Position Summary This position supports the WFS Engineering Group at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) by executing control system and low voltage electrical design, evaluating and optimizing existing infrastructure, troubleshooting hardware and software, and collaborating closely with site operations and research personnel. The successful candidate will play a key role in transitioning projects from the conceptual design phase through installation, commissioning, and continuous operation across lab- and pilot-scale research systems.
Responsibilities:- Control & Electrical System Design: Select instrumentation and design control and data acquisition systems for continuous process systems ranging from laboratory to pilot scale. This includes specifying logic solvers, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), field instruments, and developing detailed logic diagrams alongside executing standard- and extra-low-voltage electrical designs.
- System Integration & Troubleshooting: Configure, test, and troubleshoot single- and multiple-loop controllers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), and HMI software.
- Software Development: Utilize National Instruments LabVIEW software to design, configure, test, and deploy measurement and control applications tailored for small, laboratory-scale R&D projects.
- Process Optimization: Oversee the optimization of active processes and control systems to ensure research systems are finely tuned, safe, and operating at maximum experimental efficiency.
- Commissioning & Testing: Lead commissioning, shakedown, and safety testing activities for new installations or modifications to existing electrical and control systems within laboratory environments.
- Engineering Documentation: Utilize Autodesk AutoCAD to draft and update comprehensive engineering drawings, including electrical power plans, Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), network architectures, control panel fabrication layouts, wiring schematics, and I/O drawings in compliance with the NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC).
Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:- Bachelor of Science degree (or equivalent education) in an appropriate engineering discipline or the sciences from a four-year accredited college or university or Bachelorof Science degree in Engineering Technology and a Professional Engineering License.
- 5 - 15 years of professional experience.
- Good oral and written communication skills, working knowledge of word-processing and integrated software applications, organizational skills, and the ability to perform detail-oriented work are required.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen
- Ability to pass a background investigation, including but not limited to a nationwide criminal record search, and other relevant background information deemed necessary by the contract
- United States citizenship is required to work on a federal contract and will be electronically verified via E-Verify
Preferred Qualifications:- National Instruments LabVIEW certification
- Experience and proficiency with Allen Bradley ControlLogix & CompactLogix
Physical Requirements:- Ability to navigate laboratories, pilot plants, and industrial research environments, which may require standing, walking, bending, or climbing stairs.
- Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes safety glasses, hard hats, hearing protection, and steel-toed boots.
- Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, and mouse for design and programming tasks.
- Occasional lifting and positioning of light instrumentation or control panel components up to 30 lbs.
Travel Requirements:Travel to Morgantown, WV, or to local subcontractors may be required. (< 20%)
Disclaimer:This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.
