Engineer Instrumentation and Control

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

We currently have several exciting opportunities for a mid-level Instrumentation and Control (I&C) engineer as part of the Engineering and Projects team in the Energy Group. This position will be part of a team for the design, development, and fabrication of components and systems for Fusion applications including ITER and DIII-D. This position, under moderate supervision, is responsible for data acquisition and instrumentation hardware, control software, developing and implementing design specifications, implementing industrial control architectures, and programming PLC, microcontrollers, FPGA, and PC based control applications. Product development includes high lower and low power RF systems either used to heat and drive current in plasma discharges for controlled fusion or to monitor fusion interactions in fusion experiences. Products perform within high-frequency RF (microwave) of 30-170 GHz with RF power in magnitudes of mW or MW depending on the device.

The position requires a multi-faceted individual who is competent in both the software and hardware aspects of I&C, with enthusiasm and interest in learning new skills and performing a wide variety of tasks as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop project documentation (specifications, diagrams, schematics, test procedures, IO lists, device list, scope of work, startup and shutdown checklists, etc.).
• Maintain control systems, networks and control panels.
• Participate with a team of project engineers and scientists to develop projects as needed.
• Effectively communicate technical solutions for control system challenges.
• Ability to interpret electrical and P&ID drawings and specifications.
• Remain pro-active with all automation & control, instrumentation, maintenance codes, regulations, and industry standards.
• Provide technical coordination support for scientists, engineers, and customers.
• Evaluate and guide electrical, mechanical, and software designs to ensure system level requirements are met. Troubleshoot conflicting and difficult coordination requirements to support design development and system implementation.
• Devise appropriate approaches to resolve complex engineering and computer problems based on RF system performance requirements and existing RF system controls and data acquisition hardware.
• Document findings and communicate results through technical presentations and reports.
• Operate high-powered RF systems.

Job Qualifications:

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree, master's degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; four or more years of experience with a bachelor's degree or two or more years of experience with a master's degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have an understanding of electrical engineering and computer science concepts, principles, and theory and experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts.
• Experience with electrical circuit designs, fabrication, assembly and testing; including schematics, wiring diagrams, basic circuit elements and programmable logic controllers (PLC), with FPGAs a plus.
• Knowledge of a computer programming language appropriate for instrumentation control, such as Python, C, IDL and LabVIEW, is highly desired.
• Experience with design and analysis tools such as MatLab, MathCAD, and SPICE is desired.
• Experience to design printed circuits boards using tools such as Altium is desired.
• Experience to program Programmable Logic Controllers using IEC 61131-3 languages and to understanding ladder logic is desired.
• Experience with microwave modeling using software packages such as HFSS, CST, COMSOL is desired.
• Familiarity with circuits to control RF systems is a strong plus. Experience working at frequencies from 1 MHz to over 100 GHz is preferred, including familiarity with signal generators, vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes and power meters.
• Experience interfacing with equipment in vacuum, cooling, and temperature-monitoring systems is a plus.
• Experience with wiring, soldering, and fabricating with hand tools is desired.
• Must have strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas.

Salary: $81,080 - $141,650