I&C Specialist/Engineer 

Plant Gaston

This position will be filled as either a I&C Specialist or an Engineer.

This position is responsible for providing technical direction for the design of control systems, program configurations, installation of systems, and troubleshooting system problems on distributed/process control systems. The incumbent will be responsible for providing ongoing inspection and evaluation of control systems and for determining the appropriate direction on design and performance improvements, upgrades, and other modifications to plant instrumentation and control systems. The incumbent will work closely with the Operations Department to identify and correct shortcomings in the plant control systems. They are to be the expert on issues surrounding control systems and will represent the plant on various internal and external teams such as applicable controls user groups and at various internal and external meetings such as I&C Technical Forums.

Job Requirements (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills)

Four-year degree, two-year technical certification, and/or an associate degree in electronics preferred or equivalent experience required.  An ABET accredited degree is required for Engineer candidates.  Experience with electronics, instrumentation, program configuration, and plant electrical maintenance is preferred. Experience with Distributed Control System (DCS), Turbine Control System (TCS), or Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) is required. Ability to understand plant systems and boiler controls required. Possession of strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions with limited information required. Must demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain good relationships with customers and support personnel. Must exhibit strong leadership skills and be willing to challenge the status quo.  Must be willing and available for call-out responsibilities on a rotating weekly basis to include holidays and weekends as needed.

Job Responsibilities

Provide technical direction for the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and tuning activities necessary to ensure that the control systems function properly.  Lead the design and installation of new equipment and the retrofit of existing equipment related to the control system. Work with other maintenance departments to troubleshoot plant instrumentation and field equipment as needed. Communicate daily with the Operations Department to determine the status of the generating units and to mitigate any control system problems.  Respond to after-hour, off-day, and holiday callouts for customer/plant support, where one I&C team member is responsible for providing on-call support on a rotating weekly schedule throughout the year (24 hours/day, 365 days/year).  Stay abreast of the state-of-the-art technology, electrical equipment innovations, unit operations, and maintenance procedures. Direct modifications, specifications, installations, and configuration of control systems as required. Provide feedback to management regarding problems associated with plant and system controls. Conduct investigations to determine causes of trips and similar events and, when appropriate, develops measures to avoid reoccurrence.