Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

At Imperial, we work every day to responsibly develop Canada's energy resources - applying technology and innovation to supply affordable, accessible and reliable energy while reducing emissions. Imperial recognizes the important role we can play by advancing climate solutions within our operations and by providing lower life-cycle emission products to our customers. This effort is powered by a unique and diverse workforce fueled by a pride in what we do and what we stand for.

The success of our upstream, downstream and chemical, and corporate divisions is the result of the talent, curiosity and drive of our people. They bring solutions every day to optimize our strategy in energy, chemicals, lubricants and lower-emissions technologies. Imperial honours diverse backgrounds so we can be a place where people can bring their full selves to work, no matter their identity, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or ability.

We invite you to bring your ideas and help create sustainable solutions that improve quality of life and meet society’s evolving needs.

About Imperial's Cold Lake Operation: Cold Lake is an in-situ oil sands operation in northern Alberta. Sitting on a large, high-quality resource base, the operation is using and piloting next-generation solvent technologies that can improve production and lower greenhouse gas emissions intensity. Cold Lake is one of the longest running oil sands operations in northeastern Alberta and one of the largest in-situ thermal operations in the world. The operation supplies refineries across Canada and the United States with the crude needed to create fuel, asphalt and other important products. The site’s past success and current strength stem from the skills, commitment and passion of the site’s workforce, made up of approximately 400 employees and 1,000 contractors including from Indigenous-owned businesses.

What Role You Will Play in Our Team: We are seeking an experienced Senior Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer to join our Engineering team. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in process control systems, instrumentation design, PLC/DCS programming, reliability improvement, and operational support. This role will be responsible for leading instrumentation and controls engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle, from concept development and detailed design through commissioning, startup, and operational support. As a key contributor to the Instrumentation and Controls discipline, the candidate will help shape technical standards and best practices, mentor engineers to build organizational capability, foster technical excellence, and promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement. The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer who combines strong technical expertise with practical field experience.

What You Will Do:

• Design, specify, deploy, and sustain field instrumentation including: sensors, transmitters, analyzers, gas detectors, solenoids, positioners, displacers, control valves, automated isolation valves, shutdown valves, dampers, and instrument networks (AMS).
• Provide troubleshooting and technical support for measurement and instrumentation equipment for the specific plant unit assigned as well as site wide.
• Identify measurement and instrumentation reliability and operability risks and determine cost effective mitigation.
• Develop technology specification and prequalification.
• Lead Obsolescence and Life Cycle Management of process, safety and FGS instrumentation.
• Provide advice and guidance on instrumentation related global practices.
• Participate in internal, external and/or government mandated audits or periodic health checks.
• Initiate and drive Management of Change (MOC) including the development and execution of technical worksheets.
• Accountable for SIS/SIF instrumentation performance metrics (Critical Device Function Test - CDFT) reporting and driving follow up actions related to SIS/SIF instrumentation performance deficiencies.
• Review, develop and maintain preventative maintenance equipment strategies for instrumentation, analyzers, detectors, control valves, automated isolation valves, and instrumented packaged equipment.
• Collaborate on development of control philosophies and process control strategies.
• Develop and modify PLC logic, HMI applications, and SCADA systems.
• Investigate instrumentation and control system failures and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry codes, standards, and company specifications.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts related to preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Collaborate with key Business Team stakeholders (Operations, Maintenance, Reliability and Technical).
• Interface with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).
• Provide technical oversight for contractors.

About You: Skills & Qualifications:

• Instrumentation or Control Systems Engineering Degree and Professional Designations (P. Eng) with 10+ years of experience.
• Knowledge and experience in Distributed Control Systems (DCS), PLC Systems, SCADA systems, process automation, instrumentation design standards.
• Experience with one or more of the following systems: Emerson DeltaV, Honeywell Experion, Yokogawa Centum, ABB 800xA, Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley PLCs, Siemens PLCs, Schneider Electric Systems.
• Knowledge of ISA Standards, IEC Standards, NEC/CEC Codes, Functional Safety and SIS Design, SIL Verification, HAZOP and LOPA Processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

• Field experience and knowledge of Oil and Gas, Petrochemicals, or in-situ operations.
• Commitment to safety on and off the job.
• Project management and leadership experience.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

An Imperial career is one designed to last. Our commitment to you runs deep: our employees grow personally and professionally, with benefits built on our core categories of health, security, finance, and life. Imperial Oil has been recognized as one of Canada's top employers for young people (2024), in addition to one of Canada's and Alberta’s top employers (2024) as recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc.’s 24th annual competition.

We offer you:

• Training and mentorship.
• Relocation assistance as required.
• Flexible work hours and work from home policy.
• Employee resource groups (ERG's) – opportunity to participate in volunteer groups that support furthering the company’s inclusion objectives.

Imperial is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Imperial is committed to providing equitable treatment and equal opportunity to all individuals and encourages all eligible applicants to apply. Imperial conducts business in a manner that respects the land, environment, rights and cultures of Indigenous communities. In the areas where we explore, develop and operate, Imperial engages Indigenous communities in open and forthright consultation and strives to establish meaningful relationships built on mutual trust and respect.

Imperial is committed to supporting persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with qualified applicants to provide reasonable accommodation upon request.

Eligibility to work in Canada: All applicants who receive an offer of employment must be eligible to work in Canada on a regular full-time basis without restrictions on their start date.