Electrical Engineer – Controls & Instrumentation
COLSA is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Electrical Test & Controls Engineer to join our team supporting rocket engine test operations at NASA’s Stennis Space Center. This role is critical to the success of testing the RS-25 engine for the Space Launch System (SLS) and Artemis programs.
- Provide hands-on electrical testing, control system programming, and maintenance support for complex industrial and aerospace systems, ensuring reliable operation and compliance with safety and design standards.
- Perform testing using specialized equipment to measure voltage, current, pressure, and flow rates to verify system functionality.
- Follow and enforce safety regulations and standards, including OSHA and local codes.
- Communicate with clients and customers to explain mechanical and electrical issues, recommend repair solutions, and advise on preventative measures.
- Read and interpret schematics and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) to understand system layouts and electrical configurations.
- Write work authorizations for installation, repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance of electrical equipment, including pumps, motors, instrumentation, controls hardware, and data acquisition systems.
- Maintain accurate records of maintenance and repairs.
- Assist in developing electrical designs for current and conceptual hardware, components, and systems.
- Support prototype creation, testing, documentation, and verification against specifications.
- Design, plan, and oversee installation and maintenance of electrical and electronic equipment, components, and circuits for new and existing products.
- Define hardware system requirements and create schematics for system architecture.
- Evaluate performance, integrate hardware units, and select components based on reliability and availability.
- Conduct validation, verification, qualification, and error testing of systems and circuit designs.
- Provide product support by isolating faults and resolving design issues.
- Ensure electrical designs comply with product specifications, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in code compliance reviews and interact with governing agencies as needed.
- Review vendor capabilities and monitor subcontracted technical services.
- Program, troubleshoot, and maintain Allen-Bradley PLCs and ladder logic control systems.
- Manage test system maintenance, repairs, and upgrades including warning systems, lighting, fire and gas detection, low voltage systems, and 480 VAC 3-phase pumps.
- Manage multiple activities including writing and directing preventive and corrective maintenance work orders for electrical technicians.
This position may involve physical activities such as standing, walking, lifting, bending, climbing, or working in varied environmental conditions. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required, and the role could include exposure to industrial or outdoor settings.
At COLSA, people are our most valuable resource and centered at our core value. We invite you to unite your talents with opportunity and be a part of our “FamilyofProfessionals!”Learn about our employee-centric culture and benefitshere .
Required Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Electrical, Electronic Engineering, or a related field
- 1-8+ years of experience in electrical/electronic engineering or product design and development.
- Knowledge of controls engineering for valve movements and instrumentation using PLCs.
- Experience with electrical/electronic design principles, drawing standards, tolerances, and detailed drawings.
- Ability to manage multiple activities, including writing preventative and corrective maintenance work orders.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint).
- Excellent interpersonal, reporting, and communication skills (written and verbal).
- Must be willing to be available after hours or weekends on an as-needed basis.
- Physical capability to perform job duties including standing, sitting, walking, detail work, and lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs.
- Must be a U.S. citizen with a valid driver’s license and able to undergo a background check for NASA Public Trust and facility access.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting rocket propulsion or aerospace test stands.
- Familiarity with NASA test procedures and documentation standards.
- Experience with Wonderware HMI/SCADA software and ladder logic programming for controlling and monitoring industrial equipment.
- Familiarity with maintenance management databases, specifically DDMS and IBM Maximo, to support maintenance tracking and workflow management.
Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.COLSA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
The salary range, if referenced, represents a good faith estimate. COLSA considers various factors when determining base salary offers, but not limited to, location, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.
COLSA offers a comprehensive and customizeable benefits program which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Supplemental Income Protection Programs, 401(k) with company match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Education & Certification Reimbursement, Employee Discount Program, Paid Time Off and Holidays.
This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 business days. If a candidate has not been selected at that time, it will continue to be posted until a suitable candidate is selected or the position is closed.