Job Description

Materials Research Furnaces (MRF), located in Allenstown, NH., is seeking a Controls Engineer to join our team.

The candidate will focus on creating tailored automation solutions for high-temperature processes, meeting stringent client requirements in industries such as aerospace, semiconductor, and materials science.

The Controls Engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge furnace systems while adhering to project timelines and industry standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

Design and implement hardware and software control systems for high temperature vacuum furnaces, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and embedded controllers, to manage temperature, pressure, and vacuum parameters.

Program control software using languages such as Ladder Logic, Structured Text, or C/C++ to achieve precise process control and data logging.

Integrate control systems with thermocouples, pressure sensors, vacuum pumps, gas delivery systems, and other specialized components.

Design industrial control panels including schematics, layouts and BOMs to NFPA-79 and UL 508 standards using AutoCAD Electrical.

Conduct system testing, commissioning, and validation to ensure furnaces meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Troubleshoot and resolve furnace system issues during design, manufacturing, and field deployment, ensuring minimal downtime.

Optimize control algorithms for thermal profiles and process stability to enhance furnace performance and product quality.

Collaborate with mechanical engineers, thermal process specialists, and project managers to align control systems with furnace design and customer specifications.

Prepare detailed technical documentation, including test results, operation manuals, and maintenance procedures.

Support field installations, provide on-site or remote technical support, and train clients on furnace operation and control system interfaces.

Contribute to R&D efforts to innovate control solutions for next-generation vacuum furnace technologies.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or related field.

5 years of experience in controls engineering, ideally in thermal processing, vacuum systems, or OEM equipment manufacturing.

Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Eurotherm) and HMI/SCADA development (e.g., FactoryTalk SE, WinCC, Wonderware).

Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, EtherNet/IP, ProfiNet) and data acquisition systems.

Knowledge of high-temperature process control, vacuum technology, or gas management systems is highly desirable.

Skills And Abilities

Strong skills in electrical design software (AutoCAD Electrical).

Familiarity with Electrical and Industry standards relating to vacuum furnace compliance (NFPA 79 & 86).

Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose complex control system issues.

Strong communication skills for collaborating with internal teams and technical discussions with clients.

Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines in a precision-driven industry.

Preferred: Experience with motion control, PID tuning, thermal processing and gas control.

MRF-Materials Research Furnaces is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.

Company Description

MATERIALS RESEARCH FURNACES, LLC, designs, manufactures, and services industrial high-temperature, vacuum and controlled atmosphere furnaces for a wide range of applications.

MRF, LLC has a line of standard vacuum furnaces, laboratory furnaces, industrial furnaces and also builds many custom furnaces to meet specific customer requirements. We also build arc melting furnaces and hot pressing furnaces.

MRF products are used worldwide by laboratories, universities and the production industry. MRF has served the research and development, and production community since 1990.

MATERIALS RESEARCH FURNACES, LLC, designs, manufactures, and services industrial high-temperature, vacuum and controlled atmosphere furnaces for a wide range of applications. MRF, LLC has a line of standard vacuum furnaces, laboratory furnaces, industrial furnaces and also builds many custom furnaces to meet specific customer requirements. We also build arc melting furnaces and hot pressing furnaces. MRF products are used worldwide by laboratories, universities and the production industry. MRF has served the research and development, and production community since 1990.

Materials Research Furnaces (MRF)

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