Controls Hardware Engineer
About The Position
Pacific Fusion is seeking a Controls Hardware Engineer to interface with project teams, gather controls-oriented requirements, and design major parts of its main control system. The role supports the development of a pulser-driven inertial fusion system and calls for a controls engineer interested in growing in hardware design and implementation. The engineer will help define and implement control systems for safety-critical and utility applications, including electrical schematics, control panels, wiring diagrams, PLC/HMI and communications hardware, drives, and control logic. The position also develops PLC programs, integrates instrumentation and field devices, and supports testing, commissioning, safety validation, and compliance documentation. The engineer will work across multidisciplinary teams and with fabrication, installation, and operations to ensure designs meet performance, safety, and reliability goals.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in industrial automation or control system design.
- Proficiency with PLC-based systems.
- Experience with VFDs, servo drives, and motion control systems.
- Familiarity with systems operating at 24VDC and 480VAC.
- Strong understanding of NFPA 70/70E/79 and functional safety (IEC 61511) standards.
- Proven ability to develop system requirements and translate them into detailed design documentation.
- Industrial panel/cabinet design experience.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with safety PLCs and interlock logic design.
- Background in large scientific facilities or other high-reliability environments.
- CAD experience; EPLAN experience is a significant plus.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and system stakeholders to develop, document, and validate control system requirements.
- Translate functional and safety requirements into control logic, hardware specifications, and test criteria.
- Participate in design and hazard reviews.
- Develop control architectures for safety-critical and utility systems.
- Design electrical schematics, control panels, and wiring diagrams for 24VDC control and 480VAC drive power systems.
- Specify and integrate PLC, HMI, and communication hardware.
- Configure and commission VFDs, servo drives, and motion control systems.
- Implement and verify safety interlock and process control logic in accordance with SIS and NFPA standards.
- Develop and test PLC programs using structured and modular programming practices.
- Conduct system-level integration testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning support.
- Work with instrumentation and field devices to ensure proper control and feedback integration.
- Ensure system designs comply with NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, and SIS/IEC 61511 standards.
- Develop technical documentation, including I/O lists, control narratives, functional requirements, and validation test procedures.
- Support safety validation, risk assessments, and functional testing throughout the system lifecycle.
- Serve as a technical point of contact for controls-related aspects of multidisciplinary projects.
- Work with fabrication, installation, and operations teams to ensure design intent and performance goals are achieved.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of design methods, documentation standards, and controls best practices.
Benefits
- Industry-competitive salary.
- Equity plan.
- 6% employer 401(k) matching.
- Generous paid time off, including sick leave, vacation, and paid family leave.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
