Engineer Instrumentation & Control MFE

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics in San Diego is seeking an Instrumentation & Control Engineer to oversee design, installation, maintenance, and optimization of I&C systems across plant operations. You will ensure reliable automation, process control, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

The role involves leading projects from concept through commissioning, collaborating with scientists and operations teams, and delivering robust control solutions in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's, or PhD in engineering from an accredited institution.
• Six+ years with a bachelor's; four+ with a master's; two+ with a PhD; substitutions allowed.
• General understanding of engineering concepts with safety/regulatory compliance.
• Strong understanding of computer science concepts desirable.
• Experience with C, C++, and/or Python programming desirable.
• LabVIEW experience desirable.
• CAD packages (SolidWorks/SolidWorks Electrical) desirable.
• NFPA, NEC, UL 508 standards knowledge desirable.
• FPGA design and programming desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage plant instrumentation, PLC, SCADA, and control systems.
• Work with sensors, DAQ, and signal conditioning systems.
• Support scientists in collecting and interpreting experimental data.
• Design analog and digital control circuits and modify existing ones.
• Update circuits with replacement components for obsolescence.
• Test and troubleshoot electrical/electronic control circuits and systems.
• Prepare and present design reviews.
• Read schematics and determine circuit functions.
• Maintain documentation for instrumentation and control systems.
• Improve system reliability, efficiency, and automation performance.
• Coordinate PCB fabrication with in-house and external resources.

Skills

PLC & HMI concepts

SCADA systems

DAQ & sensors

Data interpretation

Automation engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Tools

C

C++

Python

LabVIEW

SolidWorks

SolidWorks Electrical

CAD (Electrical)

PLC/HMI programming

Ethernet/TCP-IP

Job description

Job Summary General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies. The Instrumentation & Control (I&C) Engineer is responsible for overseeing the design, installation, maintenance, and optimization of instrumentation and control systems across plant operations. This role ensures reliable automation, process control, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

No Visa sponsorships available

• Manage plant instrumentation, PLC, SCADA, and control systems.
• Work with sensors, data acquisition (DAQ) and signal conditioning systems
• Support scientists in collecting and interpreting experimental data
• Design new analog, and digital control circuits and modify existing ones to meet specific requirements
• Update control circuits containing obsolete components by selecting and substituting suitable replacement components
• Test and troubleshoot electrical/electronic control circuits and systems
• Put together and give presentations at formal design reviews
• Read and understand electrical and electronic schematic diagrams and determine the functions of the circuits depicted.
• Maintain documentation for instrumentation and control systems.
• Improve system reliability, process efficiency, and automation performance.
• Coordinate the fabrication and assembly of PCBs using in-house resources and outside vendors

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have a general understanding of engineering concepts, principles, and theory with technical experience demonstrating the application of those concepts while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
• Strong understanding of computer science concepts, principles, and theory is desirable.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately in an evolving environment and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
• Some experience with a controller of some sort and a programming language is highly desirable.
• An understanding of PLC and HMI application development along with IEC 61131 adherent controllers and programming environments is desirable.
• Experience with C, C++ and/or Python programming is desirable.
• Experience with LabVIEW is desirable
• Experience with CAD packages is desirable. Experience with SolidWorks, SolidWorks Electrical, or another electrical drafting/CAD package is a plus.
• A good understanding of electrical control panels, and the NFPA, NEC, and UL 508 standards is desirable
• Knowledge of Field Programmable Gate Array (“FPGA”) design and programming is desirable.
• Experience with controllers and Proportional Integral Derivative (“PID”) control loops is a plus.
• Knowledge of and experience with serial communication is desirable.
• Knowledge of and experience with computer networks, Ethernet, and TCP/IP is desirable

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 99,500 - 170,750