Controls Engineer | I&C | Ovation DCS

APS (Arizona Public Service); Arizona; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

APS seeks an experienced engineer to perform design, modification, and analytical support for engineering programs at Palo Verde; applies engineering methods and provides guidance to others. May involve shift work and nuclear-related responsibilities.

The role requires ABET/accredited engineering credentials, two years of relevant experience, and familiarity with PLCs and industrial networks. Safety and compliance are emphasized within a utility setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from ABET-accredited institution (IEA or ABET MRA).
• Two years of engineering-related experience.
• Engineering degree must be from an accredited College of Engineering.
• A relevant Masters degree in Engineering may substitute for one year of required experience.
• A four-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology degree is not considered equivalent to a B.S. in Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes and prepares data, technical reviews and evaluations to aid decision making.
• Identifies and advocates resolution of technical concerns with engineering principles.
• Interfaces with customers or cross-organizational teams to assess needs and scope projects.
• Provides oversight of engineering programs and coordinates corrective actions.
• Supports projects and modifications to increase operating efficiency and compliance with design specs.

Skills

Industrial networking

Network health diagnostics

Allen-Bradley PLCs

CompactLogix

GE Fanuc control systems

Problem analysis

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

IEA-recognized or ABET MRA institution

Master's degree may substitute for one year experience

Tools

Ovation DCS systems

Job description

Arizona Public Service generates reliable, affordable and clean energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. Our service territory stretches across the state, from the border town of Douglas to the vistas of the Grand Canyon, from the solar fields of Gila Bend to the ponderosa pines of Payson. As the state's largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.

Since our founding in 1886, APS has demonstrated a strong commitment to our customers in one of the country's fastest growing states, earning a reputation for customer satisfaction, shareholder value, operational excellence and business integrity.

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.

Summary

Performs engineering design, modifications, economic and analytical support for various engineering programs and projects. Performs engineering tasks requiring skills and experience gained through application of engineering methods and analysis. Work is performed with general guidance over specific engineering design, modifications, and technical assistance. Provides limited technical guidance and leadership to others as needed. May be subject to shift work.

Minimum Requirements

• A four-year Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution, an International Engineering Alliance (IEA) recognized institution or an ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
• PLUS two (2) years experience in Engineering-related positions.
• Engineering degree must be from an accredited College of Engineering Program.
• A relevant Masters degree in Engineering may substitute for one (1) year of required experience.
• (A four-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology degree is not considered directly equivalent to a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. Equivalency may be considered based on a review of the degree program curriculum, subject to approval by Engineering department management.)

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications

• Experience with Ovation DCS systems.
• Experience with industrial networking, network administration, and network health diagnostics.
• Relevant networking certifications are a plus, but not required.
• Experience developing and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley PLCs, particularly CompactLogix platforms.
• Experience with GE Fanuc control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex control system, instrumentation, and communication issues in an operating environment.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Problem analysis/resolution techniques.
• Knowledge of applicable codes, standards, practices, methods and safety standards in the area of applicable engineering discipline.
• Experience in the utility industry.
• Experience in nuclear industry for jobs at Palo Verde.

Nuclear Requirement

• Any PVNGS employee may be called upon to serve as a member of the Emergency Response Organization (ERO) and will be expected to fulfill their obligation as an ERO member.
• Any PVNGS employee may be called upon to support a refueling or short-notice outage.
• This includes line roles and responsibilities as necessary to execute outage activities.
• These are conditions of employment at PVNGS.

Major Accountabilities

1. Analyzes and prepares a variety of data, technical reviews and evaluations, trend analyses, short to long-range technology assessments, products and services, investigations, product/specification verifications to aid decision making. May present findings to a diverse group of management, internal staff, customers, vendors, etc.
2. Identifies, communicates and advocates resolution of technical concerns while adhering to sound engineering principles during evaluation / resolution of the conditions. Challenges conditions and decisions when needed to ensure plant systems, engineering designs, project controls and oversight of work has high technical quality, is cost effective, in compliance with established standards, codes and regulations, maintains future reliability, satisfies customer requirements, budget and schedules to meet or exceed all reasonable or agreed upon customer service levels.
3. Interfaces with customers or cross organizational team members to assess their needs, determine the scope of the project, obtain necessary data to make key decisions which may require consultation with external or internal customers or employees.
4. May provide oversight of engineering technical programs by managing the program requirements, working with cross organizational partners, reviewing and internalizing operating experience and coordinating corrective actions to ensure engineering program elements continue to remain healthy.
5. Provides support for projects and modifications that will increase operating efficiency. May review design and documentation of projects to ensure compliance with design specifications, schedules and any regulatory requirements.
6. May assume responsibility for small- to medium-scale projects which include planning, designing, scheduling and coordinating all facets of the project.
7. Checks and reviews standard analysis, evaluations, and investigations of others.
8. May provide technical guidance and leadership to less experienced engineers.
9. Remains cognizant of current technology and engineering developments as well as industry and competitive developments. Maintains high individual level of engineering technical capabilities and expertise by formal education, self‑study, and awareness of technology advances.

Export Compliance / EEO Statement

This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.
For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over-the‑counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job‑related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws.

Onsite: Requires work to be performed in the field and/or at an APS facility. Depending on the responsibilities of the role, this may include, but is not limited to, working at a power plant, job site, or in the community.

• Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).
• Role types are subject to change based on business need.