Instrumentation & Control Engineer

Fervo Energy - Golden, CO

Full-time - Mid Level

Golden, CO

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Instrumentation and Control Engineer will be responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of instrumentation and control systems for next-generation geothermal power plant projects. This role is crucial in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of our facilities. The engineer will be accountable for the initial technical development and verification of project scopes, requiring a self-starter who can take ownership of projects and provide technical guidance to junior team members. The position involves collaboration with various departments and requires a strong technical background in instrumentation and control engineering. Fervo's mission is to leverage innovation in geoscience to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy. The company has developed groundbreaking technology solutions that have advanced geothermal energy capabilities significantly, including the world's most successful commercial enhanced geothermal system completed in 2023. With over $400 million raised from leading investors and a multi-billion-dollar project pipeline, Fervo is poised to meet the growing demand for 24/7 carbon-free energy. The Instrumentation and Control Engineer will work alongside world-class engineers, researchers, and developers to make geothermal energy a key pillar of a climate-friendly energy future.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of engineering tasks, including sizing control valves, flow meters, and safety valves, developing data sheets, and supporting technical bid analysis.
• Develop cause and effect and control narratives, prepare Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and support the development of equipment specifications.
• Develop Instruments List and I/O List and perform Instruments Model preselection, including field work.
• PLC programming and SCADA development.
• Lead the preparation and coordination of project specifications with construction documents.
• Develop Instrument Specifications and Data Sheets for various process sensors and control devices.
• Design control schemes and panels for facilities.
• Specify Programmable Logic Controllers and/or Distributed Computer Control Systems hardware.
• Support client Hazard and Operability Analysis and Process Hazard Analysis evaluations.
• Support the development of facilities standards that benefit the entire organization.
• Collaborate with Information Technology Network and Cybersecurity Teams when necessary.
• Provide troubleshooting support for complex network-related problems.
• Support the generation and maintenance of system architecture design documentation.
• Assist field personnel in identifying and resolving Process Control, Control Network, and Instrumentation problems.
• Collaborate with Production and Facilities Departments to build tools to streamline operations and remove manual data capture or process changes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related degree from an ABET accredited program.
• 5 years of experience in Instrumentation & Control Engineering or related role.
• Strong working knowledge of industry standards and regulations.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills, with a proven ability to write clear, thorough technical reports.
• Knowledge and application of National Electrical Code (NEC), International Society of Automation (ISA), and other applicable industry codes and standards as they apply to control system specification and design.
• Understanding of various process equipment such as vessels, tanks, heat exchangers, coolers, heaters, rotating equipment (pumps and compressors), packaged equipment, valves, and specialty items.
• General understanding of all phases of project document production and the relationship between drawings and specifications.
• Field experience preferred.
• Proficient working with Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and Inductive Automation's Ignition.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with developing process flow diagrams and assisting Process/Mechanical Engineers.
• Knowledge in the specification and design of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS).
• Experience in instrumentation studies, including the choice of level, flow, and analytical elements/transmitters.