Instrumentation and Control Engineer

Instrumentation and Control Engineer

Concentrated Solar Thermal Energy

FPR Energy

A rare opportunity

Do you want the challenge of controlling sunshine, steam and sand to deliver firm renewable power in the regional lifestyle centre of Newcastle, NSW?

Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) technology is intermittent by nature, but not by nurture. Historically, CST technology has been limited largely by the cost and complexities of overcoming night and cloudy days with existing heat storage systems. These challenges have limited CST take up and financial payback.

This has now changed.

More than a decade of research has resulted in the launch of an exciting new startup backed by a technical research team, an experienced and well-resourced investment firm providing commercial and techno-commercial capacity. and a major international utility company and planned first customer.

The startup company, FPR Energy, is rapidly scaling its novel particle-based CST technology to build a commercial scale demonstration project. FPR Energy is seeking exceptional engineers, who aren't afraid of new and exciting challenges, to help scale their technology.

Successful candidates will be aligned with FPR Energy's mission to tackle the world's hardest to abate carbon emissions, and impact will be measured in the millions of tonnes of carbon emissions reductions.

The Company

FPR Energy

The company is a new venture established by significant and well-respected organisations and individuals. Planning over the last few years has finessed a business plan, organisational structure and a strong board to take world first IP protected technology to the market.

The company is now searching for outstanding individuals to contribute to FPR Energy, its technology and projects.

The Opportunity

Instrumentation and Control Engineer

Reporting to and working with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Instrumentation and Control Engineer will be welcomed into the small team in their new premises located in the rapidly growing regional lifestyle centre of Newcastle, NSW.

This role will underpin the development of FPR Energy's innovative concentrated solar thermal and energy storage technology. It will involve designing and implementing control systems for high-temperature processing plants, supporting the development of prototype facilities, managing consultants and suppliers, capturing and documenting IP, and taking ownership of instrumentation, automation, and electrical systems, including their integration and operability.

A competitive package with a significant ESOP and STI is being offered.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be seeking an opportunity to apply their intelligence and problem-solving mindset in a well-funded, well-planned and technically sophisticated start-up company in Concentrated Solar Thermal energy.

You will want to make a difference by helping create and build sustainable, renewable energy technology with a global market. You will understand that start-ups need individuals who leave their egos at the door. Individuals who will work in and with a team, often providing advice or help in areas outside their core role, to ensure success.

You will enjoy problem solving and will roll up your sleeves to 'make it happen', pushing through the inevitable setbacks.

You will have a long-term project / product owner attitude.

You have built and commissioned large-scale chemical, thermal, bulk solids handling, or steam control systems.

You will be able to draw on your experience to propose, develop and implement novel controls for new equipment that no-one has built or operated before.

You want to be part of building the future

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, specification, and integration of instrumentation and control systems for high-temperature solar thermal facilities.
• Develop and maintain process control philosophies, P&IDs, functional specifications, and automation architecture.
• Lead LOPA and participate in HAZOP, supporting the design team to meet Plant and Machine Safety Standards
• Select and configure sensors, actuators, PLCs, SCADA, and other control equipment suited to harsh environments.
• Support design and development of electrical systems for prototype and demonstration facilities.
• Work closely with process, thermal, and mechanical engineers to figure out how to make novel equipment operate safely, reliably, and effectively.
• Ensure design process considers safety, reliability, maintainability, operability, and cost effectiveness.
• Collaborate with suppliers, consultants, and contractors to ensure timely delivery of prototype systems.
• Take an active role in commissioning, troubleshooting, and operational support of plant systems.
• Identify and validate suitable suppliers and equipment, particularly leveraging the knowledge base of the Hunter region.
• Contribute to development of IP and related documentation.

Desired experience:

Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical, Control, Mechatronics, or related discipline).

• 5+ years' experience in instrumentation, automation, and electrical systems design, ideally in power stations, processing plants, or other industrial facilities.
• Experience in commissioning and operation of control systems in mechanical, optical, steam and/or material handling processes.
• Experience integrating PLCs, SCADA, DCS and communication systems.
• Hands-on experience with HMI design and implementation
• Exposure to power station electrical systems, switchgear, and protection systems is desirable.
• Ability to bridge control, instrumentation, and general electrical engineering.

Candidate style:

A problem solver, lateral thinker who needs to find the solution

• A contributor with a strong interest to support the team to make it happen
• Flexible. Someone who can weigh the priorities and change tack if needed
• Someone with a bias to action
• Someone who takes ownership and drives through to a result
• Someone who enjoys the wins and copes well with the setbacks

You will:

• Be a strong communicator
• Have good written and verbal English language skills
• Have a sense of humour

Does this sound like the opportunity you have been waiting for?

To be a critically important engineer in a well-planned, resourced and funded, technically strong early-stage company?

· To break new ground

· Deal with problems never encountered before and to solve them

· To build the future?

· And, to want a share in the company?

Applications should include a resume, and a short cover letter addressing key skills and experience.

This job is only open to applicants who live and have the right to work in Australia.

Confidential queries may be directed to Bruce Handmer on or email.