I&C System Engineer

About the role

The System Engineering Group within the Nuclear Facility Management Section of the Nonreactor Nuclear Facilities Division (NNFD) is seeking an Instrumentation and Controls System Engineer. This group is responsible for the NNFD facility’s configuration management program, provides technical support to operations and maintenance, and performs system performance analysis. The role designs, develops, installs, upgrades, and maintains instrumentation and control systems and components, with a focus on legacy analog pneumatic systems (3–15 psig) using instrument air to drive pneumatic actuators and electro-pneumatic valve/damper positioners. The engineer performs instrument loop uncertainty analyses and setpoint calculations to ensure facility systems operate effectively, efficiently, and safely in compliance with applicable codes and nuclear quality requirements. Many nuclear-safety-credited I&C components control building ventilation systems. This multidisciplinary role requires close collaboration with operations, procurement, design, and craft organizations, as well as support for NEC compliance reviews and NRTL field evaluations/labeling.

Responsibilities

• Configuration Management
  • Prepares engineering designs for replacement and upgrade of structures, systems, and components.
  • Performs calculations and interpretations of industry codes and standards to support design development.
  • Reviews design specifications to determine performance criteria for material upgrades.
  • Writes material specifications and initiates procurement of nuclear safety-related components.
  • Prepares and implements rigorous testing and inspection methods for utilizing commercial grade components in nuclear safety systems.
  • Implements modifications in accordance with configuration control processes.
  • Designs and develops new control systems.
  • Develops design output documents.
• Maintenance Support
  • Troubleshoots and analyzes system and component failures and develops corrective actions.
  • Provides field work technical direction to craft supervisors and personnel.
  • Develops and implements preventive maintenance instructions.
  • Develops operating/test procedures.
  • Performs and maintains the aging status of I&C components (instrumentation, control panels, PLCs, field devices, actuators, etc.) on a continual basis.
  • Maintains the maintenance equipment database for new and existing I&C equipment.
• Operations Support
  • Performs evaluations to determine equipment impact on facility operation.
  • Provides guidance on purchase, fabrication, and/or modification of electrical equipment to meet NRTL listing/labeling requirements and electrical AHJ approval prior to use.
  • Acquires and maintains the ‘Qualified Electrical Worker’ role for access to areas with energized electrical components.
  • Assists with the development of research safety summaries, work plans, procedures, instructions, and other documents; approves these documents as requested by line management.
  • Reviews and approves work activities or safety procedures related to custom or special research equipment.
• System Analysis
  • Analyzes and trends results of preventive and predictive maintenance data.
  • Analyzes equipment performance history.
  • Ensures compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

Requirements

• BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Mechanical, Chemical, or related field with I&C experience.
• 5-8 years of experience in industrial/nuclear instrumentation and controls system engineering.
• Ability to diagnose equipment problems and develop formal instructions for performance and documentation of repairs.
• Experience in leading maintenance tasks, procedure development, procurement of materials, and equipment analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year or more of nuclear experience, preferably in a nuclear operating environment with familiarity in regulatory programs, including DOE Orders.
• Experience with design/procurement of components according to NQA-1 requirements.
• Experience with loop accuracy/uncertainty analysis, setpoint uncertainty for safety limits, and calibration tolerances.
• Experience programming, testing, and troubleshooting industrial PLC-based control systems (e.g., ladder logic/function block), including I/O checkout and field commissioning.
• Experience with legacy pneumatic instrumentation and pneumatically actuated control valves/dampers.
• Experience working with SCADA/Historian data logging software is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities, and adapt to changing needs.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an “L” clearance, Rad Worker II training, and respirator qualification. The candidate must be medically qualified for Rad Worker and respirator use.

Benefits

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities

ORNL offers competitive pay and flexible work hours to support work-life balance.