Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Job description

Noble Thermodynamics is seeking a Senior Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Engineer to play a pivotal role in the development and deployment of the Argon Power Cycle™—a new benchmark in zero-emission power generation.

In this role, you will lead the design, implementation, and validation of advanced industrial power control and automation systems.

You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team, external partners, and contractors to develop systems that meet stringent performance, safety, and regulatory standards.

You will also provide technical oversight to ensure the successful implementation of SCADA systems.

Your contributions to automation and controls will directly influence the speed and scale at which zero-emission power plants are deployed across the United States and internationally.

Success in this role will help expand affordable access to clean, safe, and reliable energy by enhancing system flexibility, improving operational efficiency, and driving down costs—while delivering measurable, large-scale reductions in global air pollutants and carbon emissions.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team as the lead I&C engineer for multiple concurrent projects and are expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:

1. Serve as lead I&C engineer across multiple concurrent development and deployment projects.
2. Design control system architecture (e.g., PLC, DCS, SCADA) and network topology following industry standards (e.g., NEC, ISA) and best practices
3. Lead programming and troubleshooting of PLCs, DCS systems, and SCADA interfaces using Modbus, CANbus, and other protocols.
4. Generate detailed I&C engineering deliverables (e.g., control philosophy, control narratives, P&IDs, instrumentation list, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, cause an effect matrix, I/O lists, panel layouts, etc.) following industry standards and best practices
5. Develop specifications and select field instrumentation and communication components (e.g., process sensors, actuators, transmitters, cable/wires, enclosures, etc.)
6. Participate in safety reviews (e.g., HAZOP, FAT, SAT) and PSM activities as required
7. Prepare external-facing technical reports, presentation materials, permitting documents, patent drafts and other deliverables
8. Interface and coordinates with relevant external contractors and project partners, ensuring that all I&C relevant projects meet quality standards and follow approved designs and execution plans

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you will need the following set of qualifications and demonstrated technical expertise:

1. Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical or Control System Engineering from an accredited institution
2. 10+ years of electrical and I&C experience, including experience across full EPC design/build project lifecycle leading the design of industrial I&C systems in any of the following industries: Powergen, Oil & Gas, Chemical, or EPCM
3. Proficiency with plant control and automation systems (i.e., PLC or DCS), and industry-standard networking communication protocols (e.g., Modbus) and programming languages (e.g., phyton, matlab-simulink, etc.)
4. Demonstrated experience with design, assembly, troubleshooting and commissioning of real SCADA systems.
5. Proven track record in design and production of tender documents (e.g., control philosophy, control narratives, P&IDs, instrumentation list, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, cause an effect matrix, I/O lists, panel layouts, etc.) following industry standards and best practices (e.g., UL, IEC, ISO, IEEE, etc.)
6. Expert knowledge in the selection and specifications for instrumentation and actuators (meters, temperature, pressure, flow, analytical instrumentation and control valves)
7. Experience with PHA reviews, plant startup and commissioning, and field operation

This role demands the following core competencies:

1. Excellent and effective verbal and written communication, with the ability to present complex ideas in a compelling manner to the relevant audience.
2. Proactiveness in presenting and advocating for new ideas and initiatives, skilled at persuading a diverse set of stakeholders vertically and across, driving decision-making.
3. Organization; skilled at planning and coordinating within cross-disciplinary teams to improve collective outcomes
4. Resiliency under pressure, maintaining clarity, decisiveness, and following-through when facing tight deadlines or high-stakes challenges
5. Resourceful and avid learner, explorer of new and adjacent knowledge that materialize into team value and individual growth.

An exceptional candidate would also bring the following skills:

1. Deep knowledge of real-time control systems, including implementation of state machines in Python, LabVIEW, C/C++, or equivalent
2. Experience with I&C systems for reciprocating and rotary equipment

Employment Conditions

• Authorized to work in the United States,
• Must be willing and able to travel to project sites as needed
• Must be willing and able to conduct field work including lifting heavy objects up to 50 lbs, climbing ladders, and navigating active construction or industrial sites
• Must be willing and able to work longer hours and weekends when needed to support key project milestones and ensure successful project delivery

Benefits

• Salary range: $130,000 to $190,000
• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Stock Option Plan

About Noble Thermodynamics

At Noble Thermodynamics, we are on a mission to radically and rapidly decarbonize the world’s power needs.

We are bringing to market the Argon Power Cycle™—our breakthrough in power generation technology delivering zero-emissions, ultra-efficient, and dispatchable power.

Our work unlocks a future where abundant, clean, reliable, and affordable power is not just a goal, but the global standard.

We are building a dedicated team grounded in professional excellence, integrity, and collaboration.

If you are driven to make a lasting impact on humanity's future and thrive in a fast-moving, results-oriented environment, we invite you to join us.

Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Noble Thermodynamics is a cleantech innovator backed by the U.S. Department of Energy and the California Energy Commission, with leading partners across industry and academia, including the Electric Power Research Institute, Sempra Energy, Argonne National Lab, Sandia National Lab, and others.

Required Skill Profession

Engineers