Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Senior Instrumentation & Controls EngineerFervo is working to build the most cost-effective, repeatable geothermal power plants in the world. Joining Fervo's GeoBlock engineering team means solving frontier technical problems with immediate real-world impact, accelerating the clean energy transition and reinventing the way infrastructure is built.We are seeking engineers who are excited by Fervo's mission, the opportunity to drive meaningful and impactful innovation, and the prospect of maintaining extreme ownership over the cost and constructability implications of their designs, knowing that each decision they make impacts the speed and scale of Fervo's mission.As a Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you will be a technical leader in the design and optimization of instrumentation & controls systems for Fervo's innovative power plants. You will apply advanced engineering judgment and first-principles analysis to develop high-performance, cost-effective plant designs, while mentoring junior engineers and influencing cross-disciplinary decision-making. As Fervo transitions from first-of-a-kind projects to scaling deployment of its plants, you will play a key role in driving standardization and efficiency improvements across projects.ResponsibilitiesDesign control system architectures for standardized 50 MW geothermal power blocks, including development of control philosophies, cause and effect matrices, control narratives, and I/O listsDevelop and maintain Ignition SCADA applications using Perspective, including server architectures, HMI screen development, tag configuration, alarming, historian integration, and report generation for geothermal facility operationsProgram Allen-Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix) in Rockwell Studio 5000 using standard code blocks developed by Fervo's controls architecture team; contribute to the maintenance and evolution of that shared library as experience growsProduce a complete I&C drawing package including control system architecture drawings, panel designs, instrument loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and low-voltage wiring schematicsReview Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and instrument datasheets; size and select instrumentation including control valves, flow meters, pressure transmitters, and safety valvesDesign and specify control panels including enclosure layout, component selection, and low-voltage wiring; coordinate with panel fabricators through construction and factory acceptance testingConfigure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks including Modbus TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, and OPC-UA; support fiber optic infrastructure design and installation coordination between field devices, PLCs, and SCADASupport greenfield construction and commissioning activities at Fervo sites, including site visits, SAT support, loop checks, and coordination with instrumentation and electrical contractorsCollaborate with process, mechanical, and electrical engineering disciplines to ensure I&C design is fully integrated across the standardized 50 MW Geoblock product; support HAZOP and PHA evaluationsCoordinate with IT/OT and cybersecurity teams to ensure control system designs meet network segmentation and secure remote access requirementsTroubleshoot process control, control network, and instrumentation problems in the field; support operations teams in identifying and resolving issues during startup and steady-state operationQualificationsRequiredBachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related degree from an ABET accredited program9-12 years of experience in Instrumentation & Control Engineering experience or related roleStrong working knowledge of industry standards and regulations.Ability to lead and mentor junior staff.Advanced oral and written communication skills, and a proven ability to write clear, thorough technical reportsKnowledge and application of National Electrical Code (NEC), International Society of Automation (ISA) and other applicable industry codes and standards as they apply to control system specification and designUnderstanding of various process equipment such as vessels, tanks, heat exchangers & coolers, heaters, rotating equipment (pumps and compressors), packaged equipment, valves & specialty itemsGeneral understanding of all phases of project document production and the relationship between drawings and specifications.Field experience preferredExperience with process flow/P&ID development, control narratives, Cause & Effect charts, SIS design, instrumentation studies, valve and instrument sizing, and automation/control system architecture.Ability to assist Process/Mechanical Engineers, support field evaluations and HAZOP/PHA reviews, and contribute to procurement (specifications, bid documents, instrument/PLC I/O lists).LocationFervo Energy has offices in Houston, TX, Golden, CO, Reno, NV, Oakland, CA, and Salt Lake City, UT. This position will be eligible for some hybrid work flexibility, but regular in-office presence at the Houston, Texas OR the Oakland, CA OR the Reno, Nevada office will be required.CompensationFervo provides a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability, flexible paid time off, and paid parental leave. Additionally, Fervo offers an incentive stock options program, a bonus incentive program, and a 401(k) plan with an employer match.Fervo Energy is providing the compensation range and general description of other compensation and benefits that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and geographic location. Expected Salary: $140,000 – $170,000 based on location and experience.Fervo Energy reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, or federal law.Benefits & PerksFervo offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and life outside of work. Benefits for eligible employees include:Medical, dental, and vision plan optionsEmployer-paid basic life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverageA 401(k) plan with up to 6% matchFlexible paid time off and paid parental leaveFamily-building, fertility, hormonal health, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting support through CarrotA dependent care FSA for eligible child and elder care expensesAn annual Lifestyle Spending Account for eligible wellness expenses, including fitness, financial planning, pet insurance, and pet careEmployee ownership opportunities through Fervo's Employee Stock Purchase Program, as well as LTI and bonus opportunities for eligible rolesBenefits and programs are subject to eligibility requirements and may change.Our WorkplaceFervo Energy highly values having employees work in the office to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. This role follows a hybrid schedule, with team members expected to work in the office three days per week. Fervo considers this in-office schedule an essential function of the role. Your recruiter can share more information about the schedule.Equal Opportunity EmployerFervo Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local law. Fervo also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that an individual has any of these characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of these characteristics.