Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Engineer

Quantum Leap Energy (QLE) is looking for an Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Engineer to join our Engineering team. In this role, you will be accountable for instrumentation and controls scope in multidisciplinary engineering projects spread across scales from laboratory and pilot scales up to major capital projects. This role reports to the US Engineering Manager and works day-to-day with the U.S. Engineering and Research & Optimization teams. 

Location: Austin, Texas (preferred) *Remote candidates within the United States will be considered, with regular travel to U.S. project sites required.

• >10 years of experience in I&C engineering, automation engineering, SCADA engineering, or similar roles in chemical, petrochemical, refining, nuclear, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Data Science discipline (or closely related technical field).
• Demonstrated success supporting controls engineering functions in multidisciplinary projects through design, procurement, construction, and commissioning, with focused accountability for cost and schedule in I&C scope.
• Experience working daily with process and mechanical engineers, operations, and contractors on brownfield or greenfield capital projects.
• In depth understanding of multiple scales of controls and controls systems including PLC and DCS systems and supporting hardware.
• Comfortable generating, reading and working with engineering documentation (One line diagrams, Ladder Logic, network architecture diagrams, etc.) and relevant codes/standards.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills – able to receive information from other technical disciplines and apply it to I&C work scope.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills; able to manage multiple active projects and stakeholders in parallel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in structured project delivery frameworks (FEL, stage gate, etc.).
• Experience designing data capture and management systems,  PLC and DCS systems from the ground up.
• Experience working with EPC(M) firms on chemical or nuclear adjacent facilities, including interface management and commissioning coordination.
• Familiarity with systems handling corrosive chemicals, high vacuum or gas handling equipment, or nuclear fuel / isotope enrichment processes.

Controls Delivery & Execution

• Lead end to end I&C execution for a portfolio of technical projects, from early concept through construction, commissioning, and handover to operations.
• Build and maintain control philosophies, implementation plans, instrument lists, etc.
• Accurately report cost, tradeoff considerations, schedule, and milestone performance related to assigned I&E scopes; escalate issues early and drive structured recovery plans when needed.
• Participate in recurring project meetings (status, design progress, readiness, lessons learned), ensuring clear progress and updated resourcing/timelines are available to project management as it relates to I&C scopes.

 
Technical Coordination (Without Design Ownership) Act as the primary project level coordinator between Process, Mechanical, Controls, Operations, and EHS, ensuring interfaces, assumptions, and constraints are clearly documented and aligned.

• Ensure engineering deliverables (PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specs, layouts, tie ins, etc.) are progressing per plan, without assuming responsibility for detailed design.
• Support the U.S. Engineering Manager by surfacing cross discipline clashes, constraints, and resourcing needs early, enabling proactive leadership decisions.
• Facilitate the flow of information between R&D, Engineering, and Operations so that scales up risks, operability concerns, and maintainability requirements are incorporated into project scope and timelines.

 
Vendor, EPC, and Construction Coordination

• Work with QLE project managers to coordinate engineering contractors on project I&C scope, schedule, and interfaces, while maintaining technical authority over work delivery.
• Support preparation and tracking of technical requisitions, RFQs, and purchase orders for equipment and services, ensuring alignment with project budgets and timelines.
• Work closely with construction and commissioning leads to integrate field constraints, tie in windows, and start up sequences into project plans.
• Provide context and respond to I&C related change orders, RFIs, and technical queries from vendors and contractors from a scope/schedule/cost perspective.

 
Governance, Risk, and Safety Integration Embed “compliance first” and “safety by design” expectations in project plans, aligning with engineering, EHS, and regulatory stakeholders.

• Follow project documentation standards for project proposal, decision gates, and change management to meet internal governance requirements

 
Communication, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement Provide clear, concise project status reporting to the U.S. Engineering Manager, Project Managers and broader leadership – including KPIs, risks, and decisions required.

• Conveys technical information regarding I&C workstreams to non-I&C peers and managers in a way which permits educated decision making and risk management in I&C scope.
• Capture and institutionalize lessons learned (scope definition, contracting strategy, commissioning readiness, stakeholder engagement), improving templates and playbooks over time.

Legal & Compliance Notice
Regulatory & Export Control Notice
Quantum Leap Energy (QLE) conducts business in the nuclear technology and advanced materials sectors, which are subject to strict export control, non-proliferation, and national security regulations.
 
Employment with QLE may require compliance with one or more of the following regulatory frameworks, depending on work location and role scope:

• United States: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) under the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).
• United Kingdom: Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and UK Strategic Export Control regulations administered by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU).
• South Africa: National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), and Non-Proliferation Council regulations under the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Act.

 
Certain positions may require “U.S. person” status (as defined by 10 CFR Part 810 or EAR Part 772) and/or the ability to obtain and maintain applicable export control authorizations or security clearances. QLE complies with all relevant national and international export control, non-proliferation, and security requirements in every jurisdiction in which it operates.
 
Equal Opportunity Statement
Quantum Leap Energy (QLE) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. 

• Competitive base salary aligned to global compensation bands and local market data.
• Bonus eligibility: Target % based on level and impact.
• Equity participation: Reflecting your contribution to QLE’s long-term success.
• Comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for global mobility across US, UK, and ZA operations.