Idaho National Laboratory Logo

Idaho National Laboratory

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Posted 10 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
In-Office
Idaho Falls, ID
79K-195K Annually
Mid level
In-Office
Idaho Falls, ID
79K-195K Annually
Mid level
Designs, develops, installs, tests, and maintains instrumentation and control systems for nuclear energy and manufacturing environments. Responsibilities include developing models, defining requirements, documenting designs, ensuring quality and regulatory compliance, overseeing fabrication and procurement, validating instrument data, and communicating research results. The engineer collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders, mentors junior staff, supports proposals, and maintains knowledge of nuclear industry technologies, codes, and standards.
The summary above was generated by AI

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer to work on our Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) Engineering team. This position works a 4x10 schedule at MFC with every Friday off. 

The Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) at INL empowers the next generation of nuclear energy advances through hosting a unique combination of personnel, facilities, and infrastructure.  MFC offers the ability to perform research and development of nuclear fuels and material from fuels design, development, and fabrication through to post-irradiation analysis. 

You will apply engineering principles to research, design, develop, install, and maintain equipment required to monitor and control the engineering machinery processes and systems found in manufacturing and energy production environments. May include preparing releasable drawings, calculations, and specifications for electrical or mechanical instrumentation and controls (including Distributed Control Systems and Programmable Logic Controllers) for design, construction, or maintenance. May include application of engineering principles and data analytics to monitor and evaluate condition and operational performance of electrical and mechanical systems; recommend maintenance and repair standards and procedures; identify vendor data, replacement, and spare parts; coordinate resources and priorities necessary to attain or maintain the appropriate system condition.

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.
  • Mentor junior staff and look for opportunities to involve them in current projects. 
  • Generate ideas for new proposals and business development opportunities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Level 2: Bachelor’s degree in engineering from a program accredited by ABET. Relevant disciplines include Mechanical, Nuclear, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, or closely related engineering field and 2 years experience. Master’s and 0 years of experience. PhD and 0 years experience. 
  • Level 3: Bachelor’s degree in engineering from a program accredited by ABET. Relevant disciplines include Mechanical, Nuclear, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, or closely related engineering field and 5 years experience. Master’s and 2 years of experience. PhD and 2 years experience.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

Preferred:

  • Advanced degree in a directly related field from an ABET-accredited institution. 
  • Demonstrated ability to perform independent research and methods development.
  • Experience in DOE nuclear facilities, commercial nuclear power, or naval nuclear power.
  • Experience in reactor control system qualification or licensing.
  • Licensed professional engineer, preferred areas include instrumentation and controls, nuclear engineering, electrical power.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field environment, which may include construction sites. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Job Information: 

  •  The pay range for this position is: Level 2 ($79,344- $162,732) / Level 3 ($95,256- $195,288). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
  • Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.
  • 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.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field environment, which may include construction sites. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

About Us

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 at [email protected] 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.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.

Similar Jobs

17 Days Ago
In-Office
95K-234K Annually
Senior level
95K-234K Annually
Senior level
Energy • Cybersecurity • Defense • Industrial
Conducts research, development, and demonstrations for modernizing nuclear power plant instrumentation and control systems. Develops digital architectures, mathematical models, testbeds, requirements, designs, and validation processes; coordinates with industry, government, academia, vendors, and regulators; ensures compliance with nuclear standards; publishes findings; prepares proposals; supports technology transfer; and mentors junior staff.
Top Skills: Artificial IntelligenceCC++CybersecurityDigital System ArchitecturesDistributed Control Systems (Dcs)Embedded Digital DevicesField-Programmable Gate Arrays (Fpgas)Iec StandardsIeee StandardsIndustrial Communication NetworksInstrumentation And Control SystemsLabviewLarge Language ModelsMachine LearningMatlab/SimulinkNrc GuidanceNuclear I&CProgrammable Logic Controllers (Plcs)PythonRobotics
2 Months Ago
In-Office
90K-150K Annually
Mid level
90K-150K Annually
Mid level
Energy
Design, integrate, commission, operate, and troubleshoot instrumentation and control systems for advanced nuclear technology test platforms. Responsibilities include selecting instruments, developing control logic and architectures, preparing engineering documentation, integrating process equipment and industrial networks, conducting verification and startup testing, overseeing suppliers, and maintaining configuration control. The role requires collaboration across engineering, quality, software, operations, and test teams, with occasional travel.
Top Skills: Asme Nqa-1Control-System CybersecurityData Acquisition SystemsDistributed Control SystemsEmerson DeltavHuman-Machine InterfacesIndustrial NetworksProgrammable Logic Controllers
2 Months Ago
Hybrid
Denver, CO, USA
Senior level
Senior level
Other • Real Estate • Consulting
Design and deliver instrumentation and control systems for mining, power, and energy projects. Create I&C drawings and specifications, design PLC/DCS/HMI/SCADA architectures, industrial networks, and control rooms. Support procurement, construction, commissioning, site investigations, and project coordination across multidisciplinary teams.
Top Skills: DcsFiber-OpticHmiLteMS OfficeMs TeamsPlcScadaUpsWi-Fi

What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene

With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.

Key Facts About Colorado Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
  • Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
  • Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
  • Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account