Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 81,080 - 141,650; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics is looking for an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer in San Diego, California. The role involves developing and integrating control systems for nuclear reactors and managing deliverables. Candidates should have a degree in engineering with a focus on nuclear systems, extensive knowledge in control system design, and strong project management skills. A full-time position with a salary range of $81,080 - $141,650 is offered.

Qualifications

• Typically requires four or more years of experience with a bachelor's degree.
• Extensive knowledge of nuclear reactor control and operation.
• Ability to interpret Process Flow Diagrams and P&IDs.

Responsibilities

• Develops control and protection systems for nuclear reactors.
• Leads a team to deliver innovative engineering solutions.
• Documents findings and technical presentations.

Skills

Engineering concepts understanding

Nuclear reactor control system design

Instrumentation and control system engineering

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

PLC

DCS

SIS

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. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS’ expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide. We currently have an exciting position for an Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Engineer to support our Nuclear Technologies and Materials (NTM) division in San Diego, CA. This position exercises considerable latitude for initiating and developing designs, procedures, techniques, and solutions to nuclear plant control and protection systems to resolve technical and engineering problems associated with terrestrial and space advanced nuclear reactor design.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and integrates the control and protection systems of a nuclear reactor including functional design, hardware, sensors, actuators, and control algorithms in compliance with established regulatory and industry codes and standards.
• Provides direction to design and technical staff and may lead a team of professional staff in developing innovative and practical solutions.
• Anticipates future NTM engineering needs and the modifications required to accomplish a technical goal.
• Addresses complex and difficult technical issues requiring novel and highly creative approaches to ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of work.
• May assume technical and engineering responsibility for the success of an identifiable project.
• Provides focal point for technical communication within the assigned project and may represent the Company as the prime technical contact to customers and/or government regulatory agencies.
• Assist in providing engineering estimates to support the proposals for projects and services.
• Manage deliverables and report to supervisor and project management about progress.
• Presents reports at engineering meetings, participates in program reviews, and provides consultation on instrumentation and control issues.
• Documents findings and communicates reports and technical presentations at engineering and project review meetings.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Works in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; four or more years of experience with a bachelor’s degree or two or more years of experience with a master’s degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have a complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment, and determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Experience in generating engineering estimates, organizing, scheduling, and coordinating work phases, tracking project status, and tracking development budget is required.
• Must possess an extensive knowledge of nuclear reactor control and protection system design and operation.
• Experience conducting instrumentation and control system engineering design for industrial process systems, nuclear plants, and utilities projects is required. Prior experience either operating or designing the control and protection system of a research, test, US Navy, or commercial nuclear reactor is a plus.
• Ability to interpret Process Flow Diagrams, and Piping and Instrumentation Drawings (P&IDs) with experience of developing these documents is required.
• Experience developing I&C engineering deliverables such as control system architecture and block diagrams, control and safety logic diagrams, control philosophy, control narratives, and cause & effect diagrams is required.
• Experience in development of nuclear and process instrumentation specifications is required.
• Strong understanding of and experience with advanced process control strategies, techniques, tools, and methods is desired.
• Experience designing and supporting Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), Safety Instrumented Functions (SIF), SIL assessment, and participating in HAZOP and Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) is desired.
• Experience with defining control and safety systems platforms (PLC, DCS, SIS) is a plus.
• Knowledge of electronic systems and hardware for space harsh environment is desirable.
• Must have excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, able to perform complex tasks in one engineering area, and lead a team of less experienced professional employees on semi-routine tasks.
• Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
• A Professional Engineering License, original work published in professional engineering journals, and invited to present one or more original works to an engineering symposium are desirable.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a DOD or DOE clearance is required.

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

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 81,080 - 141,650