Overview

Princeton University has an existing cogeneration and chilled water central plant and is currently constructing two new geoexchange heat pump plants. Both the existing plants and the new plants will utilize Allen‐Bradley industrial PLCs and SCADA for day‐to‐day operations as well as data management. The Plant Controls Engineer will report directly to the Chief Engineer of the Energy Plants; and is expected to enhance plant operations and in‐house controls capabilities through teamwork.

 

The Plant Controls Engineer works as part of the plant operations team. The primary role is to provide in house expertise and support for industrial control systems in the energy plant(s). Tasks will include troubleshooting and repair of existing systems, SCADA software maintenance, PLC programming modifications, panel and server communications/ networking configuration/analysis, and instrumentation evaluation, specification of SCADA system changes and upgrades. During the construction phase of the new plants, the controls engineer will coordinate with MEP engineers, integrators, mechanical and electrical installation teams, and commissioning agents to become proficient with the systems as they are brought on-line.

 

The Plant Controls Engineer is an essential function and will be required to occasionally work evenings or weekends. This may include emergency situations, inclement weather, or other operational needs, either on short notice or with advance notice to support operations and maintenance as required for plant operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This position must embody the core values essential to the Facilities Organization: teamwork, innovation, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and sustainability.

Responsibilities

The following list identifies the general responsibilities for this position:

• Implement and maintain a preventive maintenance program and procedures as they apply to the  instrumentation and controls equipment and systems for the Utility Plants.
• Review and troubleshoot process alarms, to support real‐time operations.
• Serve as OIT’s primary point of contact for the energy plant and work collaboratively with Princeton’s Office of Information Technology (OIT).
• Work safely and require others to prioritize safety above all else.
• Collaborate to improve and maintain relationships and effective communication between maintenance, operations, plant management and outside vendors.
• Keep accurate records for all equipment and controls in MAXIMO work order system.
• Work with energy plant staff and outside vendors to build and improve plant training programs.
• Participate in investigations/root cause analysis of plant controls problems and provide timely corrective actions.
• Lead a culture of excellence and engage peers in this endeavor.
• Support operations and maintenance supervision by ensuring system equipment is maintained in compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Recommend corrective changes and improvements to existing plant control systems.
• Install and oversee installation of plant automation systems, communication networks, computers, and instrumentation hardware.
• Install and oversee installation of software, and PLCs and maintain associated databases.
• Coordinate maintenance and repair of control system hardware, including the purchase and repair of components and instrumentation.
• Read and interpret blueprints for plant controls system designs for new plant projects designed by outside consultants.
• Ensure that the University is receiving the best value for its capital dollars for plant controls.
• Ensure that existing controls are operating at optimum efficiency.
• Maintain cybersecurity of the plant’s control systems.
• Document all SCADA system hardware and configuration changes in an enterprise‐level Configuration Management Database and assure compliance with a formal change‐management process.
• Review and update the Automation System Security Plan and related procedures at least annually.
• Manage annual audit of outside vendors supporting plant controls systems.
• Perform or oversee an annual audit of SCADA firewall rules.
• Maintain PLC controls on process equipment located in campus buildings.

Qualifications

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Plant environment is noisy and hot with temperatures exceeding 120 degrees F. The plant contains high temperature piping, steam systems, acids, caustics, refrigerants, fuel oils and gases, dirt, dust, and debris. Must wear, and know when to wear, all required safety equipment.
• The plants provide essential heating, cooling, and electricity to the University. Therefore, the Plant Controls Engineer is deemed to be an essential employee and must report to work in weather emergencies and during plant emergencies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS ‐ The following tasks and skills are necessary for the Plant Controls Engineer:

• Stand or walk for two hours at one time for up to eight‐hours per day.
• Operate heavy equipment (e.g., forklift, high reach, cherry picker) occasionally (less than 33% of
• the workday).
• Frequently use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing or pulling (34 – 66% of the
• workday).
• Occasionally squat, kneel, bend, lie down, crawl, reach overhead, lift overhead, knee stand, push
• or pull with forces up to 50 pounds (less than 33% of the workday).
• Work outdoors in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions.
• Work at heights on ladders, stairs, scaffolding and platforms, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to maintain balance.
• Work in confined spaces including tanks, steam tunnels, and manholes with proper safety equipment and procedures in place.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Driver’s license.
• Five years’ work experience performing industrial controls‐related work.
• Able to work in concert with our existing plant operations team.
• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience with industrial plant SCADA/PLC controls.
• Experienced with Rockwell RS Logix PLC programming software.
• Familiarity with Ethernet and Modbus communications protocols.
• Experienced in utility plant operation, instrumentation, and control systems, including high pressure boilers, process controls, burner management systems, medium‐voltage electrical gear, and centrifugal chillers.
• Demonstrated proficiency with: technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and networking.
• Aptitude to troubleshoot the instrumentation/equipment with which our systems interface.
• Able to find equipment documentation on‐line via manufacturer’s websites and other on‐line resources.
• Able to organize task and project‐level work and give clear directions.
• Able to read and mark‐up typical industrial plant drawings including Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams, Electrical Single‐Line diagrams, etc.
• Able to communicate effectively with outside contractors and trades personnel such as: controls integrators, electricians, equipment maintenance personnel, pipe fitters, and equipment supplier’s representatives.
• Able to work with union and non‐union employees, and salaried employees.
• Able to travel between campus locations; and occasional single day and overnight travel out of town/state for training and shop witness requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five years or more of control system/I&C/ automation design.
• BS degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience working with Chilled Water, Steam Boiler, Hot Water, and Cogeneration applications.
• Experience with Allen Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Wonderware and View control systems applications development and maintenance.
• Demonstrated technical writing skills.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW

Standard Weekly Hours36.25Eligible for OvertimeNoBenefits EligibleYesProbationary Period180 daysEssential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)YesPhysical Capacity Exam RequiredNoValid Driver’s License RequiredNo Experience LevelMid-Senior Level#LI-NC1