Principal I&C Engineer

Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C); Richland (WA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 214,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation funding

4x10 work schedule

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) seeks an I&C Engineer to provide technical support for instrumentation, controls, automation, and system performance across DFLAW facilities at the Hanford Site in Richland, WA. The role ensures safe, compliant operation aligned with DSA/TSR and nuclear safety standards.

Key duties include maintenance of control systems, troubleshooting, and ongoing support for startup/commissioning activities, field walkdowns, data collection, and interface

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering or related technical discipline; 10+ years of related experience.
• Grade levels imply larger scope and responsibility compared to prior levels.

Responsibilities

• Maintain training and qualifications; perform engineering work per procedures and plans.
• Evaluate technical issues and support resolution of reports; ensure compliance.
• Develop and maintain advanced control systems for waste retrieval and treatment.
• Integrate sensors, automation, PLCs, DCS, and instrumentation to improve reliability.
• Coordinate interfaces across project, operations, maintenance and construction teams.
• Provide technical input to procedures, work packages, and engineering change notices.

Skills

Instruments & Controls

IEEE Standards

NFPA Requirements

Control Systems

Allen-Bradley PLC

ABB 800xA

Autocad

C#

C++

JavaScript

SQL

ISA-61511

Wireless

Education

BS in Engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

Autocad

PLC/SCADA tooling

Job description

Job Responsibilities/Duties

The anticipated start date for this position is dependent upon operational and training needs and could be scheduled as late as April 2027.

Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) leads the nation's largest and most complex radioactive waste cleanup effort. Every day, our teams work to safely remove, treat, and dispose of 56 million gallons of legacy tank waste at the Hanford Site in Richland, Washington.

When you join H2C, you become part of a team dedicated to creating "The Solution Today for a Better Tomorrow." Guided by our Vision, Mission, Values, and Behaviors, we work together with integrity, innovation, and accountability. We empower our workforce, encourage continuous improvement, and celebrate achievements as we make measurable progress toward tank waste cleanup and long term site closure. At H2C, your work has a meaningful impact—today and for future generations.

The I&C Engineer provides technical support for instrumentation, controls, automation, and system performance across H2C's DFLAW facilities. The required skills and abilities of I&C teams include Design, Implementation & Engineering, Instruments & Systems and Equipment/Package Production/ Test, Construction & Commissioning, and Plant Operation & Maintenance. The engineer ensures safe, compliant, and reliable system operation in alignment with H2C engineering processes, DSA/TSR requirements, and nuclear safety quality expectations.

Major Responsibilities / Duties / Tasks

• Maintain required training and qualifications; perform engineering work in accordance with established procedures, guides, and execution plans.
• Evaluate technical issues and support resolution of condition reports; perform corrective actions and ensure compliance with requirements.
• Maintain and protect design and operating margins for assigned systems and equipment.
• Perform engineering work in compliance with applicable environmental permits, regulations, ISMS principles, and nuclear safety quality culture.
• Develop and maintain advanced control systems for waste retrieval, treatment, and transfer applications.
• Integrate sensors, automation, diagnostics, PLCs, DCS, instrumentation, and industrial control system components to improve reliability, safety, and performance.
• Analyze and diagnose system problems; optimize system performance; recommend technical solutions.
• Maintain working knowledge of the Documented Safety Analysis (DSA), Technical Safety Requirements (TSR), and Environmental Permit requirements as they apply to tank farm and DFLAW/WTP systems.
• Coordinate technical interfaces across project, operations, maintenance, construction, and integration organizations; ensure technical issues and comments are tracked to closure.
• Prepare and deliver clear verbal and written technical information; incorporate stakeholder feedback effectively.
• Provide technical input to and review Operations & Maintenance documents, work packages, operating procedures, and Engineering Change Notices.
• Develop, establish, and update system operating or maintenance procedures.
• Support ongoing operations by monitoring system health, identifying emerging issues, and assisting in developing corrective actions and improvements.
• Support Startup and Commissioning testing activities, including field walkdowns, data collection, and resolution of design or interface issues.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, control logic, device interfaces, and system performance issues to restore or enhance system operability.
• Sustain productive and positive relationships with customers, technical stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• Provide technical reports, updates, and presentations to engineering management and project stakeholders as needed.
• Perform additional engineering tasks as assigned to support H2C mission needs.

This job description is not intended to include every duty, task, or instruction for which an employee is responsible. Other tasks may be assigned based on business needs and the department supervisor's request.

Required Qualifications

Grade 20: Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Engineering or related technical discipline; and Ten (10) years of related experience

Grade 21: Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Engineering or related technical discipline; and Twelve (12) years of related experience

Grade 22: Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Engineering or related technical discipline; and Fourteen (14) years of related experience

Note the essential duties for this grade level are like that of the previous grade level, however the scope of responsibility is larger, and the expected level of performance is increased.

Note the essential duties for this grade level are like that of the previous grade level, however the scope of responsibility is significantly larger, and the expected level of performance is greatly increased.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with instruments and controls, and a knowledge of current development and trends with demonstrated ability to interpret IEEE Standards and NFPA Requirements.
• Experience with process and control system platforms including modification to the control system hardware and software, communications systems(including wireless), and development and testing systems.
• Possess significant control systems testing experience, including preparation of test procedures and completion of test reports.
• Have a working knowledge of developing safety instrumented systems and application of ISA-61511
• Possess a working knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLC and/or ABB 800xA control system platforms
• Experience with computer aided design tools such a Autocad.
• Working knowledge of software development in any of these technologies: C#, .NET, C++, JavaScript, Microsoft MVC, SQL, et

Compensation & Benefits

In accordance with the company's philosophy on compensation for exempt and salaried non-exempt employees, H2C takes into consideration a variety of factors when determining initial grade and salary to include assigned job scope and responsibility, a candidate's qualifications as compared to internal comparators performing in a similar role, and the external labor market. A salary offer will be made at the appropriate grade level and within the targeted hiring range posted according to these factors. Note a candidate's prior salary history will not be taken into consideration.

Hiring Range Minimum: $131,888

Hiring Range Maximum: $214,288

H2C offers a comprehensive benefits package to include medical/dental/vision, short-and long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off. For a full list of benefits please visit https://hmis.hanford.gov/hr/page.cfm/HEWTBenefits

• A business casual dress work environment: jeans are permissible (restrictions may apply).
• Opportunity for work/life balance: a standard 4 x 10 work schedule, allowing more personal time to enjoy life outside of the office (other schedules and/or shift work may be required).

Note: employment at H2C involves working in the office or in the field depending on the role.

Relocation Funding Provided Yes

U.S. Citizenship Required Yes

Clearance Required No

Job Classification Exempt

Shift Work Required No

As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, H2C abides by federal statutory requirements of 41 CFR § 60-300.5 VEVRAA Protected Veterans, 41 CFR § 60-741.5 Workers with Disabilities, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and state and local requirements.

These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, age, sex, and national origin. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants and employees have rights under Federal and State Employment Laws and are protected against discrimination. To view information regarding these rights.