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Department: 445050 - Utilities and Engineering
Location: Raleigh, NC
Essential Job Duties:
Join NC State Facilities as an Electronics Specialist - Advanced and bring your expertise to the sophisticated electronic, digital, and control systems that support the University's critical utility operations. This advanced-level position plays an essential role in maintaining the technology behind the Central Utility Plant, where reliable systems are vital to the safe and efficient operation of campus.
As an Electronics Specialist - Advanced, you will independently troubleshoot, maintain, calibrate, test, and repair complex electronic, electromechanical, and digital control systems supporting high-pressure boilers, chillers, pumps, fuel systems, cooling towers, cogeneration facilities, and other critical thermal utility equipment. You will work across both hardware and software systems, identify complex problems, and develop effective solutions, often using your technical knowledge and independent judgment to diagnose issues when documentation or established procedures may not provide the answer.
This role is ideal for an experienced electronics professional who enjoys solving complex technical problems, working independently, and taking ownership of critical systems. You will have the opportunity to develop innovative troubleshooting and testing methods, anticipate potential equipment issues, and provide technical insight to leadership and end users regarding equipment, processes, and emerging technologies. If you are ready to take on an advanced technical role where your knowledge, initiative, and problem-solving skills make a direct impact, we invite you to apply and become part of the NC State Facilities team.
Key responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:
- Independently troubleshoot complex mechanical, electromechanical, electronic, and digital control systems associated with thermal utility plant equipment, including chillers, boilers, pumps, fuel systems, cooling towers, cogeneration systems, and related equipment.
- Perform advanced maintenance, testing, calibration, and repair of digital and electronic control systems and field devices, including both hardware and software components.
- Independently perform preventive maintenance on sophisticated control systems, electronic equipment, and field devices to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.
- Analyze complex system problems and determine appropriate corrective actions, using technical knowledge, diagnostic equipment, system information, and independent judgment.
- Develop and implement innovative troubleshooting and testing procedures to diagnose equipment and control-system issues and improve maintenance effectiveness.
- Determine circuit configuration, system operation, and component function when technical documentation, schematics, or other reference materials are unavailable or incomplete.
- Anticipate potential maintenance and equipment issues and proactively identify opportunities to address problems before they affect plant operations, with minimal supervision.
- Provide technical consultation and recommendations to supervisors, management, and end users regarding equipment purchases, emerging technologies, electronic processes, and improvements to existing systems.
- Evaluate electronic and control-system technologies and provide technical input that supports the selection, implementation, and improvement of equipment and processes.
- Collaborate with skilled Central Utility Plant personnel and other Facilities professionals to diagnose system issues, resolve complex operational challenges, and support the continuity of critical utility services.
- Maintain a strong commitment to safety, reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement while working in a critical utility environment.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, management, and members of the campus community regarding work assignments, technical issues, maintenance activities, and other operational matters.
- Safely perform the physical requirements of the position, including occasionally lifting up to 60 pounds.
Other Work/Responsibilities:
- Hours are subject to change to meet the needs of the University.
- This position is subject to emergency call back, weekend work and rotational on-call.
- Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment of safety glasses, safety shoes, and ear plugs.
- Additional safety equipment to include respirator, welding leathers, welding shield, hardhat, and/or other gear related to the work site.
Minimum Experience/Education:
Associate's Degree in Electronics; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications:
- Experience in repairing and maintaining a variety of specialized electronic devices.
- Knowledge of and experience using Kirchhoff's circuit laws and Ohm's Law for troubleshooting, circuit testing, and modification.
- Ability to use analytical thinking skills to troubleshoot situations using logic, reasoning, and hypothesis testing.
- Extensive experience troubleshooting mechanical, electromechanical, electronic, and digital control systems related to thermal plant equipment and control systems for the operation of chillers, boilers, pumps, fuel systems, cooling towers, cogeneration systems, etc.
- Experience with thermal loops (steam and chilled water) in a multi-building campus environment.
- Experience with plc based control systems, including Honeywell HC900-based systems.
- Experience in troubleshooting data networks, computers, and software to determine the point of failure.
- Ability to work independently and use critical thinking skills.
- Knowledge and experience in reading and interpreting electrical, electronic and mechanical blueprints and drawings.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Extensive experience troubleshooting mechanical, electromechanical, electronic, and digital control systems related with thermal plant equipment and control systems for the operation of chillers, boilers, pumps, fuel systems, cooling towers, cogeneration systems, etc.
- Experience with thermal loops (steam and chilled water) in a multi-building campus environment.
- Experience with PLC-based control systems, including Honeywell HC900-based systems
- Experience in troubleshooting data networks, computers and software to determine point of failure.
- Ability to work independently and use critical thinking skills.
Required license or certification:
- Valid driver's license required.
- Must have a valid North Carolina driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of start date and it must be maintained.
- The employer will provide the necessary training and opportunities to obtain the required licenses and certifications (with the exception of a driver's license).
Position Number: 00062041
AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.