Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

$109,260 - $223,908/Yr

Idaho National Laboratory - Idaho Falls, ID

Full-time - Mid Level

Idaho Falls, ID

1,001-5,000 employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer to join our Automation, Instrumentation, and Controls department. This role is pivotal in supporting our research and development (R&D) initiatives aimed at integrating digital technologies such as instrumentation, control systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics into the commercial nuclear power sector. The successful candidate will play a key role in transforming the operational approach of nuclear power plants from a labor-intensive model to a more efficient, digital-centric framework. This position primarily supports the Department of Energy's Light Water Reactor Sustainability program, which is dedicated to ensuring the long-term viability of the nation's commercial nuclear energy facilities. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting research, development, and demonstrations of digital technologies that address the modernization challenges faced by existing nuclear power plants. You will lead and participate in various projects, overseeing the technical approach, execution, budgeting, and resource allocation necessary to achieve project goals. Collaboration is essential; you will coordinate R&D efforts with other researchers, industry stakeholders, and regulatory organizations to ensure alignment with operational needs and regulatory requirements. Additionally, you will initiate new partnerships within the industry, which may involve drafting non-disclosure agreements and cooperative research agreements to facilitate the deployment of digital technologies. Presenting your findings at scientific and industry conferences, writing reports and publications, and developing intellectual property that leads to patents and copyrights are also key components of this position. Mentoring junior staff, post-docs, and interns will be an important aspect of your role, fostering the next generation of engineers in this field. Periodic travel may be required to support external collaborations and interactions, making flexibility and adaptability essential traits for this position.

Responsibilities

• Conduct digital technology research, development, and demonstrations that address the technical challenges to modernizing the current fleet of nuclear power plants.
• Participate in and lead projects or tasks, including developing the overall technical approach, execution, budget, and all necessary resources to accomplish work.
• Coordinate R&D efforts with other researchers and with the needs, plans, and activities of owner-operators, vendors, suppliers, other research organizations, and responsible regulatory organizations.
• Initiate new collaborations with the industry, including developing non-disclosure agreements and cooperative research and development agreements, to support the development and deployment of digital technologies to the commercial sector or to support individual R&D efforts.
• Present work in scientific, professional, and industry venues, and work with industry collaborators and partners at technical meetings.
• Write reports and publications to share the findings.
• Develop intellectual property leading to patents/copyrights and facilitating technology transfer.
• Mentor junior staff, post-docs, and interns in activities related to this role.
• Periodic travel may be required to support external collaborations and interactions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience, Master's degree with 2 years of experience, or PhD with 2 years of experience for Level 3.
• Bachelor's degree with 9 years of experience, Master's degree with 6 years of experience, or PhD with 4 years of experience for Level 4.
• In-depth knowledge of the technical and regulatory barriers to the use of digital technologies in nuclear power plants.
• Broad nuclear industry contacts and working relationships.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package