept based on “one control” modules
- Able to support the Project Team to define interfaces for SE controls scope, e.g. interface to SIS, DCS, VSD
- Excellent written and verbal presentation skills
- Ability to present complex ideas in a clear and concise manner
- Familiar with the functional principles and the associated auxiliary systems of the following rotating machinery families: CSY-CP: TC-GV, EM, RC/CSY-GT: TC, GEN
- Strong soft personal skills, i.e., team player, quick learner, ability to adapt quickly and effectively etc.
11. BS in Mechanical Engineering with 5 years of Experience
- Familiarity with IEEE, IEC, and ISA standards
- Familiarity with different I&C vendor products and their offerings including Emerson Ovation, GE, ABB, Allen-Bradley, Modicon, Wonderware, Schweitzer RTAC, Schneider, Framatome
- Knowledge and experience of electrical and electronics theory
- Extensive knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks from NIST, FDA, FIPS and RMF processes within the Federal government
- Knowledge of Ethernet, TCP/IP, IPv4, IPv6
- Ability to create and interpret network diagrams
- Managing and modifying registry, group policy and firewall settings
- Strong understanding of algorithms and data structures
- Strong understanding of system control and automation
- Strong understanding of software development workflow, software lifecycle, and software documentation
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
- Excellent attention to detail
12. BS in Mechatronics Engineering with 6 years of Experience
- Experience in industrial engineering projects as a Client, Supplier or Consultant
- Proven experience in Control system specifications and control system architecture design, and implementation of Industrial communications protocols
- Demonstrated experience with I&C engineering database software tools (AVEVA, SPI, etc)
- Experience with Cause and Effect analysis
- Ability to provide technical leadership for projects
- Experience with data-centric/integrated engineering environments
- Written and oral use of conversational and technical English
- Ability to work out of the office on client sites independently and in a multi-disciplinary team environment with minimal supervision
- Effective organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume, and deadline-driven environment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
13. BS in Electronics Engineering with 4 years of Experience
- Experience working with Instrumentation and Control
- Working knowledge of PLC, DCS, and other control applications
- Strong communication skills both verbal and written
- Passion for buildings and construction
- Proficient in English with a second European language (written and spoken)
- Experience with Instrumentation and Control design for large-scale power projects
- Advanced knowledge of valve and flow element sizing, and field instrument and process analyzer specification
- Knowledge of SmartPlant Instrumentation
- Intermediate knowledge of engineering design principles and applicable design guides and standards related to the engineering discipline
14. BA in Physics with 5 years of Experience
- Experience in the installation, maintenance and repair of electronic instruments and controls, including the operation and maintenance of computerized systems
- Considerable knowledge of methods, requirements of high-pressure boilers, turbines and related equipment
- Considerable knowledge of pressure, temperature and metering systems
- Ability to maintain operational records and charts
- Considerable knowledge of safety standards and procedures
- Ability to exercise tact and discretion in relationships with subordinates and staff
- Ability to work in a team environment as well as work independently
- Must be able to perform the full range of duties, with or without a reasonable accommodation, in the classification in an environment that has high levels of heat and noise
- Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite products, including using email and the internet
- Must have ISA Certified Control System Technician - Level 1
15. BS in Electrical Engineering with 3 years of Experience
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD or other similar CAD programs
- Working experience in Revit and/or prior I&C
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
- Good written and verbal communication
- Previous working experience as an I&C engineer in a similar technological sector (Industrial Plants - Oil and Gas) at OEMs
- Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills
- Must have proficiency in AutoCAD
- Fluent in written and spoken English
16. BA in Applied Mathematics with 4 years of Experience
- Experience with Microsoft Access
- Experience in the start-up of instrumentation and control systems for water and wastewater facilities
- Basic understanding of the National Electrical Code
- Ability to read and understand P&IDs
- Working knowledge of communications networks
- Ability to read and understand Control Schematics
- Ability to work as part of a project team consisting of senior-level staff, CADD technicians, and field inspectors
- Ability to work with a supervisor to effectively complete routine tasks
- Capable of breaking a task into one or more parts and sequencing those parts effectively
- General awareness of the need for practicality and constructability of design solutions
17. BS in Power Engineering with 6 years of Experience
- Working knowledge of IEC, ISA, and API codes and standards
- Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Ability to work extended shifts and respond to after-hours call-outs
- Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills
- Strong technical knowledge and ability to apply practical solutions in the field
- Experience in maintaining instrument systems and analyzers
- Working knowledge of Safety Instrumented Systems
- Critical thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Self-motivated and disciplined
- Ability to lead and work within teams
- Motivated to tackle new problems and take on new responsibilities
- Effective time management and organization skills
- Strong questioning attitude and the ability to accept that in others
18. BS in Electrical Engineering with 8 years of Experience
- Experience in electrical schematic and panel layout design using CAD (AutoCAD Electrical).
- Experience within the aerospace industry working at test facilities with cryogenic fluid systems, specifically LOx, LNG, and LN2.
- Experience designing and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations).
- Working knowledge of integrating instrumentation with data acquisition hardware.
- Familiarity with electrical diagnostic equipment.
- Familiarity with some or all of the following types of sensors and actuators, including pressure, temperature, LVDT, accelerometers, motor controllers, flow meters, relays, strain gauges, valves, and pumps.
- Familiarity with NI or Bustec hardware.
- Understanding of network configuration and other IT fundamentals.
- Familiarity with calibration principles (uncertainty calculation, total error ratios, etc.) and industry calibration standards (ISO/IEC 17025, ANSI NCSL Z540.3).
- General problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, especially related to data acquisition systems, PLC, Raspberry Pi, or Opto22 controllers and for LabVIEW or MATLAB applications.
- Understanding of computers and programming languages (LabVIEW, Java, HTML, C++, Python).
- Proficient in noise reduction, shielding, grounding techniques, termination and analog and digital filtering to provide high fidelity measurements.
- Ability to practice with video monitoring systems (webcam, 3G-SDI, high speed, infrared, etc.).
- Ability to specify instrumentation wiring needed for various interfacing of data systems and sensors.
19. BS in Mechanical Engineering with 5 years of Experience
- Experience working with instrumentation and control.
- Experience with Revit 2018, BIM360, Navisworks 2018, and AutoCAD 2018.
- Working knowledge of PLC, DCS, and other control applications.
- Knowledge of control systems architecture development, networks, network security systems, motor control and power distribution systems.
- Knowledge of UL508A requirements for industrial control panels.
- Knowledge of instrumentation, including temperature, pressure, flow, and analytical instrumentation.
- Understand the principles of operations, terminology, safety considerations and applications for common analytical instruments.
- Knowledge of control valves, including valve sizing.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to create piping and instrument diagrams (P&ID), including ANSI/ISA S5.1 symbology.
- Ability to interpret varied instrumentation and engineering diagrams, specifications and schematics.
- Ability to learn quickly and driven to broaden knowledge base.
- Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a variety of teams, including multi-disciplinary teams.
- Forward thinking, eager to learn best practices, and contribute with innovative ideas.
- Passion for buildings and construction.
20. BS in Control Systems Engineering with 10 years of Experience
- Experience designing various types of facilities and buildings, utility systems, and design and interpretation of facility control systems.
- Successful experience working with and managing remote domestic and international staff.
- Project experience designing infrastructure and facilities, such as transit, transportation and water.
- Experience with MCC and VFD control requirements.
- Experience with PLC code/SCADA.
- Experience in telecommunications and data center design.
- Task lead or project management experience.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Capable of working in a team environment, including giving and receiving critical feedback.
- Industrial skill sets include valve selection/sizing, AB (Rockwell) automation platforms, and chemical delivery systems.
21. BS in Mechatronics Engineering with 8 years of Experience
- Professional experience in the instrumentation and controls (I&C) field, performing design work.
- Field experience in inspecting newly installed control systems for conformity with contract documents and specifications.
- Experience in testing, troubleshooting, and rectifying problems that arise during construction, installation, commissioning, start-up, such as design, wiring, configuration, and application programming issues.
- Experience in programming major brands of PLC or HMI products and field startup experience, testing, and troubleshooting.
- Experience in water or wastewater treatment process automation.
- I&C or electrical design experience.
- PLC experience Allen-Bradley (SLC, MicroLogix, CompactLogic, ControlLogix), Schneider Electric (Quantum, M580), etc.
- HMI experience Rockwell Software (Factory Talk View ME/SE, Components, Historian), Wonderware (InTouch, System Platform, Historian), etc.
- Networking experience, including Ethernet/IP, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP, etc.
- Database experience with Microsoft Access and Microsoft SQL.
- Operating system experience with Microsoft Windows 10, Microsoft Server 2019.
- Expertise in applying the NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 79, UL 508A, etc.
22. BS in Automation Engineering with 7 years of Experience
- Experience with industrial or aerospace facility design or operation.
- Experience working with industrial sensors and actuators, including pressure, temperature, LVDT, accelerometers, motor controllers, valves, and pumps.
- Experience in a dynamic and time-critical operating environment.
- Professional experience in software development using PLC Ladder Logic, LabVIEW, Python, or C/C++.
- FMECA and other systems safety experience.
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD software.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (mainly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Solid understanding of integrating instrumentation with data acquisition hardware.
- Proficiency with electrical diagnostic equipment (DVMs, oscilloscopes, etc.).
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, forward-thinking, eagerness to learn, and contribute/collaborate.
- Ability to create electrical schematics and panel layout designs using CAD (AutoCAD Electrical).
- Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
23. BS in Instrumentation Engineering with 4 years of Experience
- Experience in electrical/electronic design with current circuit technology and processes (analog, digital and/or high voltage design).
- Understanding of manufacturing workflow, including planning activities.
- Varied understanding of electronics and instrumentation and controls engineering through hands-on experience.
- Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access) and Adobe Acrobat.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of electrical/electronic and mechanical theories.
- Extensive knowledge in AutoCAD, computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment.
- Ability to read and understand schematics.
- Ability to design and understand aspects of electrical components, equipment, and machinery.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Flexible, adaptable and open-minded.
- Proactive self-starter who is driven to succeed with a positive attitude.
24. BS in Industrial Engineering with 12 years of Experience
- Software programming experience, C/C++/C#, extensive experience.
- Experience in the specification and selection of control hardware, including PLC hardware, I/O modules, including digital, analog, network, counters, sensors, etc, power controls, VFDs.
- Experience with the integration of electronic devices into a PLC-based control system.
- Familiarity with IEEE, IEC, and ISA standards.
- Familiarity with different I&C vendor products and their offerings, including Emerson Ovation, GE, ABB, Allen-Bradley, Modicon, Wonderware, Schweitzer RTAC, Schneider, and Framatome.
- Knowledge and experience of electrical and electronics theory.
- Extensive knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks from NIST, FDA, FIPS and RMF processes within the federal government.
- Knowledge of Ethernet, TCP/IP, IPv4, IPv6.
- Strong understanding of algorithms and data structures.
- Strong understanding of system control and automation.
- Strong understanding of software development workflow, software lifecycle, and software documentation.
- Ability to create and interpret network diagrams.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Critical thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to lead and work within teams.
- Effective time management and organization skills.
- Strong questioning attitude and the ability to accept that in others.
25. BS in Computer Engineering with 8 years of Experience
- Experience working at an industrial facility (semiconductor/manufacturing).
- Controls engineering experience, design and construction experience.
- Experience with Rockwell RS Studio, Honeywell Experion DCS, Siemens WinCC Open Architecture, and Ignition HMI.
- Experience with Kepware, Profibus, and Modbus.
- Familiarity with high-performance HMI best practices, SQL, and Python.
- Knowledge of the ISA 18.2 standards.
- Intermediate knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and systems, including pumps, pneumatics, fans, flow meters, air handling systems, industrial chilled water, heating, process piping, rotating equipment, vibration analysis, and heat transfer.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organization skills, persistence, good judgment, and attention to detail.
- Strong data and system analysis, troubleshooting, and teamwork skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong analytical skills for assessing problems and developing corrective actions.
- Ability to take initiative and drive for results.
- Excellent time management and priority setting skills, while having the ability to effectively advance multiple activities simultaneously and enable on-time project delivery.
- Ability to work effectively in an interrupt-driven, fast-paced and rapidly changing environment.
- Ability to build strong, influential relationships.
- Proficient with Microsoft Windows-based applications.
- Strong customer service orientation and ability to take ownership of issue resolution.
- Be able to interface professionally and effectively with all levels of management.
- Ability to create construction drawings, details, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID), process flow diagrams (PFD), etc.