Position
We are looking for an I&C Engineer to join our Operations team at our Northfield location!

Reporting to the North Hydro Senior Operations Manager, the Instrumentation and Controls Engineer is responsible for providing and maintaining systems that allow FirstLight Power’s hydroelectric generating station operating personnel to remotely and/or automatically operate plant equipment and peripherals. The systems also collect and store plant data for review and analysis. Work assignments will include projects located in both Massachusetts & Connecticut.

Primary Duties

• Lead and participate in the daily maintenance, management, and development of the hardware, software, and networks for all related real-time computing systems including: CPUs, operator consoles, Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and associated interface equipment used to control and monitor the generation facilities and the facilities' security access control and monitoring systems.
• Direct staff in the daily maintenance, management, and development of the hardware, software, and networks for all of the facility's computing systems, including the business Local Area Network (LAN) and security access control and monitoring systems which includes management, maintenance, and development of the LAN and the personal computers for the operating facility, with support from the Information Technology Department.
• Develop a thorough understanding of generating station principles of operation as required to successfully design and maintain safe and reliable automation and data collection systems working within station schedules and budgets to meet station management goals.
• Maintain existing facility computer systems (hardware, software, network, and security implementation) and develop new systems to accommodate changes in methodologies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and make modifications to existing real-time and security access control and monitoring system application software to accommodate changes in operating philosophy or new plant equipment and assist in the development of new software to perform future applications and new projects.
• Maintain and expand existing real-time and security access control and monitoring systems databases at a level consistent with changes, controlled to operating parameters and new projects for which the facility has control responsibility.
• Maintain and develop procedures for effective real-time system, security access control and monitoring systems, and network applications system operation, utilization, and disaster recovery and advise operating personnel of the same.
• Serve as the point of contact with vendors of supported, commercially purchased, software and hardware systems to report bugs, identify solutions to business issues, and perform upgrades.
• Provide on-call system support on a 24/7 basis to generating stations located throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts.
• Effectively interface with all levels of generation station management.
• Analyze and resolve system hardware and software problems involving station instrumentation, power supply and network communications.
• Use appropriate techniques to maintain the integrity and security of collected data.
• Integrate, install and test these systems according to current generation station standards in a production plant environment, observing all generation station safety and work control procedures.
• Revise existing programs, systems, and procedures to correct deficiencies, and conduct appropriate software and/or hardware tests after revisions to insure the correct operation of revised systems.
• Develop short term and long term plans for real-time and security access control and monitoring system upgrades.
• Maintain and review data and reports as required by policy and regulatory requirements for compliance related matters.
• Develop tools to support application development and monitoring of systems and hardware.
• Provide support for NERC and CIP compliance issues and reporting requirements.
• Prepare and review technical specifications and initiate budgetary proposals for acquiring additional or replacement hardware and/or software for real-time systems, and monitoring systems, as well as personal computers and local area network equipment.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.
• Complies with all FirstLight policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to be physically mobile (stand, walk, reach, climb, bend) and also the ability to sit for prolonged periods throughout the day/work hours.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboard, copier, telephone, and the ability to write and/or type.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 lbs.

Qualifications / Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science.
• Minimum of three years’ experience related SCADA/EMS, Power System Control, or a strong background in instrumentation and control systems engineering. Minimum of 3 years of experience with the design, implementation, and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems in a production environment.
• Experience using various programming languages, operating systems, applications and computer networking.
• PLC Ladder Logic, Visual Basic, Wonderware.
• Experience with GE Fanuc and Allen Bradley PLC’s.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to ascertain present and future customer needs, write system documentation, and train staff regarding industrial control systems.
• Problem Solving - Knowledge of system and software debugging methods to minimize troubleshooting time to return plant control systems to full service when problems occur. Must have experience in coordinating vendor support.
• Initiative and Independence - A self-starter having strong analytical skills and problem-solving skills who can work independently with little direction.
• Excellent PLC software and hardware knowledge, experience with support of real-time systems in a multi-user operating system. Knowledge of North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC),
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations and ISO-NE is a plus.
• Working knowledge of the following software is desired: AutoCAD suite of products (LT, Electrical, Vault, Raster Design), Wonderware suite of products (Intouch, Historian), & Visio.
• Strong working knowledge of other relevant programming languages, operating systems and relational databases.
• Demonstrated skills in the areas of planning, organizing, and project management.
• Strong commitment toward adherence to high standards and best work practices.
• Working knowledge of basic electrical wiring techniques, and cable terminations.
• Working knowledge of basic electrical and communications test equipment.
• Ability to quickly respond to changes in generation station operating requirements with appropriate system hardware and software modifications.

Why Work for FirstLight?
We consider our employees to be FirstLight’s most valuable resource and we strive to provide a challenging, collegial, and rewarding workplace. FirstLight embraces a company-wide commitment to recruit, develop and retain a dedicated, diverse, and engaged workforce that is motivated to be ever better both professionally and personally.

Joining the FirstLight team is an opportunity to experience a unique and exciting culture. Some of our benefits include:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans
• Flex Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with Employer Contributions
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development
• Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Charitable Matching Program
• And so much more!

About Us
FirstLight is a leading clean power producer and energy storage company with a portfolio that includes nearly 1.4GW of pumped-hydro storage (including Northfield Mountain, the largest energy storage facility in New England), battery storage, hydroelectric generation, and solar generation—the largest clean energy generation portfolio operating in New England today. We have approximately 125 employees based in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and our corporate headquarters are located in Burlington, MA.

Our mission and vision is to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid by owning, operating, and integrating large-scale renewable energy and storage assets to meet the region’s growing clean energy needs and to deliver an electric system that is clean, reliable, affordable, and equitable.

Building upon our industry-leading experience in operating large-scale renewable energy and storage assets, FirstLight’s vision and commitment to leading the energy industry transformation makes us uniquely positioned to navigate rapidly evolving market conditions and grow our portfolio in New England and other US markets in the years ahead.

Our Values
FirstLight values the following characteristics and behaviors in our team members:

• Respect: Showing respect for each other and the environment, fostering an inclusive and diverse team of employees, and providing a strong commitment to social responsibility
• Integrity: Exemplifying integrity in all business decisions highlighted through honesty, transparency, and trust.
• Safety: Providing a safe environment for our employees and for all visitors to our recreational facilities.
• Excellence: Continually striving to achieve the greatest level of operational excellence so that we produce the highest quality output and consistently deliver results.
• Innovation: Dedication to creating new market-leading solutions to stay ahead of unprecedented changes in the energy industry.
• Team: Creating an inspiring workplace that fosters open communication, collaboration, and accelerates personal growth. We seek to attract, retain, and develop the best talent in the industry to fuel our success. Diversity is a strategic advantage we need to cultivate.

FirstLight provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, we make our hiring and employment decisions on the basis of merit. Except as otherwise provided by law, employment practices will not be affected by an applicant’s or an employee’s race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy, criminal record, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.In addition to federal law requirements, FirstLight complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.