Instrumentation and Controls Engineer - Network Communications

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, MPR also has offices in East Lyme, Connecticut; Burlington, Massachusetts; and Salt Lake City, Utah. We deliver safe and reliable technical solutions across the entire project or product life-cycle.

About the role

The Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Engineer – Network Communications will have technical, project management, regulatory, business, and client interface responsibilities. This position provides strategic guidance and technical leadership to U.S. and international clients, while working closely with MPR’s leadership team to develop market and client strategies. This is a full-time, exempt position based out of MPR’s Virginia or Connecticut office.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical experience and leadership in control system engineering, focusing on the design, implementation, programming/configuration, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) with an emphasis on networked communication architectures.
• Design, configure, and maintain robust industrial network systems, including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, OPC UA, and other communication protocols.
• Ensure reliable and secure communication between devices, systems, and networks.
• Lead efforts to meet regulatory and cybersecurity requirements, such as NERC CIP and ISA/IEC 62443, for networked controls systems and associated devices.
• Support the integration of digital devices into ICS, including protective relays, sensors, and actuators with network communication capabilities.
• Develop high-quality engineering deliverables, such as communication network diagrams, system architecture designs, cybersecurity risk assessments, and feasibility studies for networked control upgrades.
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams to design and implement network-centric control system solutions for power generation, healthcare, and other industrial applications.
• Provide analysis and modeling capabilities for networked I&C systems, including developing and refining simulator algorithms to test communication integrity.
• Collaborate with clients to understand challenges related to network communication in control systems, develop technical proposals, and present innovative solutions.
• Assist in identifying opportunities for advanced network communication services, partnerships, and technologies that align with client needs and company growth strategies.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members on best practices for network communication technologies and system implementation.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve system design weaknesses, particularly related to communication system performance and reliability.

Requirements

• 4-year technical degree is required; advanced degree is a plus.
• At least 5 years of directly related I&C experience working in a project/systems engineering role, including demonstrated experience with:
  • Industrial Control Systems such as Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and/or Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems and control system devices, computers, communications, and networks.
  • Designing, configuring, and operating communication systems and instrumentation and control systems in the renewable energy, battery energy storage, natural gas power, and/or oil and gas industries.
  • Cybersecurity controls and protocols, and experience identifying and mitigating cybersecurity vulnerabilities on field-deployed equipment.
• The following experience is considered a plus:
  • Design and operation of commercial nuclear plant I&C systems and regulations.
  • Familiarity with IEEE, IEC, and ISA standards.
  • Familiarity with different I&C vendor products and their offerings including Emerson Ovation, GE, ABB, Allen-Bradley, Modicon, Wonderware, Schweitzer RTAC, Schneider, Framatome.

Skills

• Technical Knowledge:
  • Electrical and electronics theory.
  • Cybersecurity frameworks from NIST, FDA, FIPS, and RMF processes within the Federal government.
  • Networking including Ethernet, TCP/IP, IPv4, IPv6, creating and interpreting network diagrams, managing and modifying registry, group policy, and firewall settings.
  • Software programming experience, preferably C/C++/C# (extensive experience not required).
  • Algorithms and data structures.
  • System control and automation.
  • Software development workflow, lifecycle, and documentation.
  • Microsoft Office Software.
• Personal:
  • Excellent communication skills; both written and oral.
  • 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 tackle new problems and take on new responsibilities.
  • Effective time management and organization skills.
  • Strong questioning attitude and the ability to accept that in others.

Schedule

Travel is required by project assignments. Estimated level is up to 20-30%, with each trip typically not exceeding 2 or 3 days, though durations may vary based on project needs.