The Controls Engineer performs a scope of work involving study, design, implementation, oversight, and project management of a wide variety of instrumentation and control systems for facilities and test-related apparatus at the assigned test facilities. Primarily the facilities are the Arc Jet Complex and Ballistic Range of the Thermophysics Facilities Branch at NASA Ames Research Center.

The candidate will provide documentation, training, and technical direction to technicians and electricians in the installation, checkout, calibration, troubleshooting, and operation of the respective systems at the assigned test facilities. Complex requirements for instrumentation and control systems require considerable creativity and judgement in accomplishing tasks that support project, functional, cost, and schedule requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, update, and maintain electrical and mechanical schematics for instrumentation and controls that meet project test requirements.

• Develop, update, and maintain procedures for instrumentation and control system checkout, integrated system test, calibration, and operation.

• Provide technical direction to technicians and electricians in the installation, checkout, calibration, troubleshooting, and operation of the respective systems at the assigned test facilities.

• Prepare hardware/software specifications and purchase requisitions for facility instrumentation and control equipment. Evaluate vendor proposals and provide technical recommendations for procurement.

• Develop plans and requirements for upgrading and maintaining facility instrumentation and control system hardware and software.

• Provide technical expertise in programming, assembly, configuration, and maintenance of PC-based computer systems and industrial programmable logic controllers (PLC).

• Provide support for special tasks involving detailed engineering analyses.

Amentum's health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Eligible employees and their dependents may elect medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan, and, if eligible, a deferred compensation plan and Executive Deferral Plan. Employees will also receive 136 hours of vacation per year for first 60 months of service, 11 paid holidays. Hired applicants will be able to purchase company stock and have the opportunity to receive a performance discretionary bonus.

The base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $150,000. This range reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

The Controls Engineer typically possesses a BS or higher degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Computer, Electrical or related engineering discipline with 3 or more years of related experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, and control systems. California certification as a Professional Engineer in the fields of Mechanical, Electrical, or Control Systems Engineering is desired. Certification and additional years of related experience may count as educational equivalency and vice versa. Specialized knowledge / experience of one or more aspects related to Instrumentation and Control Systems are necessary. Good communication and interpersonal skills are highly desirable as the Controls Engineer will interface with other Engineers and Technicians and will be required to produce system documentation and procedures and train personnel.

General knowledge and understanding of aerospace testing and facility operations is desired. It is also desirable to have direct working knowledge of the following types of equipment:

• PC computer operations (MS Windows [XP, 7] and Macintosh OSX, MS Office)

• Signal conditioning and data acquisition and processing hardware and programming (National Instruments LabVIEW)

• Programmable logic controller hardware and programming (GE Proficy, Rockwell RSLogix, Emerson Ovation)

• Human-Machine (i.e., User) Interface hardware and design

• Test instrumentation (multimeter, oscilloscope, pressure / temperature / electrical calibrators)

• Specialized measurement instrumentation (position, pressure, temperature, and flow transducersand switches).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

Unusual or Special Physical Requirements of Position:

• Visual and physical contact of test system hardware and installed test articles. Multiple workstation assignments (office, test facility, control room, laboratory, shops, etc.). Transportation of notebooks, drawings, forms, etc. required. Ability to hear normal conversation. One eye (minimum) correctable to 20/20. Ability to distinguish eight colors on basic panel displays.

Description of Work Environment:

• Work is accomplished in an office, control room, and in and around test facility buildings. Must be able to use respiratory protection in confined spaces. Some work areas are high in noise.

Equipment and Machines Involved in Work Tasks :

• Office and control room equipment includes computers, calculators, electronic instruments, mechanical instruments, and miscellaneous precision measuring devices.

Criticality of Attendance:

• Normal working hours are 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM. A “compressed” schedule with 9 hour days and every other Friday off is available. Regular on-site daily attendance is required to maintain team effectiveness.

Other Essential Functions:

• Must be able to obtain NASA badge and gain access to the work facilities.