Calling all research engineers that have a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, control systems engineering, chemical engineering, software systems engineer, or a related field! Are you interested in working for UDRI, a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry and nonprofit customers? We invite qualified candidates to apply for Industrial Controls Engineer opening our Power and Energy division.

The Staff Industrial Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining control systems used in industrial processes and equipment, to include fuels processing equipment. This role will support cross-functional engineering teams working on a wide range of products and processes in support of commercial and government customers. Although the primary focus of this role is to provide controls engineering design and expertise, it will also support other general and discipline-specific engineering and project activities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
• A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, control systems engineering, chemical engineering, software systems engineer, or a related field
• 4 years’ experience applying control theory, process control, and in automation systems
• 3 years’ experience in PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control, feedback systems, and programming of PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and DCS (Distributed Control Systems)
• 4 years’ experience in programming languages commonly used in industrial control systems, such as ladder logic, structured text, function block diagrams, or sequential function charts
• 4 years’ Experience in programming and configuring PLCs and HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces) from various manufacturers, such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, or Mitsubishi
• Knowledge of combustible system requirements such as classifications and associated component requirements
• Knowledge of programming software, troubleshooting, and debugging techniques
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems, including circuit design, electrical components, motor control, power distribution, and electrical safety standards (such as NFPA 70E or IEC 61131-3)
• Understanding of various industrial sensors and instrumentation used for measuring variables like temperature, pressure, flow, level, and position
• Understanding of various process instrumentation used in fuel processing, such as flow meters, pressure transmitters, temperature sensors, level indicators, and analyzers
• Familiarity with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems used for monitoring and controlling industrial processes. Understanding of SCADA software, network communication protocols, and data acquisition techniques
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot control system issues efficiently, both from a hardware and software perspective; Strong problem-solving skills to identify and resolve complex technical problems
• Knowledge of safety regulations and standards in industrial environments, such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirements and functional safety standards (e.g., IEC 61508, IEC 61511)
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, operators, maintenance technicians, and other engineers
• Ability to document designs, write technical reports, and convey complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Attention to detail
• Due to requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. Citizen

Preferred Qualifications

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• A master’s degree in electrical engineering, control systems engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field
• Strong understanding of process control principles and techniques, including regulatory control, advanced control strategies, and optimization techniques
• Proficiency in designing and implementing control strategies for fuel processing operations
• Experience in programming and configuring DCS or PLC systems commonly used in fuel processing plants, such as Honeywell Experion, ABB 800xA, Siemens PCS 7, or Allen-Bradley ControlLogix
• Knowledge of control system architecture, I/O interfacing, and troubleshooting techniques
• Familiarity with programming software and tools used in fuel processing control systems, such as DCS (Distributed Control Systems) or PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)
• Knowledge of calibration, signal conditioning, and communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus, HART)
• Familiarity with safety instrumented systems (SIS) and safety integrity level (SIL) concepts
• Knowledge of safety instrumented functions (SIF), safety instrumented loops, and safety standards like IEC 61511 or ANSI/ISA-84.00.01
• Strong knowledge of fuel processing unit operations, such as distillation and liquid-liquid extraction
• Experience in process optimization techniques to improve efficiency, yield, and quality of fuel processing operations. Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), model predictive control (MPC), or real-time optimization (RTO) methods
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify and resolve complex technical problems related to fuel processing controls
• Safety and Compliance: Knowledge of safety regulations and standards in fuel processing, such as process safety management (PSM), hazardous area classification, and environmental regulations
• Familiarity with industry-specific standards like API (American Petroleum Institute) standards or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) specifications

Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.


Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.