Position OverviewZero Carbon Systems seeks a Controls Engineer to join a fast growing and flexible team working to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Reporting to the Director of Site Engineering, this role is responsible for supporting instrumentation and controls for our Direct Air Capture (DAC) units. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Brighton, CO.
Responsibilities Include:- Troubleshoot and commission automation equipment and instrumentation including electrical systems and panels.
- Build, test, and implement machines, instruments, and controls, including PLC and process monitors.
- Implement and maintain quality control methods, HMI, and PLC systems and real time data tracking for closed loop feedback response.
- Provide operational input to the engineering design team and review designs, layouts, and plans.
- Design, build, wire, and troubleshoot electrical control panels and field instrumentation for experimental research rigs.
- Develop, program, and commission HMI screens and associated control logic for custom, first of a kind process equipment.
- Select and specify sensors, actuators, PLCs, and other control system components appropriate for carbon capture applications.
- Collaborate with process and mechanical engineers to define control philosophies, interlock logic, and alarm setpoints.
- Participate in process safety reviews including HAZID, PSSR, and PHA studies.
- Develop and maintain control system documentation including P&IDs, loop sheets, I/O lists, and wiring diagrams.
- Support installation, commissioning, and startup activities in the field and troubleshoot control and electrical issues during operations.
- Ensure all designs and installations comply with applicable electrical codes (NEC), industry standards (NFPA, ISA, IEC), and company safety procedures.
- Maintain and continuously improve control system software and hardware across the experimental rig fleet.
- Train operators and technicians on control system operation, HMI navigation, and safe operating procedures.
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts to enhance system reliability, data quality, and operational efficiency.
Requirements Include:- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in controls engineering, instrumentation, or industrial automation.
- Direct participation in formal process safety reviews including HAZID, PSSR, and PHA studies.
- Working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and relevant ISA/IEC standards.
- Ability to read and create engineering documents including P&IDs, electrical schematics, and loop drawings.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently on novel, non-standard systems.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary team setting.
- Demonstrated experience wiring electrical control panels and field devices in an industrial or research environment, including hands-on experience with the following signal and communication formats:
- Digital (Primarily 24 VDC)
- Analog (0-10V, 4-20mA, HART, and IO-Link)
- Serial (RS-232 and RS-485)
- Ethernet Based (Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet IP, Ethernet Powerlink, etc.)
Skills- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and report findings effectively.
- Ability to understand and redline system P&IDs and other controls documentation such as IO maps and process sequence documentation.
- Experience with SCADA systems, historian software, and data acquisition platforms.
- Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and controls.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical.
Preferred Skills- Experience with PLC and/or HMI programming or willingness to learn.
- Experience with PLC software, remote IO, and other hardware.
- Experience with different programming styles including ladder logic, structured text, and HMI design.
- Familiarity with carbon capture, direct air capture (DAC), or other clean energy technologies.
- Experience working in research, pilot scale, or prototype development environments.
- Experience working with Automation Direct.
Physical Requirements:- Ability to stand, bend, and walk in and around an industrial environment for extended periods.
$120,000 - $135,000 a year
