Computer Control Specialist Engineer

Computer Control Specialist Engineer – Nuclear

Location: Ontario – Hybrid
Term: 12-Month Contract

Position Overview

The Computer Control Specialist Engineer will provide senior technical expertise in the design, analysis, specification, integration, verification and lifecycle support of digital Instrumentation & Control systems used within CANDU nuclear generating stations.

The position focuses on computer-based control systems including Distributed Digital Control Computers (DCC), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), plant process computers, safety-critical computer systems, industrial communication networks, cybersecurity and overall digital I&C architecture.

The engineer will support systems responsible for reactor control, process control, plant monitoring and nuclear safety functions while ensuring computer-based systems satisfy applicable safety, reliability, cybersecurity, licensing and operational requirements throughout design, refurbishment, commissioning and operation.

Key Responsibilities

Computer Control & Digital I&C Design

• Develop and maintain computer-control system architectures for CANDU nuclear facilities.
• Design and specify:
  • Distributed Digital Control Computer (DCC) systems
  • Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
  • Plant Process Computers (PPC)
  • Human Machine Interfaces (HMI)
  • Supervisory and monitoring systems
  • Data historians and plant information systems
• Define system requirements, functional specifications and interface requirements.
• Prepare system architecture diagrams, system descriptions and associated engineering documentation.

Nuclear Safety & Safety-Critical Systems

• Perform engineering evaluations of safety-related computer systems.
• Support safety classification of I&C systems.
• Develop and/or review:
  • Safety Design Requirements
  • Software Design Requirements
  • Functional Requirements Specifications
  • Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
  • Hazard analyses
  • Reliability assessments
• Apply nuclear safety principles including:
  • Single-failure criterion
  • Independence
  • Defence-in-depth
  • Diversity
  • Redundancy
  • Fail-safe design

Digital I&C Architecture & Networking

• Develop plant-wide I&C architecture strategies.
• Design and evaluate communication interfaces between reactor regulating, shutdown, turbine control, process control and emergency support systems.
• Assess network segmentation, communication protocols, data-flow requirements and cybersecurity boundaries.
• Support digital modernization and system upgrade initiatives.
• Apply knowledge of redundant network design, Ethernet-based industrial networks, time synchronization, fibre-optic communications, IEC 61850 concepts and cybersecure architectures.

Systems Integration

• Coordinate technical integration between control-system vendors, engineering disciplines, operations and licensing organizations.
• Review Interface Control Documents.
• Resolve hardware/software integration issues.
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).

Software Engineering Oversight

This position provides engineering oversight of software-based control systems rather than functioning as a software programming role.

Responsibilities include:

• Review software lifecycle activities.
• Support software quality assurance.
• Participate in requirements verification and software validation.
• Participate in code reviews where applicable.
• Support configuration management and software change-control activities.

Plant Support & Troubleshooting

• Perform root-cause investigations involving computer-control/I&C systems.
• Recommend corrective actions and plant improvements.
• Support system troubleshooting and lifecycle activities.

Technical Areas

Candidates may have experience across:

• DCC platforms
• DCS platforms
• PLCs and Safety PLCs
• Networked control systems
• Virtualized control environments
• SCADA
• Real-time operating systems
• Control-system architecture
• Redundant industrial networks
• Cybersecure architecture

Relevant safety-analysis experience may include:

• Deterministic safety analysis
• Common Cause Failure assessments
• Diversity assessments
• Software hazard analysis
• Reliability analysis
• Cybersecurity assessments

These technical areas are specifically identified in the client JD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Software Engineering.
• P.Eng. or eligibility for professional registration preferred. Client notes indicate an exceptional Computer Science candidate may still be considered.
• Minimum 12–15 years of relevant experience, with 15+ years identified as the preferred seniority level.
• Strong knowledge of computer-control and/or digital I&C systems.
• Thorough knowledge of CANDU control systems is highly preferred.
• Experience with DCC, DCS, PLC/Safety PLC, SCADA, networked control systems, virtualized control environments and/or real-time operating systems.
• Strong understanding of control-system architecture and industrial networking.
• Experience developing system/software requirements and specifications for computer-control systems.
• Experience with system verification and validation/testing.
• Experience with safety-related or safety-critical systems.
• Cybersecurity knowledge relevant to industrial/nuclear control systems.
• Knowledge of applicable nuclear or safety-critical codes and standards.

Codes & Standards

Relevant knowledge includes:

CSA Nuclear Standards

• CSA N286
• CSA N290.14
• CSA N290.7
• CSA N290.1
• CSA N290.13
• CSA N285/N299

International / Industry Standards

• IAEA Safety Standards
• IEC 61513
• IEC 60880
• IEC 62138
• IEC 61226
• Applicable IEEE nuclear I&C standards
• CNSC REGDOCs