Instrumentation & Control Engineer — Automation & PLC Expert

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics is seeking an Instrumentation & Control Engineer in San Diego to oversee the design, installation, operation, and optimization of plant instrumentation and control systems. You will ensure reliable automation, safety compliance, and data-driven process improvements across operations.

The role involves managing PLC/SCADA, sensors, and DAQ systems, reading schematics, and coordinating PCB fabrication with internal and external teams.

Qualifications

• Oversee instrumentation and control systems design, installation, maintenance and optimization.
• Experience with PLC and SCADA systems across plant operations.
• Ability to read electrical/schematic diagrams and translate into functional controls.

Responsibilities

• 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 analog and digital control circuits and modify existing ones.
• Update control circuits with replacement components as needed.
• Test and troubleshoot electrical/electronic control circuits and systems.
• Prepare presentations for formal design reviews.
• Read and understand electrical schematics and determine circuit functions.
• Maintain documentation for instrumentation and control systems.
• Improve system reliability, process efficiency, and automation performance.
• Coordinate PCB fabrication and assembly with in-house resources and vendors.

Skills

Instrumentation & Control

PLC

SCADA

Data acquisition

Sensors

Job description

General Atomics is seeking an Instrumentation & Control Engineer in San Diego to oversee the design, installation, operation, and optimization of plant instrumentation and control systems. You will ensure reliable automation, safety compliance, and data-driven process improvements across operations.

The role involves managing PLC/SCADA, sensors, and DAQ systems, reading schematics, and coordinating PCB fabrication with internal and external teams.