Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

MPR Associates, Inc. (MPR) is a thriving multi-discipline, specialty engineering services and consulting firm founded in 1964. We serve a wide and growing client base in power and energy, federal services, and health and life sciences, working throughout the United States and internationally. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, we also have offices in East Lyme, Connecticut; Burlington, Massachusetts; and Salt Lake City, Utah.

About the role

The I&C Engineer will have technical, project management, regulatory, business, and client interface responsibilities, providing strategic guidance and technical leadership to U.S. and international clients. This position works closely with MPR’s leadership team to develop market and client strategies and align MPR’s growth, skills, and tools development with future industry needs. This is a full-time, exempt position based in our Virginia or Connecticut office.

Responsibilities

• Leverage technical expertise and leadership in control system engineering, design, implementation, programming/configuration, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting for power plant controls and industrial control systems.
• Provide technical support for power generation and auxiliary power systems, particularly related to digital devices or systems with communications interface to control systems (e.g., protective relays for electrical power systems).
• Develop technical deliverables for clients through engineering evaluations, operability evaluations, problem identification/resolution, I&C upgrade feasibility studies, and conceptual design documents.
• Provide analysis and modeling capabilities for I&C systems, such as in the development of simulator algorithms.
• Interface with clients to understand their challenges, develop technical proposals, and present proposals and company capabilities.
• Ensure project control and control systems meet regulatory and cybersecurity requirements.
• Assist in identifying industry opportunities for I&C services and partnerships to support client needs.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to employees.

Requirements

This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements; therefore, a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “US Person” includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

• Minimum of a four-year technical degree or equivalent; candidates within one year of graduation may also be considered.
• At least four years of directly related I&C experience working in a project/systems/Navy engineering role.
• P.E. license is a plus.
• Completion of Naval Nuclear Power School, Nuclear Prototype, and/or Nuclear Field “A” School is a plus.

Skills

Technical

• Knowledge of and experience with electrical and electronics theory.
• Strong understanding of algorithms, control systems (analog and digital), instrumentation and measurement, system design, troubleshooting, and automation.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, software programming, and networking infrastructure.
• Experience with design and operation of nuclear plant safety-related and non-safety-related I&C systems, as well as balance-of-plant I&C systems, is a plus.
• Familiarity with NRC regulations related to digital systems, IEEE, IEC, and ISA standards is a plus.
• Experience with I&C vendor products such as Emerson Ovation, GE, ABB, Allen-Bradley, Modicon, Wonderware, Schweitzer RTAC, Schneider, and Framatome is a plus.

Personal

• Ability to multi-task across teams of engineers and managers on various projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across functional teams.
• Ability to accept and grow from constructive feedback.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Critical thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated and disciplined.
• Ability to lead and work within teams.
• Motivated to expand skills and knowledge, as well as tackle new problems and take on new responsibilities.
• Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Solution-oriented with a goal of enabling client success.
• Persistent, questioning attitude and the ability to accept that in others.

Travel

As required by project assignments. Estimated level is up to 10-20%, with each trip typically not exceeding 2 or 3 days, though durations may vary based on project needs.