Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer
Fervo Energy · Reno, NV · 3 wk ago
HybridEngineeringFull-time
Responsibilities
- Design control system architectures for standardized 50 MW geothermal power blocks, including development of control philosophies, cause and effect matrices, control narratives, and I/O lists
- Develop and maintain Ignition SCADA applications using Perspective, including server architectures, HMI screen development, tag configuration, alarming, historian integration, and report generation for geothermal facility operations
- Program Allen-Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix) in Rockwell Studio 5000 using standard code blocks developed by Fervo’s controls architecture team; contribute to the maintenance and evolution of that shared library as experience grows
- Produce a complete I&C drawing package including control system architecture drawings, panel designs, instrument loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and low-voltage wiring schematics
- Review Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and instrument datasheets; size and select instrumentation including control valves, flow meters, pressure transmitters, and safety valves
- Design and specify control panels including enclosure layout, component selection, and low-voltage wiring; coordinate with panel fabricators through construction and factory acceptance testing
- Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks including Modbus TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, and OPC-UA; support fiber optic infrastructure design and installation coordination between field devices, PLCs, and SCADA
- Support greenfield construction and commissioning activities at Fervo sites, including site visits, SAT support, loop checks, and coordination with instrumentation and electrical contractors
- Collaborate with process, mechanical, and electrical engineering disciplines to ensure I&C design is fully integrated across the standardized 50 MW Geoblock product; support HAZOP and PHA evaluations
- Coordinate with IT/OT and cybersecurity teams to ensure control system designs meet network segmentation and secure remote access requirements
- Support operations teams in troubleshooting process control, control network, and instrumentation problems during startup and steady-state operation
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related degree from an ABET accredited program
- 9-12 years of experience in Instrumentation & Control Engineering experience or related role
- Strong working knowledge of industry standards and regulations
- Ability to lead and mentor junior staff
- Advanced oral and written communication skills, and a proven ability to write clear, thorough technical reports
- Knowledge and application of National Electrical Code (NEC), International Society of Automation (ISA) and other applicable industry codes and standards as they apply to control system specification and design
- Understanding of various process equipment such as vessels, tanks, heat exchangers & coolers, heaters, rotating equipment (pumps and compressors), packaged equipment, valves & specialty items
- General understanding of all phases of project document production and the relationship between drawings and specifications. Field experience preferred
- Experience with process flow/P&ID development, control narratives, Cause & Effect charts, SIS design, instrumentation studies, valve and instrument sizing, and automation/control system architecture
- Ability to assist Process/Mechanical Engineers, support field evaluations and HAZOP/PHA reviews, and contribute to procurement (specifications, bid documents, instrument/PLC I/O lists)