Electronics Specialist - Advanced

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an experienced Instrumentation, Controls and Electrical (IC&E) technician to manage complex steam and electric generating facilities. You will work independently on instrumentation, controls and electrical components and provide leadership to junior technicians.

Responsibilities include installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and tuning PLC and DCS loops, developing control graphics, and ensuring compliance with EPA/DAQ regulations in a

Qualifications

• Advanced IC&E skills for complex steam and electric plants.
• Experience with PLC, DCS, CEMS, VFD and turbine controls.
• Ability to lead and train junior technicians.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair boilers and related systems.
• Develop and tune PLC/DCS control loops and graphics; ensure safe operations.
• Support EPA/DAQ regulatory compliance and system reliability.

Skills

Instrumentation

Controls

Electrical systems

PLC

DCS

VFD/VSD

Education

Associate’s degree in electronics

Tools

PLC programming

DCS graphics

Job description

Position Summary Information

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world‑class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full‑time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit

The primary purpose of Cogeneration Systems is the generation of steam to the various buildings on the University campus and to the UNC Hospitals. Steam is critical to the operations of the University and UNC Hospitals. It is used for heating, cooling, domestic hot water, sterilization of surgical instrument, distilled water production, food preparation and dish washing. Cogeneration Systems also generates electricity as a byproduct of the steam generation. It can presently supply about 30 percent of the peak campus electrical load. Cogeneration Systems is part of UNC Energy Services.

Position Summary

A SIGN‑ON BONUS OF $7,458 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE : $3,729 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE & $3,729 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.

This position requires an advanced level skill set in Instrumentation, Controls and Electrical (IC&E) with an expertise in two or more complex control/electrical systems. The skills required for this position involve the ability to work independently on instrumentation, controls and electrical components, equipment and systems in very complex steam and electric generating facilities to ensure that they operate safely and reliably. This position is an expert on two or more major control/electrical systems in a power plant such as: Distributive Control Systems ( DCS ), program logical controllers ( PLC ), continuous emission monitoring system ( CEMS ), variable frequency/speed drives ( VFD or VSD ), turbine governor control systems, voltage regulators, digital instruments air systems or control valves. This position will provide leadership to and train junior technicians.

This position is responsible for the installation, preventive, predictive, corrective maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs of the boilers, all associated balance of plant auxiliary equipment and fuel handling systems. The specific control and electrical equipment consists of PLC’s, CDS , VFD , VDS’s, plant electrical systems consisting of 12.47kV, 4.16kV, 2.3kV, 480V and 120/280V, 480V motor control centers, CEMS , scientific analyzers for the water chemistry, steam turbine and diesel generator voltage regulators and governor control systems, electrical protective relaying. The electrical, instrumentation and control circuitry on the following equipment and systems are: instrument air, fans, pumps, valves, control valves, mills, cooling towers, fluid drives, air compressors water treatment systems, bag houses, fuel handling systems, stack lights and rail road crossing signals. This requires an understanding of said systems, equipment and components. This position will program, modify and tune PLC’s and DCS digital and analog control loops. It will also be able to develop, implement and revise control graphics, daily reports and the historian on the DCS . This position is to be conversant with the EPA and DAQ regulatory requirements as they pertain to the CEMS . Safe work practices are expected to be followed whenever working with equipment.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Associate’s degree in electronics; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Management Preferences

Associate’s degree in electronics; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Required Licenses/Certifications

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

The environmental conditions range from air conditioned and heated control room to dusty, hot, humid and cold conditions. This position will be required to work in all conditions at various lengths of time depending on the need for operational requirements. When required to enter confined spaces or hazardous environments, operations procedures and safety equipment are provided. Part of the equipment is located outdoors and operation and/or maintenance are required year round. Position requires an ability to climb ladders/stairs, work with hands/arms over head, move 50 plus lbs. and the ability to wear self‑contained breathing apparatus if necessary.

This position is an Adverse Weather and Emergency Event Position. The employee in this position is designated as a Mandatory Employee. As such, it is expected to report to work or remain on the job, and if deemed necessary by their supervisor, to work a differing schedule or shift than normally assigned.

This position is considered Communicable Disease Mandatory On‑site Primary. As such, the position performs functions that are essential to the continuation of core University operations, including utilities, during a potential health emergency.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Evening work occasionally, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Night work occasionally, On‑call, Overtime occasionally, Respirator, general use, Valid NC Driver’s License, Weekend work occasionally

Special Instructions

• ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN -ON BONUS

Requirements

The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign‑on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements: To be eligible for a Sign‑on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time‑limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including but not limited to the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act. A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part‑time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign‑on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week). This SHRA Sign‑on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign‑on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy .

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.