Principal Electrical/I&C Engineer

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSalary: $120,000 $170,000 DOE

Principal Electrical/I&C Engineer

Location: Richland, WA
Company: Columbia Energy & Environmental Services
Salary: $120,000 $170,000, depending on experience

About Columbia Energy

Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, headquartered in Richland, WA, is a well-established small business with a strong track record of delivering comprehensive solutions in engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, and other specialized services. With expertise in fixed-price design/build/test projects, we serve both federal and commercial clients, consistently delivering high-quality results through innovation and technical precision.

Our collaborative and experienced team is committed to providing practical, client-focused solutions tailored to address a wide range of challenges. Recently, we expanded our operations to Idaho Falls, ID, reflecting our ongoing growth and dedication to broadening our capabilities. We take pride in maintaining a strong reputation for quality and integrity while ensuring compliance with rigorous industry standards.

Why Join Columbia Energy?

At Columbia Energy, we foster a supportive and innovative environment where team members can thrive. As a growing small business with ambitious goals, we value initiative, teamwork, and a dedication to quality. This role offers the opportunity to lead high-impact projects, mentor the next of engineers, and shape the future of our instrumentation and controls discipline.

Position Overview

We are seeking an accomplished Principal Electrical/I&C Engineer to join our Richland, WA team. This leadership role combines advanced technical expertise with responsibilities for mentoring junior staff, serving as a discipline lead, and managing design/build/test projects.

The ideal candidate will bring at least 15 years of hands-on experience in control system design and a proven ability to balance technical excellence with leadership and project oversight. This position requires strong collaboration across engineering, design, and fabrication teams while maintaining a focus on safety, compliance, and quality.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

Leadership & Mentorship

• 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.

Design & Technical Expertise

• 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.

Project Support & Collaboration

• 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.
• Apply fabrication experience to ensure integration and manufacturability of designs.

Safety & Oversight

• Provide construction oversight, including inspection, installation, testing, training, and system turnover.
• Maintain a strong safety focus in office, fabrication shop, and field environments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or higher from an ABET-accredited university.
• Minimum of 15 years of demonstrated experience in control system design.
• Experience leading project teams and mentoring junior staff.
• Proven ability to prepare design deliverables, resolve review comments, and finalize design packages.
• 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.

Key Success Attributes

• Leader & Mentor: Guides junior engineers and fosters a culture of technical excellence.
• Technically Proficient: Brings deep expertise in instrumentation, controls, and PLC systems.
• Collaborative: Works effectively with engineers, designers, project managers, and shop staff.
• Problem-Solver: Applies sound judgment to complex technical and compliance challenges.
• Adaptable: Thrives in a fast-paced environment while balancing leadership and project execution.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Columbia Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to , , , , , , , , protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.