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Last Energy · 11 hours ago

Controls & Instrumentation Engineer

Austin, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

3+ years exp

Last Energy is seeking a hands-on Controls & Instrumentation Engineer to support the integration, deployment, and lifecycle management of industrial instrumentation, electrical, and control systems. In this role, you will serve as a technical integrator and field-oriented engineer, ensuring automation and control systems are correctly specified, installed, commissioned, and operated within a safety-critical nuclear environment.

Clean EnergyEnergyEnergy ManagementNuclearRenewable EnergySustainability

Responsibilities

Control System Specification: Define functional requirements and performance expectations for PLCs, HMIs, remote I/O, motor controllers, VFDs, and safety devices. Support vendor selection and review vendor deliverables for technical adequacy

PLC & HMI Oversight: Review, validate, and support PLC logic and HMI designs developed by vendors or integrators. Ensure systems are modular, testable, and aligned with operational and safety requirements

System Architecture & Integration: Integrate electrical, instrumentation, and automation components into cohesive control system architectures, ensuring interoperability across hardware, networks, and field devices

Automation Improvements: Identify opportunities to automate manual or error-prone processes to improve reliability, consistency, and operational margins

Instrumentation Specification: Select and specify field instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, level, etc.), including accuracy, environmental suitability, and interface requirements

Electrical & Controls Coordination: Provide technical direction for control panels, power distribution (24 VDC / 120 VAC), grounding, and signal interfaces. Review drawings and wiring packages produced by vendors or fabricators

Lifecycle & Obsolescence Management: Manage component lifecycles, including qualification of substitutes, vendor coordination, and long-term maintainability planning

Field Deployment: Support and oversee fabrication, installation, and wiring of control cabinets and field devices, working directly with electricians, technicians, and vendors

Commissioning & Startup: Lead or support Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), loop checks, and startup activities. Troubleshoot integration issues involving wiring, instrumentation, communications, and control logic

Operational Support: Provide expert troubleshooting for installed systems, resolving complex electrical, instrumentation, and controls issues during operations

Safety Integration: Ensure control and instrumentation systems meet safety basis requirements applicable to DOE Hazard Category 1, 2, or 3 nuclear facilities

Configuration Management: Maintain disciplined configuration control of hardware and software changes. Ensure as-built documentation reflects the installed configuration and approved modifications

Vendor & Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a technical interface between internal teams, vendors, and contractors to ensure safety, quality, and schedule expectations are met

Qualification

Electrical EngineeringPLC-based control systemsIndustrial electronicsIndustrial communication protocolsControl system cybersecurityVendor engagementTroubleshootingField deployment

Required

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field

3+ years of experience supporting industrial electrical, instrumentation, and control systems in a hands-on or field-facing role

Practical experience working with PLC-based control systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), including reviewing logic, supporting testing, and troubleshooting deployed systems

Strong understanding of industrial electronics, instrumentation, and low-voltage power distribution

Demonstrated experience working directly with vendors, integrators, technicians, and installers in commissioning or operational environments

Familiarity with industrial control system cybersecurity concepts and best practices (IEC 62443 knowledge is a plus)

Experience in nuclear, oil & gas, chemical processing, or other highly regulated, safety-critical industries

Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, TCP/IP, Profinet, or Ethernet/IP