Electronics Specialist - Advanced

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an Electronics Specialist - Advanced to lead instrumentation, controls and electrical work in the Cogeneration Systems area. The role requires expert knowledge of DCS/PLC, CEMS, VFDs, voltage regulators and related equipment in a high‑reliability power plant environment.

You will install, tune and maintain complex systems, develop control graphics and reports, train junior technicians, and adhere to EPA/DAQ regulatory requirements while

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in electronics; or equivalent training and experience.
• Expert level skill in instrumentation, controls and electrical systems in complex power plant environments.
• Ability to lead and train junior technicians.

Responsibilities

• Install, preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance of boilers and balance of plant equipment.
• Program, modify, and tune PLCs and DCS control loops; develop graphics and historian reports.
• Ensure EPA/DAQ regulatory compliance and safe operation; provide onsite leadership.

Skills

Instrumentation

Controls engineering

Electrical systems

PLC programming

Education

Associate’s degree in electronics

Tools

PLC

DCS

CEMS

Job description

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department: ES CG-227110

Career Area: Facilities and Skilled Trades

Is this an internal only recruitment? No

Posting Open Date: 09/22/2026

Application Deadline: 10/14/2026

Position Type: Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title: Electronics Specialist - Advanced

Salary Grade Equivalent: NC10 / GN12

Working Title: I&C Technician

Position Number: 00037287

Vacancy ID: P021400

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited: Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week: 40

Work Schedule

Monday – Thursday.

7:00AM – 5:30PM.

Occasional nights, weekends and/or holidays may be required should business needs dictate.

On-call rotation.

Communicable Disease Mandatory On-site position.

Emergency Duty & Adverse Weather Position.

Work Location

Work Location: CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $37849 - $83183

Pay Band Information

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

Notice to Applicants

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Position Summary Information

Be a Tar Heel!

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

None specified.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

The environmental conditions range from air controlled 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.

Quick Link: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325821

Contact Information

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail].

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

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.