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Talent Bridge: Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Location: Materials and Fuels Complex, Idaho National Laboratory 

Schedule: 4 x 10's with every Friday off

Program Duration: 12 months, with a potential 1-year extension.

Position Overview: 

As an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer, you will apply engineering principles to support the research, design, and maintenance of the systems that monitor and control complex processes in a nuclear research environment. You will work alongside a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers, bridging hardware and software to ensure that instrumentation performs at the highest level of quality and reliability. The ideal candidate is a sharp, analytical problem-solver with a foundation in electrical systems, control theory, and data acquisition, someone who thrives at the intersection of hands-on technical work and collaborative research. 

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: 

• Work with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers on challenging work scope. Work with internal and external stakeholders to identify requirements and commercially available technologies that meet specific specifications. Collaborate and partner with other government agencies, academia, and private sector companies to achieve project objectives. Decompose project objectives into defined and controlled design requirements.

• Use design methodologies, technologies, and processes which are best practice for the technical discipline to develop and define a design, and to validate that the design meets defined requirements.

• Develop physics-based mathematical models of mechanical, chemical, and electrical systems to support and verify design.

• Establish testing, inspection, and quality requirements to ensure technical features important to design functions are maintained.

• Oversee or otherwise ensure that fabrication, construction, assembly, and procurement are done in accordance with the design.

• Ensure that analysis needs are recorded and clearly understood. Document the design (controlled and approved models, drawings, specifications, design descriptions) to establish conformance with design requirements and applicable codes and standards.

• Ensure that data and analysis generated by the instruments is of high quality and meets customer and user needs.

• Participate in professional development activities aimed at keeping pace with industry developments. Maintain familiarity with and technical understanding of codes and standards applicable to the discipline.

• Maintain knowledge of newly emerging technologies and applications to the nuclear industry.

• Identify applicable codes, standards, regulations, and procedures.

• Publish and communicate research accomplished on the instrument and instrument improvements to both external and internal audiences with the goal of enhancing the INL's reputation and building a strong user base for the instrument.

• Generate ideas for new proposals and business development opportunities.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Possess a sharp mechanical aptitude and an instinct for troubleshooting and problem-solving.

• Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

• Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Understand a wide variety of complex instrumentations and the ability to modify the instrumentation to meet the needs of the researchers.

• Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Demonstrated ability to use, read, and troubleshoot, Python Programming, PLC ladder logic, LabVIEW, and C++.

• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Knowledge of data acquisition systems.

• Knowledge of both analog and digital control systems.

• Knowledge of fundamental feedback control theory and the ability to apply these principles to control respective processes and systems.

• Ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

• Ability to recognize when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

• Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Ability to communicate written and verbal information and ideas so others will understand.

• Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Eligibility:

This position is a multi-level posting, open to candidates who are recent graduates at either the Bachelor's or Master's level:

Bachelor's Level

To qualify, you must have completed your Electrical Engineer with a Software Engineering minor or directly related engineering bachelor's degree within the last 12 months from and from an ABET-accredited institution.

Master's Level

To qualify, you must have completed your Electrical Engineer with a Software Engineering minor or directly related master's degree within the last 12 months from and from an ABET-accredited institution.

Minimum Qualification 

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Applied experience in circuit design, control systems, instrumentation, or data acquisition (DAQ) through lab work, capstone projects, or academic research.

• Applied experience with industrial automation and programming environments through lab work, capstone projects, or academic research, including:

  • Graphical and structured programming languages (e.g., NI LabVIEW, PLC languages such as Ladder Logic or Structured Text)

  • Automation and HMI platforms (e.g., Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 Logix Designer, FactoryTalk View)

  • Standard engineering productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, Visio)

Application Requirements:

• Current Resume or CV

• Proof of Graduation (diploma or unofficial transcripts accepted)

Program Benefits:

• Mentored environment providing post-degree work experience.

• Opportunities for professional development and training.

• Accelerated knowledge transfer from retiring staff to early career individuals.

Review and Evaluation: Performance and satisfaction will be reviewed at three, six, and nine months. At the six-month review, potential next steps will be discussed:

• Transition to a full-time role

• Pursue additional education

• Explore other opportunities

Job Information:

This job offers two salary ranges based on the selected applicant: $66,504 - $90,960 for recent bachelor's graduates and $79,344 - $108,540 for recent master's graduates. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.