Controls Engineer

Sierra Lobo, offers customers a full range of professional and technical capabilities, including Test and Evaluation, Systems Engineering, and Advanced Technologies.  We also develop products and processes related to Cryogenic Fluid and Thermal Management Systems, Densified Propellant Management Systems, and Prototype Extreme Pressure and Temperature Systems.  Our customers include the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

This position will be located at NASA’s Langley Research Center.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

Want to work where spacecraft are tested, planes are crashed and where Neil Armstrong practiced his moon landing? Experienced controls specialist needed to support aerodynamic research at NASA Langley Research Center. This position, w ith Amentum’s C e n ter M ai n te n a n ce, Operatio n s, a n d Engineering ( CM O E ) co n tract, is part of a small team that supports any control system at any wind-tunnel, lab or test facility on Center. This person will support PLCs and a variety of other controllers that compress air to 6000 psi, move air at Mach speeds or control temperatures down to -250°F. A combination of old and new, software and hardware, the work is hands-on, varied and unique.

Responsibilities:

• Candidate will work alone or with a team to provide controls services to the wind tunnels and research facilities at the NASA Langley.
• Services include trouble-shooting, repair, replacement, programming, configuration, documentation and checkout control systems and components.
• Candidate may also work on controls-related projects for improvements, added functions, or new capabilities.
• Work may start with project planning, writing specifications or making budget-schedule estimations.
• Work will include project completion requiring system design, graphical user interface building, programming, equipment layout and procurement, system configuration, and drawing reviews. Hands-on work will include system checkout, equipment configuration, troubleshooting, repair and system operation.
• Projects will require clear and concise documentation.
• Tasks will involve interaction with fellow team members, other internal service providers, sub-contractors, the operational staff of the facilities and the NASA client.
• Candidate will need to conduct meetings and reviews with all parties, clearly communicating goals and objectives to engage these groups for the project’s success.
• Candidate must be able to juggle multiple tasks, while working in a dynamic environment in which priorities change frequently.
• The successful candidate will be self-motivated in their work-habits, show initiative in tackling new work, and exercise and communicate sound technical judgment.

• U.S. Citizenship required. BS degree from an ABET accredited engineering school and at least five (5) years of practical work experience in controls, electronics, data acquisition systems or similar roles. Academic study in electronics, mechanical systems, controls theory, manufacturing, or aerodynamics desired. Mechanical or electrical engineers preferred.
  
  
  • Experience with process controllers, specifically Allen-Bradley required.
  • Experience with general programming techniques required.
  • Experience in an industrial, laboratory or manufacturing facility desired.
  • Experience in system design, equipment installation and system startup desired.
  • Any experience with securing industrial networking systems is a plus.
  • Experience with hydraulics is a plus.
  
  
  Essential Functions:
  
  Work Environment
  
  
  • An office or Control Room environment is the typical work area.
  • Travel between various facilities and test sites on Center is required.
  • Project implementations or troubleshooting events will be in an industrial or laboratory environment.
  • May be exposed to areas of high voltage, high noise levels, hazardous propellants, explosives, chemicals and industrial facilities. (Appropriate PPE and training will be provided for all conditions.)
  
  
  Equipment and Machine:
  
  
  • Software Tools : PLC Ladder Logic and other IEC 61131-3 languages, FactoryTalk View, LabVIEW, C/C++, MS Office [Word, Excel, Outlook, Visio], AutoCAD or equivalent, Matlab/Simulink
  • Hardware platforms : Microsoft PC, Linux, National Instruments, Allen-Bradley PLCs [PLC-5, SLC, ControlLogix], Allen-Bradley PanelViews, AB/ABB Drives
  • Field Devices : programmable controllers, pneumatic valves, programmable valves, standalone PID loop controllers, Flex IO
  • Communications Protocol : TCP/IP, RS-232, IEEE-488, OPC DC/UA
  • Familiarity and use of safety and personal protective equipment
  
  
  Physical Requirements:
  
  
  • Must have sufficient mobility to enter all areas of wind tunnel and test facilities.
  • The ability to enter into confined spaces, crawl into or onto various assemblies while maintaining a clear vision of safety is required.
  • Potential exposure to high noise levels, hazardous chemicals, propellants and the like.
  • Appropriate PPE and training will be provided for all conditions.
  • Must be able to walk, stand, bend, twist and sit for extended periods as well as climb, crawl, and lift up to 35 lbs.
  
  
  Attendance
  
  
  • Regular attendance mandatory (100%)
  • Overtime/work outside normal schedule required (<15%)
  
  
  Other Essential Functions:
  
  
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Valid Real ID compliant identification - www.dhs.gov/real-id
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  • Must be able to work in a team atmosphere.
  • Must put forward a professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation.
  • Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety/risk hazard to the employee or others.
  • The work environment requires the ability to cooperate and work with individuals at all levels of the company and the client organization.
  • Must be able to balance scope, schedule and budget to ensure success.
  • Employees will exercise diligence when developing a Safe Plan of Action (SPA) for each task performed. Your SPA is a Company provided tool to be used for the prevention of incidents, accidents, and injuries; as such, it is the most important tool that you are required to use.