Instrumentation Systems Engineer

Key Responsibility Areas:

•    Specify and integrate sensors and transducers for various systems, including:
   o    Thermocouples, RTDs, pressure and flow sensors (for cryogenics and vacuum)
   o    Rogowski coils, Hall sensors, shunts (for magnet and power supply systems)
   o    Displacement and strain sensors, fiber-optic sensors (for structural and magnetic diagnostics)
•    Define I/O architecture, including signal types, isolation requirements, and communication interfaces (analog, digital, fieldbus).
•    Develop and maintain:
   o    P&ID diagrams and instrumentation schematics
   o    I/O lists, loop diagrams, and tag databases
   o    Cable schedules, junction box layouts, and termination details
•    Ensure correct signal conditioning, filtering, and protection for analog and digital inputs.
•    Implement proper grounding, shielding, and segregation strategies to mitigate EMI/EMC issues.
•    Support interface design with DAQ systems, PLCs, and embedded control platforms (FPGA, ARM, PXIe).
•    Assist with the selection of DAQ hardware (digitizers, ADCs, isolation amplifiers, multiplexer cards).
•    Conduct field commissioning, sensor calibration, and troubleshooting of instrumentation during integration and testing phases.
•    Collaborate with system owners and control engineers to ensure all instrumentation supports operational requirements, safety, and data fidelity.

Ideal Experience & Skillsets:

Required Qualifications:
•    Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, Mechatronics, or a related field.
•    5+ years of experience working with industrial or scientific instrumentation in large facilities (fusion, accelerator, power plant, process industry).
•    Hands-on experience with a wide range of sensors: thermocouples, RTDs, pressure/flow transducers, current/voltage sensors, fiber-optic sensors, etc.
•    Proficiency in reading and creating:
   o    P&ID diagrams
   o    I/O lists, terminal plans, cable routing drawings
   o    Wiring and loop diagrams
•    Knowledge of signal isolation, analog signal conditioning, and transducer interface standards (4-20 mA, 0–10 V, differential signals).
•    Familiarity with EMI/EMC mitigation strategies, including shielded cabling, star grounding, and filtering.
•    Experience in selecting and specifying instrumentation junction boxes, sensors, and cable harnesses for harsh or noisy environments.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Experience in fusion, nuclear, or large-scale R&D environments with high-power systems
•    Familiarity with DAQ platforms such as NI PXIe and CompactRIO
•    Understanding of safety-related instrumentation in SIL-rated systems (IEC 61508/61511)
•    Knowledge of fieldbus and industrial communication protocols (e.g., 4-20 mA HART, Modbus, EtherCAT)
•    Exposure to SCADA and control frameworks (EPICS, TANGO, Siemens WinCC)

Tools & Platforms:
•    CAD/Electrical Design: AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, SolidWorks Electrical
•    Documentation: Microsoft Excel (for I/O lists), COMOS or SmartPlant (for large-scale P&IDs)
•    DAQ/Signal Hardware: NI PXIe/cRIO, Signal Conditioning Modules (SCXI, 923x series), ADCs, isolation amplifiers
•    Protocols: Analog voltage/current, RS-485, CAN, Modbus, fiber-optic transceivers

Company Benefits:

• Salary range $110,000-$150,000
• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO

Requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.
• Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call.
• Ability to work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics.