Controls Engineer

Position Summary

The Controls Engineer independently owns controls workstreams end-to-end with general direction. This role designs, validates, and delivers PLC, HMI/SCADA, instrumentation, and controls hardware solutions that meet performance, safety, reliability, and integration requirements. The Controls Engineer makes independent design decisions within assigned scope, contributes to controls standards, and supports deployment and commissioning of linear accelerator and related industrial control systems. This is a full-time, onsite position at Nusano's facility in Valencia, CA.

Responsibilities

• Own the design, specification, schematic capture, programming, installation, qualification, and commissioning of assigned controls workstreams for linear accelerator and supporting industrial systems.
• Design and support electrical control cabinets, instrumentation, power supplies, network devices, and related controls hardware in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Lead troubleshooting of PLCs, network devices, instrumentation, controls hardware, and hardware/software interfaces during build, test, integration, and operations.
• Analyze electrical, data communication, and dynamic systems; conduct trade studies and recommend solutions based on performance, safety, reliability, schedule, and cost.
• Develop prototypes and proof-of-concept solutions for new controls hardware or system requirements.
• Participate in hazard analyses and design reviews and apply controls safety best practices.
• Develop test plans, commissioning procedures, operating procedures, system architecture documentation, and maintainable engineering records.
• Coordinate with mechanical engineering, physics, operations, safety, software, and vendors to deliver integrated controls solutions.
• Mentor Associate engineers on tools, standards, and design practices and raise risks or blockers early with clear technical context.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Practical, hands-on experience building, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning industrial control systems.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networks, instrumentation, and control panels.
• Experience reading and developing electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs using tools such as SOLIDWORKS Electrical or AutoCAD Electrical.
• Knowledge of industrial controls and electrical safety standards, such as UL 508A, NFPA 79, ISA, and IEC standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical decisions and tradeoffs to cross-functional partners.

Preferred Experience

• EPICS, Beckhoff controls, or other distributed control systems.
• High-speed electronics, high-vacuum systems, accelerator operations, or high-voltage equipment.
• Working in an R&D, commissioning, or safety-controlled environment.
• Selecting and qualifying controls components and working with external vendors.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Work will be conducted in office, laboratory, engineering, R&D, and production environments.
• Must be comfortable working within radiation environments.
• Work in this environment may involve exposure to hazardous materials and conditions, including high voltage, strong magnetic fields, chemicals, cryogenic substances, and radiological sources. These hazards require specialized training, strict adherence to safety procedures, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods and frequently use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other tools requiring manual dexterity.
• Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time for commissioning, vendor visits, training, or other project needs.