Senior Instrumentation Engineer - NET Power LLC

About NET Power  

Passionate about making an impact? We are. At NET Power we are driven by our vision of empowering a clean world by globally deploying affordable and reliable zero-emissions energy. We are a well-capitalized, public clean energy technology company based in Durham, North Carolina with operations in Houston and La Porte, Texas.  

Our impact is transformational.  

NET Power technology doesn’t just reduce the world’s carbon footprint. It delivers the Energy Trifecta: Reliable, Low-Cost, Clean Energy. A winning solution for everyone.  

Job Overview

NET Power is leading the way in clean energy technology, and we are seeking a Senior Instrumentation Engineer to join our innovative team. This role is pivotal in leading NET Power's efforts to identify and develop the instrumentation strategy for our unique oxy-combustion, supercritical CO2 power cycle. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in instrumentation and controls engineering, with a focus on developing strategies for instrumenting our unique power generation system, while knowledgeable of emerging technologies and strategies to increase reliability, performance, and safety at our unique cycle conditions while reducing cost in line with product and customer requirements. 

This position will be based in our Houston, Texas office (in the Energy Corridor at 11700 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079).  Net Power offers a hybrid work schedule, 3 days in office and 2 days remote.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead NET Power's efforts to identify, develop, and implement the instrumentation strategy for our oxy-combustion, supercritical CO2 power cycle, leveraging NET Power’s La Porte test facility to accelerate selections and strategies at NET Power’s first commercial project.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to understand system requirements and develop instrumentation and control specifications to meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Conduct detailed analysis and evaluation of instrumentation systems, including sensors, transmitters, control valves, and data acquisition systems, to ensure compatibility with NET Power's unique technology in collaboration with NET Power process design and controls team.
• Work alongside the NET Power team to properly instrument facilities for validation, verification, performance testing, and ultimately long-term commercial operations.
• Identify long term product planning needs in line with NET Power’s multi-generational product plan and product requirements.
• Support the process and controls team to design and develop control strategies and algorithms for process control systems, ensuring efficient and reliable operation of the power cycle.
• Lead the selection, procurement, and commissioning of instrumentation and control equipment, working closely with vendors and suppliers to ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Support development and maintain instrumentation and control documentation, including P&IDs, instrument datasheets, control narratives, and system architecture diagrams.
• Conduct testing, validation, and troubleshooting of instrumentation and control systems, identifying and resolving technical issues to ensure system reliability and performance.
• Interface with regulatory agencies and third-party consultants to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and cybersecurity regulations and standards.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement within the project team, promoting best practices, lessons learned, and knowledge sharing initiatives. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. Master's degree or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in instrumentation and controls engineering, with a focus on power generation systems.
• Extensive knowledge of instrumentation technologies, including sensors, transmitters, control valves, and data acquisition systems.
• Proven experience developing instrumentation strategies and specifications for complex power generation systems, preferably in the energy or process industries.
• Strong understanding of process control principles and practices, including control system design, tuning, and optimization.
• Experience with control system software and programming languages, such as PLCs, DCS, SCADA, and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations governing instrumentation and control systems, such as ISA, ANSI/ISA, IEC, and NEMA.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex technical issues and develop practical solutions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or Certified Automation Professional (CAP) certification is preferred.
• Travel to local project and contractor sites as required, with other travel to suppliers, Durham office and others expected (20% time)

Additional Requirements

Candidates must be able to perform essential functions as outlined above, including but not limited to:

• Work effectively in an office environment
• Operate at a computer and sit for long periods of time
• Repeat motions that may include the wrists, hands, or fingers
• Position is sedentary with occasional light lifting

What NET Power Offers You

• Amazing growth and learning opportunities
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• 401K with company contribution
• Generous vacation policy
• Catered in-office lunches
• Be a part of changing the world

NET Power is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

**Unsolicited Third-Party Resumes Not Accepted.  NET Power LLC is not responsible for any fee related to unsolicited resumes from 3rd party staffing and recruiting agencies (whether submitted through this website or sent directly to employees) unless a written agreement is in place between the agency and NET Power LLC (“Company”) and an authorized Company representative makes a written request to the agency to assist with this requisition. Similarly, no fee will be paid for candidates who apply and claim to be represented by an agency. Any unsolicited resumes, CVs, or other candidate information submitted by an agency will become the property of Company, and no fee will be paid in the event such candidate is hired.

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