Talent Bridge: Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Idaho National Laboratory; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid time off

Employee Education Program

Comprehensive Relocation Package

Job summary

A leading energy research institution in Idaho Falls seeks an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer to collaborate on innovative engineering solutions for nuclear energy applications. This role requires a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and offers the opportunity to work with top scientists on crucial projects. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills and the ability to mentor junior staff. This position provides a dynamic environment with professional development benefits and potential for long-term engagement.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Master's degree from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Ability to work on multi-disciplinary engineering projects.
• Familiarity with nuclear industry codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with scientists and engineers on design requirements.
• Develop physics-based models for verification.
• Mentor junior staff and encourage their involvement in projects.

Skills

Instrumentation and Controls

Technical Analysis

Collaboration

Mathematical Modeling

Education

Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Description

Talent Bridge: Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Location: Research Engineering Campus

Schedule: 9X80’s with every other Friday off

Program Duration: 12 months, with a potential 1-year extension.

Join INL’s Nuclear Nexus and harness cutting‑edge engineering to drive America’s energy future, advancing next‑generation systems that power industries, innovate national security, and ensure America’s technological leadership. Your expertise in instrumentation, controls, and analytics will directly shape the performance and reliability of critical infrastructure, reinforcing INL’s legacy as the nation’s frontline for breakthrough nuclear and energy solutions. From pioneering distributed control systems to optimizing robust industrial machinery, your work will secure and sustain America’s vital energy and manufacturing capabilities. Collaborate with top scientists and engineers to develop high‑impact solutions that meet the demands of a dynamic energy landscape. Step into a role where your technical innovations fuel progress, defend national interests, and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in energy and engineering.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Work with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers on challenging work scopes.
• Work with internal and external partners to identify requirements and commercially available technologies that meet specific specifications.
• Collaborate and partner with other government agencies, academia, and private sector companies to achieve project goals. Decompose project goals into defined and controlled design requirements.
• Use design methodologies, technologies, and processes which are best practices for the technical discipline to develop and define a design, and to validate that the design meets defined requirements.
• Develop physics‑based mathematical models of mechanical, chemical, and electrical systems to support and verify design.
• Establish testing, inspection, and quality requirements to ensure technical features important to design functions are maintained.
• Oversee or otherwise ensure that fabrication, construction, assembly, and procurement are done in accordance with the design.
• Ensure that analysis needs are recorded and clearly understood. Document the design (controlled and approved models, drawings, specifications, design descriptions) to establish conformance with design requirements and applicable codes and standards.
• Ensure that data and analysis generated by the instruments are of high quality and meet customer and user needs.
• Participate in professional development activities aimed at keeping pace with industry developments. Maintain familiarity with and technical understanding of codes and standards applicable to the discipline.
• Maintain knowledge of newly emerging technologies and applications to the nuclear industry.
• Identify applicable codes, standards, regulations, and procedures.
• Publish and communicate research accomplished on the instrument and instrument improvements to both external and internal audiences with the goal of enhancing INL’s reputation and building a strong user base for the instrument.
• Mentor junior staff and look for opportunities to involve them in current projects.
• Generate ideas for new proposals and business development opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required

• Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering or a directly related field from an ABET‑accredited institution.
• If the position is within the National and Homeland Security Directorate, must be a US Citizen and have the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE “L” or “Q” clearance. May be required to obtain and maintain an additional security clearance level of Human Reliability Program (HRP) certification.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess

• Advanced degree in a directly related field from an ABET‑accredited institution.
• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research and methods development.

Application Requirements

• Current Resume or CV
• Proof of Graduation (diploma or unofficial transcripts accepted)

Program Benefits

• Mentored environment providing post‑degree work experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Accelerated knowledge transfer from retiring staff to early career individuals.

Review and Evaluation

Performance and satisfaction will be reviewed at three, six, and nine months. At the six‑month review, potential next steps will be discussed:

• Transition to a full‑time role
• Pursue additional education
• Explore other opportunities

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field environment, which may include construction sites. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job‑related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

About Us

INL is a science‑based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self‑contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H‑1B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL Mission

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision

Our vision is to change the world’s energy future and secure our nation’s critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions may be deemed ineligible for consideration. INL does not accept resumes from third‑party vendors unsolicited.