Controls Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Idaho
Idaho's controls engineer jobs are concentrated in the Boise metro, where manufacturers like Lamb Weston, Micron Technology, and ON Semiconductor run complex automated production lines. Twin Falls and Nampa also have active hiring in food processing and semiconductor facilities. Most sponsoring employers file H-1B visa or TN visa petitions for qualified international candidates with automation and PLC experience.
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Get Access To All JobsThe Rathdrum Power Plant is a 275 MW combined-cycle natural gas-fired project that commenced commercial operations in September 2001 and is tolled under a long-term agreement to Avista. The tolling agreement expires in October 2041. Rathdrum's equipment configuration is platformed on GE 7FA technology, along with a heat recovery steam generator and steam turbine. The project includes an SCR and is a recent vintage, environmentally compliant project.
Opportunity Summary
The IC&E Technician at the Rathdrum Power Plant is essential to maintaining operations by calibrating, testing, and troubleshooting key instrumentation, control systems, and electrical equipment, including PLCs, DCS, SCADA, and GE 7FA turbine control systems. This role ensures reliability and efficiency through preventive and corrective maintenance, optimizing systems such as combustion turbines, HRSG, steam turbine, SCR, and electrical systems. By collaborating with engineers and adhering to safety standards, the IC&E Technician helps improve performance, reduce downtime, and support overall plant success.
Your scope of responsibility as IC&E Technician includes the following primary functions:
- Calibrates, tests, maintains, troubleshoots, and installs instrumentation, control systems, and electrical equipment at the Rathdrum Power Plant. This includes control valves, fan dampers, variable speed drives, motors, battery chargers, inverters, transmitters, analyzers, shop calibration equipment, and systems specific to GE 7FA combustion turbines, HRSG, steam turbine, and SCR.
- Performs corrective, preventive, predictive, and emergency maintenance on electrical systems, including 13.8KV and 4160-volt switchgear, motors, control centers, transformers, batteries, inverters, chargers, and main generator excitation equipment.
- Maintains, troubleshoots, and optimizes PLC systems by conducting inspections, diagnosing faults, fine-tuning programs, and collaborating with engineers to enhance performance.
- Maintains and monitors DCS and SCADA systems, ensuring reliable operation and troubleshooting faults to sustain optimal plant performance.
- Calibrates, maintains, and troubleshoots turbine control systems, ensuring the proper operation of GE 7FA combustion turbines and the steam turbine, while collaborating with engineers to resolve issues and improve efficiency.
- Coordinates with other departments to ensure efficient maintenance operations and minimize downtime.
- Installs new equipment and modifications while adhering to safety protocols and industry standards.
- Maintains, cleans, and properly stores shop equipment and tools, including specialized tools for instrumentation and electrical maintenance.
- Keeps detailed logs of issues, repairs, and downtime, and updates plant drawings, databases, vendor information, calibration records, and other documentation.
- Implements safe work practices, identifies hazards, and recommends or initiates repairs to maintain a safe working environment.
- Assists the Plant Engineer with testing, including turbine controls, combustion control processes, and boiler control systems.
- Works with outside contractors during overhauls and projects, providing technical guidance and oversight on instrumentation and control activities.
- Handles and disposes of hazardous waste, such as batteries and fluorescent bulbs, in compliance with safety regulations.
- Performs additional tasks as assigned to support efficient plant operations.
NAES Safe
Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.
Working Relationships
The IC&E Technician reports directly to the Maintenance Manager and receives general direction from plant management. This role involves interfacing with contractors and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) personnel to ensure necessary support and coordination.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.
Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.
Fitness for Duty
All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
Work Schedule
The IC&E Technician works a 4 X 10 schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status will also be required.
Compensation
This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $45 to $49 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus, to accommodate candidates at all levels of experience.
Core Qualifications and Skills
We are seeking a qualified Instrumentation, Controls, and Electrical (IC&E) Technician with hands-on experience in power generation operations and maintenance. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong technical aptitude, a commitment to safety, and a track record of contributing effectively within a team environment to support reliable plant performance.
- An Associate degree in Plant Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Process Technology, or a related field is preferred. Alternatively, equivalent technical training in industrial maintenance or instrumentation and control is beneficial, though not required. Relevant industry or military experience may also be considered.
- Experience in power plants or industrial settings preferred, with familiarity in combined-cycle operations, safety protocols, and equipment.
- Thorough knowledge and experience troubleshooting and repairing electrical systems, including high voltage switchgear, motors, control centers, transformers, batteries, inverters, chargers, and generator excitation equipment.
- Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in maintaining and troubleshooting instrumentation and DCS systems in modern combined-cycle plants, with hands-on experience in GE 7FA combustion turbines, HRSG, steam turbine, SCR, and supporting controls including burner management, combustion control, boiler controls, turbine controls, and condition monitoring.
- Understanding of burner management systems, combustion control processes, and boiler control systems to maximize efficiency and safety during power generation.
- Hands-on expertise in combustion and steam turbine operations and PLCs, including start-up, shutdown, and performance adjustments to sustain peak reliability.
- Skilled in performing routine inspections and preventive maintenance on critical electrical equipment to ensure reliable operation and safety compliance.
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors to coordinate maintenance activities, procure necessary resources, and ensure timely completion of projects, supporting the continuous operation of the Rathdrum Power Plant.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with the analytical and mathematical aptitude to present technical information, conclusions, and recommendations effectively.
- Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.
About NAES
NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.
NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
The Rathdrum Power Plant is a 275 MW combined-cycle natural gas-fired project that commenced commercial operations in September 2001 and is tolled under a long-term agreement to Avista. The tolling agreement expires in October 2041. Rathdrum's equipment configuration is platformed on GE 7FA technology, along with a heat recovery steam generator and steam turbine. The project includes an SCR and is a recent vintage, environmentally compliant project.
Opportunity Summary
The IC&E Technician at the Rathdrum Power Plant is essential to maintaining operations by calibrating, testing, and troubleshooting key instrumentation, control systems, and electrical equipment, including PLCs, DCS, SCADA, and GE 7FA turbine control systems. This role ensures reliability and efficiency through preventive and corrective maintenance, optimizing systems such as combustion turbines, HRSG, steam turbine, SCR, and electrical systems. By collaborating with engineers and adhering to safety standards, the IC&E Technician helps improve performance, reduce downtime, and support overall plant success.
Your scope of responsibility as IC&E Technician includes the following primary functions:
- Calibrates, tests, maintains, troubleshoots, and installs instrumentation, control systems, and electrical equipment at the Rathdrum Power Plant. This includes control valves, fan dampers, variable speed drives, motors, battery chargers, inverters, transmitters, analyzers, shop calibration equipment, and systems specific to GE 7FA combustion turbines, HRSG, steam turbine, and SCR.
- Performs corrective, preventive, predictive, and emergency maintenance on electrical systems, including 13.8KV and 4160-volt switchgear, motors, control centers, transformers, batteries, inverters, chargers, and main generator excitation equipment.
- Maintains, troubleshoots, and optimizes PLC systems by conducting inspections, diagnosing faults, fine-tuning programs, and collaborating with engineers to enhance performance.
- Maintains and monitors DCS and SCADA systems, ensuring reliable operation and troubleshooting faults to sustain optimal plant performance.
- Calibrates, maintains, and troubleshoots turbine control systems, ensuring the proper operation of GE 7FA combustion turbines and the steam turbine, while collaborating with engineers to resolve issues and improve efficiency.
- Coordinates with other departments to ensure efficient maintenance operations and minimize downtime.
- Installs new equipment and modifications while adhering to safety protocols and industry standards.
- Maintains, cleans, and properly stores shop equipment and tools, including specialized tools for instrumentation and electrical maintenance.
- Keeps detailed logs of issues, repairs, and downtime, and updates plant drawings, databases, vendor information, calibration records, and other documentation.
- Implements safe work practices, identifies hazards, and recommends or initiates repairs to maintain a safe working environment.
- Assists the Plant Engineer with testing, including turbine controls, combustion control processes, and boiler control systems.
- Works with outside contractors during overhauls and projects, providing technical guidance and oversight on instrumentation and control activities.
- Handles and disposes of hazardous waste, such as batteries and fluorescent bulbs, in compliance with safety regulations.
- Performs additional tasks as assigned to support efficient plant operations.
NAES Safe
Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.
Working Relationships
The IC&E Technician reports directly to the Maintenance Manager and receives general direction from plant management. This role involves interfacing with contractors and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) personnel to ensure necessary support and coordination.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.
Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.
Fitness for Duty
All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
Work Schedule
The IC&E Technician works a 4 X 10 schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status will also be required.
Compensation
This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $45 to $49 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus, to accommodate candidates at all levels of experience.
Core Qualifications and Skills
We are seeking a qualified Instrumentation, Controls, and Electrical (IC&E) Technician with hands-on experience in power generation operations and maintenance. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong technical aptitude, a commitment to safety, and a track record of contributing effectively within a team environment to support reliable plant performance.
- An Associate degree in Plant Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Process Technology, or a related field is preferred. Alternatively, equivalent technical training in industrial maintenance or instrumentation and control is beneficial, though not required. Relevant industry or military experience may also be considered.
- Experience in power plants or industrial settings preferred, with familiarity in combined-cycle operations, safety protocols, and equipment.
- Thorough knowledge and experience troubleshooting and repairing electrical systems, including high voltage switchgear, motors, control centers, transformers, batteries, inverters, chargers, and generator excitation equipment.
- Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in maintaining and troubleshooting instrumentation and DCS systems in modern combined-cycle plants, with hands-on experience in GE 7FA combustion turbines, HRSG, steam turbine, SCR, and supporting controls including burner management, combustion control, boiler controls, turbine controls, and condition monitoring.
- Understanding of burner management systems, combustion control processes, and boiler control systems to maximize efficiency and safety during power generation.
- Hands-on expertise in combustion and steam turbine operations and PLCs, including start-up, shutdown, and performance adjustments to sustain peak reliability.
- Skilled in performing routine inspections and preventive maintenance on critical electrical equipment to ensure reliable operation and safety compliance.
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors to coordinate maintenance activities, procure necessary resources, and ensure timely completion of projects, supporting the continuous operation of the Rathdrum Power Plant.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with the analytical and mathematical aptitude to present technical information, conclusions, and recommendations effectively.
- Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.
About NAES
NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.
NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Controls Engineer Job Roles in Idaho
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Search Controls Engineer Jobs in IdahoControls Engineer Jobs in Idaho: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for controls engineers in Idaho?
Micron Technology in Boise is one of Idaho's most active H-1B sponsors and regularly hires controls and automation engineers for its semiconductor fabrication operations. Food processing companies like Lamb Weston and Glanbia also sponsor visas for controls engineers supporting their highly automated plants. Smaller industrial automation contractors and systems integrators in the Treasure Valley occasionally sponsor as well, though less consistently than larger manufacturers.
Which visa types are most common for controls engineer roles in Idaho?
The H-1B is the most common visa for controls engineers in Idaho, as the role typically requires a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering, satisfying the specialty occupation requirement. Canadian and Mexican nationals with qualifying engineering degrees frequently use the TN visa, which has no annual cap and can be obtained at the border. Australian citizens may qualify for the E-3 visa, which follows a similar process to the H-1B but with a separate annual allocation.
Which cities in Idaho have the most controls engineer sponsorship jobs?
Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley cities of Nampa and Caldwell account for the majority of controls engineer sponsorship opportunities in Idaho, driven by semiconductor manufacturing at Micron and food and beverage processing facilities. Twin Falls is a secondary hub due to its concentration of large food processing plants that rely heavily on automated equipment and PLC-based control systems. Outside these areas, controls engineering openings with visa sponsorship are relatively limited.
How to find controls engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Idaho?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it straightforward to find controls engineer roles in Idaho without sorting through positions that don't support international candidates. You can search by location and role type to focus on Boise-area manufacturers, semiconductor facilities, and food processing companies that have a documented history of sponsoring engineering visas. Setting up alerts on Migrate Mate for Idaho controls engineer postings helps you respond quickly when new sponsored roles appear.
Are there any Idaho-specific considerations for controls engineers seeking visa sponsorship?
Idaho's prevailing wage requirements under the H-1B program are generally lower than coastal tech markets, which can make sponsorship more accessible for employers operating on tighter margins, particularly in food processing and regional manufacturing. Boise State University and the University of Idaho produce electrical and mechanical engineering graduates, so some local employers have established pipelines that make them more familiar with sponsoring international engineers. Controls engineers with experience in food safety automation standards or semiconductor fabrication equipment tend to be most competitive with Idaho-based sponsors.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored controls engineer jobs in Idaho?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.