Instrumentation & Controls Engineer - Renewable Energy

FirstLight Power•Northfield, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

FirstLight is hiring an experienced Instrumentation and Controls Engineer to maintain critical network and control systems that enable personnel to operate and maintain plant equipment and peripherals. The position is based primarily in the Northfield, Massachusetts area, with a hybrid work arrangement and occasional travel to other FirstLight assets. It reports to the Engineering & Construction Manager. The engineer will support real-time operational computer systems and generation facilities, including PLCs, operator consoles, RTUs, SCADA, HMI, historian systems, communications networks, and security access control and monitoring systems. The role includes troubleshooting, maintenance, system modifications, cybersecurity compliance, and the design and upkeep of secure OT and industrial control network architectures. The engineer will also lead capital project execution, coordinate vendors, and help plan system upgrades, while following plant safety, work control, and company procedures. The typical compensation range is $115,000 to $125,000, with final compensation dependent on factors including relevant experience, education, certifications, and geographic location. The total compensation package includes a competitive bonus and benefits. FirstLight describes its workplace as challenging, collegial, and rewarding, and emphasizes a diverse, engaged workforce and equal employment opportunity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a similar field.
At least 3 years of experience related to SCADA/EMS, PLC, DCS, or power system control, with a strong background in instrumentation and control systems engineering.
Working knowledge of programming languages and relational databases.
Strong problem-solving skills, including knowledge of system and software debugging methods to minimize troubleshooting time and restore plant control systems.
Working knowledge of basic electrical and communications test equipment.
Experience building, maintaining, and optimizing computer networks.
Strong initiative and ability to work with minimum supervision.
Ability to analyze information, determine relevant facts, and make timely, cost-effective decisions.
Demonstrated planning, organizing, and project-management skills.
Strong commitment to high standards and best work practices.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including lifting up to 50 pounds, working in confined spaces and at various heights, and wearing required protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with GE Fanuc and Allen Bradley PLCs.
Working knowledge of AutoCAD products, including LT, Electrical, Vault, and Raster Design.
Working knowledge of Wonderware products, including InTouch and Historian.
Working knowledge of AVEVA PI historian and Visio.
Knowledge of NERC and FERC regulations and ISO-NE.

Responsibilities

Assist with and participate in daily maintenance, management, and modification of software logic and modules and network equipment for real-time operational computer systems, including PLCs, operator consoles, RTUs, and associated interface equipment.
Maintain systems used to control and monitor generation facilities and facility security access control and monitoring systems.
Understand control-system network architecture and provide technical resolutions related to PLC, SCADA, HMI, historian, and wireless communication systems.
Assist with implementing regulatory cybersecurity requirements, including control-device firmware upgrades and PLC intrusion-alarm incorporation.
Lead capital project execution, including establishing user requirements, preparing bid documents, evaluating proposals, reviewing engineering documentation, and participating in FAT/SAT testing and commissioning.
Troubleshoot, modify, monitor, and maintain safe and reliable automation, monitoring, and data-collection systems based on an understanding of their operating principles.
Maintain and develop procedures for operation, utilization, and disaster recovery for SCADA, HMI, security access control and monitoring systems, and network applications.
Analyze and resolve hardware and software problems involving station instrumentation, I/Os, power-supply modules, and network communications.
Integrate, install, and test controls and network systems to generation-station standards in a production-plant environment, following safety and work-control procedures.
Revise ladder logic, system configurations, and procedures to correct deficiencies, and conduct software or hardware tests to verify operation after revisions.
Assist in developing short- and long-term plans for real-time operating system and security access control and monitoring system upgrades.
Maintain and review data and reports required by policy and regulatory requirements for cybersecurity compliance.
Design, implement, and maintain secure network architectures protecting OT, SCADA, and PLC/DCS systems from cyber threats.
Conduct vulnerability assessments, patch management, and security audits on industrial control networks, field instrumentation, and HMI/SCADA servers.
Work with vendors and coordinate their work.
Comply with FirstLight policies and procedures and carry out other duties as assigned.