Controls Engineer Jobs

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Your Impact:

The Controls Engineer performs a scope of work involving study, design, implementation, oversight, and project management of a wide variety of instrumentation and control systems for facilities and test-related apparatus at the assigned test facilities. Primarily the facilities are the Arc Jet Complex and Ballistic Range of the Thermophysics Facilities Branch at NASA Ames Research Center. The candidate will provide documentation, training, and technical direction to technicians and electricians in the installation, checkout, calibration, troubleshooting, and operation of the respective systems at the assigned test facilities. Complex requirements for instrumentation and control systems require considerable creativity and judgement in accomplishing tasks that support project, functional, cost, and schedule requirements.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Develop, update, and maintain electrical and mechanical schematics for instrumentation and controls that meet project test requirements.
2. Develop, update, and maintain procedures for instrumentation and control system checkout, integrated system test, calibration, and operation.
3. Provide technical direction to technicians and electricians in the installation, checkout, calibration, troubleshooting, and operation of the respective systems at the assigned test facilities.
4. Prepare hardware/software specifications and purchase requisitions for facility instrumentation and control equipment. Evaluate vendor proposals and provide technical recommendations for procurement.
5. Develop plans and requirements for upgrading and maintaining facility instrumentation and control system hardware and software.
6. Provide technical expertise in programming, assembly, configuration, and maintenance of PC-based computer systems and industrial programmable logic controllers (PLC).
7. Provide support for special tasks involving detailed engineering analyses.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

Unusual or Special Physical Requirements of Position

Visual and physical contact of test system hardware and installed test articles. Multiple workstation assignments (office, test facility, control room, laboratory, shops, etc.). Transportation of notebooks, drawings, forms, etc. required. Ability to hear normal conversation. One eye (minimum) correctable to 20/20. Ability to distinguish eight colors on basic panel displays.

Description of Work Environment

Work is accomplished in an office, control room, and in and around test facility buildings. Must be able to use respiratory protection in confined spaces. Some work areas are high in noise.

Equipment and Machines Involved in Work Tasks

Office and control room equipment includes computers, calculators, electronic instruments, mechanical instruments, and miscellaneous precision measuring devices.

Criticality of Attendance

Work assignments are usually during normal work hours, but overtime is frequently necessary to support meetings, test schedules, and test operations. Testing may occur any day or time of day, depending on the schedule and test requirements. Regular daily attendance is required to maintain team effectiveness.

Other Essential Functions

Must be able to obtain a NASA badge and gain access to the work facilities. Must be able to obtain a security clearance if required by the customer/client.

Salary Range: $105,000 - $115,000 - $122,000

Here’s What You’ll Need:

The Controls Engineer typically possesses a BS or higher degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Computer, Electrical or related engineering discipline with 3 or more years of related experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, and control systems. California certification as a Professional Engineer in the fields of Mechanical, Electrical, or Control Systems Engineering is desired. Certification and additional years of related experience may count as educational equivalency and vice versa. Specialized knowledge / experience of one or more aspects related to Instrumentation and Control Systems are necessary. Good communication and interpersonal skills are highly desirable as the Controls Engineer will interface with other Engineers and Technicians and will be required to produce system documentation and procedures and train personnel. General knowledge and understanding of aerospace testing and facility operations is desired. It is also desirable to have direct working knowledge of the following types of equipment:

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