Controls Engineer

Niowave Inc. • Lansing, MI

46d

About The Position

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of control systems used in linear particle accelerators and related radioisotope production equipment. The position involves integrating hardware, software, and automation systems to manage beam delivery, target irradiation, and isotope extraction processes. This role requires technical knowledge of high-reliability systems in radiation environments, including real-time control, safety interlocks, and adherence to nuclear regulatory standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, control systems engineering, nuclear engineering, or related field
• 2 - 4 years of experience in controls engineering
• Proficiency in industrial automation protocols (e.g., EtherCAT, Profibus, Modbus) and real-time operating systems
• Strong knowledge of radiation-hardened electronics and EMI/EMC shielding
• Knowledge of C++ or Python
• Embraces and models the Niowave Core Values of Teamwork, Courage, Integrity, and Upright Zeal
• Understands how to integrate into a new team/organization – appreciates the history of current state, know how and when to make suggestions, as well as using just the right pace to reach the improved future state
• Understands your own communication and learning styles, can assess others’ styles, and is able to find the right path to best connect with colleagues

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, control systems engineering, nuclear engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in controls engineering
• Expertise in simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink for control modeling) and version control for software (e.g., Git)
• Certification in PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell Automation)
• Experience with PLC-based control systems such as Siemens S7 or Allen-Bradley
• 1 - 2 years in particle accelerator, nuclear, or high-energy physics environments
• Knowledge of applicable GMP and related pharmaceutical manufacturing regulations
• Experience with agile project management and cross-functional teams in a GMP-regulated environment
• Experience with regulatory compliance in nuclear or medical device manufacturing (e.g., 10 CFR Part 50, ISO 13485)

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement PLC-based control systems for linac subsystems including RF amplifiers, beam steering magnets, vacuum systems, and target handling mechanisms
• Develop and optimize ladder logic, function block diagrams, and custom scripts for real-time control of particle beam parameters
• Implement feedback loops for beam stability and isotope yield maximization
• Design and validate safety interlocks, radiation monitoring integrations, and fail-safe mechanisms
• Conduct hazard analyses and perform system qualification testing in controlled radiation fields
• Support diagnostics and upgrades for existing controls, including root-cause analysis of downtime events using tools like oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and simulation software
• Maintain detailed system documentation, including P&IDs and control narratives, and provide training on control operations to facility staff

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level