I&C Component Engineer (Instrumentation & Controls)

Vistra Energy; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vistra Energy is seeking a Component Engineer for Instrumentation and Controls (I/C) responsible for the reliability and lifecycle management of I&C components in nuclear power plants. This role includes oversight of electronic and software-based systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's in Engineering and possess a minimum of 6 years experience in nuclear or industrial I/C systems. Role includes potential travel up to 25% and offers a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of relevant experience in nuclear or industrial I/C systems.
• Knowledge of nuclear regulatory requirements (10 CFR 50, 10 CFR 21, ASME NQA‑1, IEEE standards).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary engineering authority for assigned I&C components.
• Lead or support engineering change packages including design reviews.
• Ensure I&C components meet regulatory requirements related to safety.

Skills

Strong understanding of analog and digital electronics

Familiarity with software configuration management

Knowledge of nuclear regulatory requirements

Proficiency with test equipment

Experience with DCS platforms

Understanding of SDLC in safety-critical environments

Experience with PLC programming

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, or related engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Multimeters

Logic analyzers

Git

RSLogix

Unity Pro

WinCC

Job description

Job Summary

The Component Engineer for Instrumentation and Controls (I/C) is responsible for the technical oversight, reliability, and lifecycle management of critical I/C components within a nuclear power plant. This role ensures the safe, reliable, and code‑compliant operation of electronic and software‑based systems that support plant protection, control, monitoring, and data acquisition.

Key Accountabilities

• Serve as primary engineering authority for assigned I&C components, including printed circuit cards, control processors, power supply units, analog/digital recorders, PLCs, DCS controllers, and monitoring equipment.
• Perform root cause evaluations, failure analyses, and component performance trending to identify degradation mechanisms; develop corrective actions and reliability improvements.
• Provide engineering support to maintenance and operations for troubleshooting, repair, calibration, and testing of I&C systems; review and approve maintenance work packages and outage support activities.
• Lead or support engineering change packages (ECPs), including design reviews, configuration control, and as‑built documentation updates; ensure compliance with ASME NQA‑1, 10 CFR 50, and plant‑specific design basis requirements.
• Oversee software configuration, version control, and change management for embedded software in PLCs, controllers, and monitoring systems; ensure compliance with SQA standards and cyber security requirements such as NEI08‑09.
• Evaluate obsolescence risks, qualify replacement parts, and support form‑fit‑function assessments; maintain BOMs and approved vendor lists.
• Develop and review test procedures for component acceptance, periodic surveillance, and post‑repair verification; support environmental and seismic qualification as needed.
• Ensure I&C components meet regulatory requirements related to safety‑related systems, single‑failure criterion, and independence; interface with licensing and technical specification teams as needed.
• Work with OEMs and third‑party vendors to resolve technical issues, obtain documentation, and support repair or redesign efforts.
• Maintain and update technical specifications, equipment databases, and engineering manuals; contribute to development of plant standards and procedures for I&C component management.

Education, Experience and Skill Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, or related engineering from an accredited program.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant experience in nuclear or industrial I/C systems.
• Strong understanding of analog and digital electronics, power supply design, signal integrity, and embedded systems.
• Familiarity with software configuration management, change control processes, and cyber security practices for digital systems.
• Knowledge of nuclear regulatory requirements (10 CFR 50, 10 CFR 21, ASME NQA‑1, IEEE standards).
• Proficiency with test equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers) and diagnostic methodologies.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or ability to obtain one.
• Experience with DCS platforms such as Foxboro IA, Westinghouse WDPF, or GE Mark VI/VIe.
• Understanding of SDLC in safety‑critical environments.
• Experience with obsolescence management and reverse engineering of legacy circuit cards.
• Familiarity with software version control systems (e.g., Git) in an industrial context.
• Working knowledge of cyber security standards for nuclear I/C (e.g., NEI08‑09, NRC Regulatory Guide5.71).
• Experience with PLC programming (ladder logic, function block diagrams) and industrial control software (e.g., RSLogix, Unity Pro, WinCC).

Key Metrics and Expectations

• Prepare engineering reports and component health assessments.
• Perform tasks in accordance with nuclear safety and personnel safety expectations.
• Potentially develop other employees in the area of expertise.
• Lead roles on projects, teams, processes, or programs related to rotating equipment.

Travel

Up to 25% travel may be required to corporate locations, power plants, other utilities, and industry meetings.

Location

The position can be located at any of Vistra’s nuclear sites.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Company complies with all employment laws and affords equal employment opportunity to individuals in all aspects of employment, including in selection for job opportunities, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service, protected veteran status, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local laws. For assistance with accommodation of a disability during application, contact [e-mail].