Instrument Control & Automation Engineer

Now hiring! Instrument Control & Automation Engineer

Geismar, LA / Houston, TX / Wyandotte, MI (Hybrid)

We are looking for an Instrument Control & Automation Engineer to join our Global Engineering team in Geismar, LA, Houston, TX or Wyandotte, MI.

Come create chemistry with us!

At BASF, we create chemistry through the power of connected minds. As the world’s leading chemical company, we help our customers in nearly every industry meet the current and future needs of society through science and innovation. The Global Engineering team leverages our technical know-how and expertise to deliver solutions that enable safe, sustainable, reliable, and cost-competitive production.

You will be responsible for supporting new chemical plants, research laboratories, major expansions, debottlenecking efforts, and infrastructure projects. You will also provide technical leadership to I&C engineers and designers, both internal teams and third‑party engineering firms, through all project phases and special initiatives. Your responsibilities will include reviewing design documentation, understanding how system designs interface with manufacturing operations, and identifying opportunities to reduce cost, enhance sustainability, and establish best practices. Participation in cross‑functional teams, internal committees, and ad hoc assignments will be essential to your success in this role.

As a Instrument Control & Automation Engineer, you create chemistry by...

• Applying your expertise in process instrumentation, Safety Instrumented Systems (Triconex/HIMA), Distributed Control Systems (Foxboro, DeltaV, ABB), PLCs, plant automation infrastructure, and industrial networking systems to support site business units, safety initiatives, and capital projects across the North American region.


• Developing and maintaining instrument documentation, functional design specifications, P&IDs, control strategies, panel layouts, logic diagrams, and related engineering deliverables, while overseeing the design, specification, configuration, implementation, troubleshooting, and consultation support for Instrument & Control systems.


• Designing, implementing, programming, and commissioning PLCs, Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), and Burner Management Systems (BMS) while ensuring compliance with BASF Technical Standards, industry standards (ISA 84, IEC 61508/11, NEC, NFPA), and applicable regulatory and design codes.


• Diagnosing instrumentation and I/O issues within PLCs, remote I/O systems, and Charms I/O, while ensuring reliable communication between DCS, PLCs, analyzers, and field devices.


• Collaborating with Process Engineers, Operations, and Maintenance teams by leading or supporting SIS training, SIS dossier management, Safety Requirements Specifications (SRS), proof test procedures, and the delivery of reliable and compliant automation solutions throughout the asset lifecycle.


• Applying local and national safety standards while participating in PHA, HAZOP, Functional Safety Assessments, and SIL studies to support safe and reliable operations.


• Utilizing reliability tools and methodologies including Equipment Criticality Assessments, Bad Actor Programs, FMEA, RBI, RBM, RCM, and Reliability Roadmaps to improve asset effectiveness, optimize costs, and drive continuous improvement.


• Providing Instrument & Controls engineering support throughout FEL, detailed design, construction, and commissioning by developing design bases, consolidating I&C manhours, preparing material take-offs, reviewing IFA/IFC packages, configuring HIMA and Triconex systems, and supporting FAT, SAT, commissioning, and startup activities.

If you...

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline with 10+ years of experience in Process Instrumentation or an Engineering Specialist degree with 15+ years of experience. 


• Demonstrate experience with process instrumentation, Safety Instrumented Systems (Triconex/HIMA), Distributed Control Systems (Foxboro, DeltaV, ABB), PLCs, plant automation infrastructure, and industrial networking systems.


• Have experience developing and maintaining instrument documentation, control strategies, functional design specifications, P&IDs, logic diagrams, and related engineering deliverables, it is preferred.


• Bring experience designing, programming, implementing, and commissioning PLC, SIS, and Burner Management Systems, it is preferred. 


• Are able to interpretate and adhere to BASF Technical Standards, industry standards (ISA 84 or IEC 61508/11, NEC, NFPA), and applicable regulatory and design codes, as applicable to specific projects and/or site initiatives.


• Possess strong troubleshooting, collaboration, and communication skills to support Engineering, Operations, and Maintenance teams throughout the asset lifecycle.


• Have experience supporting capital projects through FEL, detailed engineering, construction, commissioning, FAT, SAT, and startup activities, it is preferred. 

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible


• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options


• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members


• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)


• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages


• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive


• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.


• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens


• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact [email protected] to report fraud.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.