I&C System EngineerThe System Engineering Group within the Nuclear Facility Management Section of the Nonreactor Nuclear Facilities Division (NNFD) is seeking to hire an Instrumentation and Controls System Engineer. This group is responsible for the NNFD facility's configuration management program, provides technical support to operations and maintenance, and performs system performance analysis.
The role designs, develops, installs, upgrades, and maintains instrumentation and control systems and components. Much of the legacy instrumentation is analog pneumatic (3–15 psig), using instrument air to drive pneumatic actuators and pneumatic or electro-pneumatic valve/damper positioners (e.g., 4-20 mA to I/P transducer). The engineer also performs instrument loop uncertainty analyses and setpoint calculations to support operability, safety basis, and setpoint determinations. The primary objective is to ensure facility systems operate effectively, efficiently, and safely in compliance with applicable codes and nuclear quality requirements. Many of the nuclear-safety-credited I&C components control building ventilation systems. This role requires a thorough understanding of the operational processes in a multidisciplinary role and working closely with a variety of colleagues in operations, procurement, design, and craft organizations. The person in this role may also be expected to support NEC compliance reviews and coordinate NRTL field evaluations/labeling as needed.Major Duties and Responsibilities:Configuration ManagementPrepares engineering designs for replacement and upgrade of structures, systems, and componentsPerforms calculations and interpretations of industry codes and standards to support design developmentReviews design specifications to determine performance criteria for material upgradesWrites material specifications and initiates procurement of nuclear safety-related componentsPrepares and implements rigorous testing and inspection methods for utilizing commercial grade components in nuclear safety systemsImplements modifications in accordance with configuration control processesDesigns and develops new control systemsDevelops design output documentsMaintenance SupportTroubleshoots and analyzes system and component failures and develops corrective actionsProvides field work technical direction to craft supervisors and craft personnelDevelops and implements preventive maintenance instructionsDevelops operating/test proceduresPerforms and maintains the aging status of I&C components (instrumentation, control panels, PLCs, field devices, actuators, etc.) on a continual basisMaintains the maintenance equipment database for new and existing I&C equipmentOperations SupportPerforms evaluations to determine equipment impact on facility operationProvides guidance on purchase, fabrication, and/or modification of electrical equipment to meet NRTL listing/labeling requirements and electrical AHJ approval prior to useAcquires and maintains the 'Qualified Electrical Worker' role (for access to areas where instrumentation may present the possibility for exposure to energized electrical components) as needed to support I&C installation/maintenance activitiesAssists with the development of research safety summaries, work plans, procedures, instructions, and other documents; approves these documents as requested by line managementReviews and approves work activities or safety procedures related to custom or special research equipmentSystem AnalysisAnalyzes and trends results of preventive and predictive maintenance dataAnalyzes equipment performance historyEnsures compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirementsBasic Qualifications:BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Mechanical, Chemical, or related with I&C experience.5-8 years of experience in industrial/nuclear instrumentation and controls system engineeringAbility to diagnose equipment problems and develop formal instructions for performance and documentation of repairs.Experience in leading maintenance tasks, procedure development, procurement of materials, and equipment analysis is required.Preferred Qualifications:One year or more of nuclear experience is highly preferred.Familiarity with maintenance activities in a nuclear operating environment and regulatory programs, including DOE Orders pertaining to conduct of operation and maintenanceExperience with design/procurement of components according to NQA-1 requirementsExperience with preparation of loop accuracy/uncertainty (sensor+transmitter+signal conditioning+display), setpoint uncertainty for safety limits, and calibration tolerances/as-found/as-left impactsExperience programming, testing, and troubleshooting industrial PLC-based control systems (e.g., ladder logic/function block), including I/O checkout, field commissioning, and controlled changes to existing PLC logic in support of facility operations (ventilation/HVAC controls preferred)This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an "L" clearance.This position also requires Rad Worker II training as well as respirator qualification. Therefore, candidate must be medically qualified for Rad Worker and respiratorExperience with legacy pneumatic instrumentation and pneumatically actuated control valves/dampersExperience working with SCADA/Historian data logging software is a plusExcellent verbal and written communication skillsGood interpersonal skills, and ability to work well as a team memberMotivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.