Instrumentation & Control Systems Engineer

Fortera•San Jose, CA

About The Position

Fortera is hiring an Instrumentation & Control Systems Engineer to contribute to the design and operation of control-system hardware and software across its processes, including mineral grinding, kiln operation and calcination, mineral dissolution, gas absorption, precipitation, solids dewatering, and drying. This is a hands-on role bridging research and development, internal process design, and external engineering firms and equipment suppliers. The engineer will help develop and commission commercial control systems and support operation of Fortera’s commercial plant. The role calls for someone comfortable working through unknowns, adapting to changing challenges, and making decisions and recommendations while implementing new technology and manufacturing processes. Up to 15% travel is required. Fortera is a Silicon Valley-headquartered company developing cement technology intended to reduce CO₂ emissions. Its commercial ReCarb® plant operates in Redding, California, and the company is expanding toward scaled commercialization. The role offers the opportunity to work with scientists, engineers, operators, and industry experts on sustainable construction technology.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, or a relevant field.
At least 5 years of engineering experience designing, scaling, building, and commissioning commercial control systems.
Proficiency in engineering design using PFDs, P&IDs, and Process Hazard Analyses (PHA).
Familiarity with at least one industrial control platform, such as Beckhoff, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or CODESYS.
Familiarity with IEC 61131-3 programming languages.
Familiarity with SCADA software such as Ignition, Wonderware, or FT View.
Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, OPC, MQQT, and Modbus.
Experience developing code with Python, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar tools.
Experience interacting with external engineering firms, contractors, and equipment suppliers.
Experience with process-control schemes and implementation.
Background in control-systems theory.
Ability to work through uncertain challenges, adapt to a fast-paced environment, and make decisions and recommendations as new technology and manufacturing processes are implemented.
Willingness to travel up to 15%.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Allen-Bradley industrial control platforms; Allen-Bradley is preferred.
Experience with Ignition SCADA; Ignition is preferred.

Responsibilities

Contribute to control philosophy, sequence logic, state-machine development, and other detailed design and project execution activities.
Review PLC code written by system integrators and third-party vendors.
Review HMI objects and faceplates and test them extensively for bug-free operation.
Conduct pre-deployment testing of PLC and HMI software.
Help prepare project deliverables, including control narratives and operation and maintenance manuals.
Collaborate with process, R&D, project, and business development teams to define project instrumentation and control requirements.
Review design documents, including PFDs, P&IDs, instrumentation lists, I/O lists, logic diagrams, wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, control-enclosure layouts, and interlock schematics.
Review specifications and datasheets.
Participate in procurement activities, including vendor selection and communication, vendor visits, factory acceptance tests, and site acceptance tests.
Communicate with EPCs, suppliers, and external vendors to source automation equipment, components, and systems in accordance with specifications, timelines, and quality standards.
Manage supplier relationships, conduct technical discussions, and resolve issues during procurement, testing, and integration.
Set up, calibrate, and troubleshoot industrial sensors and transmitters.
Support commissioning and troubleshooting activities for the commercial plant.
Troubleshoot complex SCADA and controls issues using relevant tools.
Support implementation of a Management of Change procedure tailored to PLC and SCADA software modifications.
Diagnose root causes of system issues and distinguish between mechanical, electrical, and software-related problems.
Categorize, systematize, and address gaps in automated-system behavior.
Tune control gains and calibrate systems, documenting the work for future reference.
Identify and address system-performance gaps and support continuous improvement using advanced control methods such as MIMO and MPC.