Principal Engineer – Equipment Controls

BAE Systems

10h•$115,779 - $196,825•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Engineer in controls systems to serve as a Space Simulation Subject Matter Expert responsible for design, implementation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of thermal vacuum chamber control systems. In this critical role, you will provide support for in-process testing, interpret complex data, provide expert technical guidance to junior engineers, technicians, and capital improvement projects. Providing input on manufacturing equipment design and standardization to meet customer requirements and maintain compliance with industry standards. The Operations Strategic Capabilities Unit plays a fundamental role in enabling efficient business and program execution – from strategic capital investments, industrial operations and an efficient supply chain, to state-of-the-art manufacturing and test operations and top-notch facilities management.

Requirements

BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 6 or more years related experience.
Each higher-level related degree, i.e., master’s degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of related experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and Electrical Drawings.
Ability to read, interpret and/or write documentation needed to program a complete control system (Functional Specification, Control Narrative, I/O List, etc.).
Experience working on (leading and/or as part of a team) design, implementation, troubleshooting, and commissioning PLC/HMI applications with products such as Siemens PCS7 and/or Rockwell / Allen-Bradley for process or automation systems.
Experience with thermal vacuum chamber design, commissioning, and operation.
Experience with developing Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for thermal vacuum chamber control systems.
Experience with chamber controls, and pumping system.
Experience with interpreting complex data from thermal vacuum chamber tests, including experience with data analysis software and analysis techniques.
Experience with developing and executing to test plans.
Skills in troubleshooting thermal vacuum chamber issues, including experience with identifying and diagnosing problems, developing and implementing repair plans, and collaborating with technicians and engineers to resolve issues.
Capable of resolving technical problems or discrepancies with the team, customers, and subcontractors, in a timely manner.
Experience in working with people at all levels.
Excellent communication skills.
Effective presentation skills.
Experience in anomaly resolution, troubleshooting, and documentation.
Will be required to obtain company certifications.
A security clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.

Nice To Haves

Experience with variable speed drives, positioners, actuators, valves, and instrumentation used for chemical or industrial plant production processes
Knowledgeable in industrial network architectures, topologies, cybersecurity, servers, software validation and simulation.
Experience with multiple control system platforms including Siemens PCS7, Siemens Simatic Batch, and Allen Bradley ControLlogix/ Compactlogix/ PlantPAx,.
Desire knowledge of IDEAS, MATLAB, Agile and IFS
Computer skills in Microsoft office (Word, Excel)
Basic Mechanical, Electrical and/or Aerospace knowledge
General understanding of calibrated equipment
Capable of executing to technical process specifications, procedures and standards
Experience with SolidWorks, LabVIEW and Python or other programming a plus
Enjoys working in a process-controlled environment

Responsibilities

Provide high level of Plant Support by responding to and resolving control system issues with urgency.
Oversee thermal vacuum chamber design, commissioning and operation.
Develop and define requirements for Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for manufacturing equipment.
Troubleshoot thermal vacuum chamber issues.
Develop and implement data acquisition systems for quality insurance and implementation of lean manufacturing processes.
Ensure that all activities are properly documented and meet industry standards.
Develop and execute testing protocols in thermal vacuum chambers that replicate space environments and meet customer requirements.
Interpret complex data from thermal vacuum chamber tests.
Maintain software revision control and documentation for manufacturing equipment per regulatory requirements.
Analyze and troubleshoot issues that arise during testing.
Develop and implement new test methods and techniques to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior engineers and technicians on test procedures, operating procedures, data analysis and control system troubleshooting.
Continuously evaluate and improve processes and procedures to ensure they are efficient, effective, and meet industry standards.
Support continuous improvement projects to automate equipment programming and data acquisition processes.
Must be willing to support after hours troubleshooting and plant emergency support.
Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
Perform other duties as necessary.

Benefits

health, dental, and vision insurance
health savings accounts
a 401(k) savings plan
disability coverage
life and accident insurance
an employee assistance program
a legal plan
discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance
paid time off
paid holidays
paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave
Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards.
Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.