Controls Technician

About the role

The controls technician supports building and maintaining our data and control systems. These systems include different data collection and control hardware, wiring, interface harnesses, and many types of sensors. The goal of the data and control systems team is to meet test needs for safe, low-cost, and reliable access to space.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex technical assignments involving instrumentation and data acquisition/processing systems
• Maintain, calibrate, configure, monitor, test, troubleshoot, install, and repair instrumentation, process controls, data acquisition systems, and electrical systems
• Investigate, diagnose, correct, and document instrumentation or system malfunctions
• Analyze results of calibrations and processed data, and assist in the interpretation of test data
• Adjust, repair, or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment
• Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electrical and electronic units, assemblies, components, parts, equipment, and systems
• Configure the data acquisition hardware
• Perform wire terminations to a variety of instruments and verify sensor health: pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, limits, and flow meters
• Install connectors, connector pins, terminals, and lugs
• Perform continuity checks, locate and correct wiring errors using measuring instruments such as ohmmeters and sequential continuity checkers
• Adjust, calibrate, align, and modify circuitry and components, and record effects on unit performance
• Read and interpret planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches
• Perform layout and wiring of electrical panels
• Collaborate with design engineers to troubleshoot failures and issues derived from test data
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

Basic Qualifications

• Associate degree in instrumentation, control technology, electrical systems, or other electrical field (3+ years of professional experience working with controls or electrical systems will be considered in lieu of a degree)
• 2+ years of experience working with instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, flow meters, multimeters, or oscilloscopes

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience working with any of the following instrumentation: resistance temperature devices (RTDs), silicon diode temperature devices, strain gauges, load cells, displacement transducers, pressure transducers, thermocouple, and flow meters (turbine, coriolis, and ultrasonic)
• Basic knowledge of Wheatstone bridge theory, ability to apply Ohm's law, and an understanding of direct current (DC) electronics
• Operational knowledge of an oscilloscope and multi-meter, soldering wires and connectors, operation of various crimping tools, wire stripping, continuity testing, pinning out a military type connector, routing and tie wrapping cables, drilling and tapping holes, and building junction boxes
• System-level troubleshooting skills and the ability to logically solve instrumentation system problems and determine corrective action
• Experience with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and motor starters, and knowledge in troubleshooting
• Knowledge in signal conditioning concepts for various types of sensors, to include the following: thermocouple Types K, S, and E; TC bonding concepts: resistance weld on and adhesive bond on types; TC probes through thermowell sheaths; cold junction compensation concepts
• Background should include experience with the following devices: DC power supplies, DC-DC converters, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) installations, heat shrink tubing, cable harnessing, lacing, and proper strain relief concepts
• Working knowledge of transducers, operational amplifiers, and the knowledge of measurement techniques for temperature, pressure, flow, displacement, vibration, and the application of strain gauges is also highly desired. Ability to identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, and set up equipment to conform to these specifications
• Working knowledge of multiple bus architectures (Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)/Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe), PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI)/PXI Express (PXIe), General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB), Serial, Universal Serial Bus (USB), etc.) and data communication technologies
• Demonstrated capabilities in the development of comprehensive project plans that include all tasks, stage/gate milestones, and reviews necessary to successfully develop and implement solutions
• Intermediate skill level using Windows Operating Systems
• Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, OneNote)
• Knowledge in data acquisition concepts, hardware, and interfacing (Signal Conditioning eXtensions for Instrumentation (SCXI) and PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI) based)

Additional Requirements

• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain
• Must be available for overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 10 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 10 hours per day
• Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.

Itar Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.