I/C Computer Technician

Job description

Arizona Public Service generates reliable, affordable and clean energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. Our service territory stretches across the state, from the border town of Douglas to the vistas of the Grand Canyon, from the solar fields of Gila Bend to the ponderosa pines of Payson. As the state’s largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.

Since our founding in 1886, APS has demonstrated a strong commitment to our customers in one of the country’s fastest growing states, earning a reputation for customer satisfaction, shareholder value, operational excellence and business integrity. Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.

Summary

The Instrument & Controls (I&C) Computer Technician is responsible for the maintenance, testing, troubleshooting, configuration and support of safety related, security related and risk significant digital systems that support nuclear plant operations, security and emergency preparedness. Performs surveillance testing, post maintenance testing, system upgrades and cybersecurity activities on plant computer systems, digital control systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), data acquisition systems and associated networks.

Operates in a highly regulated nuclear environment and requires strict adherence to technical specifications, cybersecurity requirements, configuration control and procedural compliance. Serves as a technical subject matter resource supporting operations, engineering, security and emergency preparedness organizations.

Minimum Requirements

High school diploma/GED plus three (3) years of working experience in I&C, digital controls, plant computer systems or equivalent technical roles, of which one (1) year should be related technical training. Possess a high degree of manual dexterity and ability; and should be capable of learning and applying basic skills. Ability to qualify for and maintain unescorted nuclear access. Ability to obtain and maintain required site and system qualifications. (Meets or exceeds minimum education and experience requirements per Palo Verde Procedure 01DP-0EM08, Appendix A.)

Testing

EEI MASS Test administered.

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Requirements

Knowledge of digital control systems (e.g., Ovation or equivalent DCS), PLCs, Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and microprocessor based systems. Knowledge of plant computer systems, historians, Windows/UNIX Server based computer systems and data concentrators. Knowledge of safety related and risk significant digital systems. Knowledge of industrial computer networking, including Ethernet based, and fiber optic-based communications.

Knowledge of industrial instrumentation interfaces, test equipment usage and signal conditioning. Knowledge of Technical Specifications and surveillance requirements, configuration management and change control, nuclear cybersecurity requirements (e.g., 10 CFR 73.54 / NEI 08 09), emergency preparedness and security system interfaces, procedure use and adherence, human performance tools and corrective action processes.

Nuclear requirement

Any PVNGS employee may be called upon to serve as a member of the Emergency Response Organization (ERO) and will be expected to fulfill their obligation as an ERO member. Any PVNGS employee may be called upon to support a refueling or short-notice outage. This includes line roles and responsibilities as necessary to execute outage activities. These are conditions of employment at PVNGS.

Major Accountabilities

• Performs maintenance, testing and troubleshooting of safety significant plant computer systems, Distributed Control System (DCS) platforms, meteorological tower monitoring systems, PLCs, RTUs and other digital or networked components owned by I&C. Conducts channel checks, functional testing, logic testing, calibration and surveillance activities, and post maintenance testing in accordance with approved procedures. Diagnoses hardware, software, communication and data quality issues and restores full system functionality following equipment failures or configuration changes.
• Performs maintenance, testing and troubleshooting of security regulatory required computer systems including access control interfaces, intrusion detection sensors, video surveillance cameras, vehicle barrier controls, security doors, turnstiles and associated field panels and security computers owned by I&C. Performs preventive and corrective maintenance, restores failed communication paths, validates alarm annunciation and ensures operability of security backup power systems and components to meet regulatory security requirements.
• Performs maintenance, testing and troubleshooting of onsite/offsite evacuation notification sirens and associated communication interfaces to ensure reliable activation and public alert capability. Maintains emergency notification systems, including evacuation sirens, plant wide public address and broadcast systems, and emergency evacuation lighting.

Performs elevated work using aerial equipment such as bucket trucks and boom lifts (e.g., JLG type lifts) to access sirens, speakers, cameras, lighting and other elevated equipment. Ensures all emergency notification systems to county and local authorities remain functional during loss of power events and under design basis accident conditions.