Principal Hardware Engineer

Westinghouse Electric Company - Warrendale, PA

Full-time - Principal

Warrendale, PA

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

About the position

The Principal Hardware Engineer position at WECTEC Staffing Services, a subsidiary of Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, is a critical role that involves the design, integration, and documentation of Plant Control Systems utilized in nuclear power plants. This position is hybrid, requiring work in both Cranberry Township and Warrendale, PA, and is offered on a contract basis. The successful candidate will be part of an innovative team that supports reputable organizations across various industries, emphasizing the importance of diversity in the workplace. In this role, the Principal Hardware Engineer will be responsible for designing and documenting hardware systems that meet customer requirements. This includes assisting with the building, testing, and debugging of system hardware acquisition equipment. The engineer will engage in multidisciplinary research and collaborate with both hardware and software engineers to plan, design, develop, and utilize electronic data processing systems for product and commercial software applications. Key responsibilities include designing custom adapters, cabling, and interfaces to transition existing plant equipment to new state-of-the-art computer systems. The engineer will also be involved in cabinet layout and design, ensuring proper power distribution, control systems, network distribution, and data acquisition equipment are integrated effectively. Additionally, the position requires the preparation of documentation necessary for customers to maintain the system post-delivery.

Responsibilities

• Perform hardware design and review in system architecture, network layout, cabinet design, system cabling interface, custom panel and kit design, and cabinet power design.
• Perform data acquisition designs including interface cabling and custom adapter designs.
• Select components to meet system needs and contract schedule deliverables.
• Participate in the set-up, system modification, system integration, testing, and delivery of non-safety I&C system upgrade projects.
• Perform network switch configuration and documentation.
• Develop proposals and establish costs and budgets for hardware design efforts for system components.
• Understand and implement the quality standards applicable to the nuclear industry.
• Willing to travel and work with local and international customers and vendor suppliers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and/or mechanical engineering.
• At least 15 years of experience in hardware design, integration, and system testing.
• Experience with Cisco switches, Emerson Ovation DCS Hardware, data acquisition systems, and servers, workstations, Cisco switches.
• Knowledge of circuit designs to support custom cables and interfaces.
• Knowledge of Data Acquisition systems consisting of servers, workstations, controllers, I/O modules, and electronic boards.
• Experience with Auto-CAD and 3D modeling.
• Ability to develop drawings and review and approve drawing packages.