Instrumentation and Control Engineer - Intern

Job Title:  Instrumentation and Control Engineer - Intern

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Gross Salary: Ksh 47,000
Type: Full-time on-site Internship 

About Octavia Carbon:

Octavia Carbon is the Global South's first Direct Air Capture (DAC) company dedicated to combating climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. We design and build low-cost DAC technology that leverages Kenya's geothermal energy, geology, and talent to accelerate DAC down the cost curve radically.

Job Overview

We’re looking for a detail-oriented Instrumentation & Control (I&C) Intern to contribute to the design, installation, testing, and verification of instrumentation systems for our TRL 6 pilot modules. You will work on sensor networks, PLC I/O integration, signal validation, and system-level documentation all critical to delivering reliable data and enabling high-quality experimentation. For your application to be considered, your resume should accompany the assignment below. 

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and layout of sensor and instrumentation systems for new and existing pilot modules.
• Lead or assist in the integration and validation of process sensors (e.g., pressure, flow, temperature), ensuring installation aligns with system requirements and best practices.
• Collaborate with process and controls engineers to ensure instrumentation supports safe operation, system observability, and data integrity.
• Write and test PLC programs to implement control logic using Structured Text (ST) or Ladder Logic (LAD) in platforms such as Siemens TIA Portal or equivalent.
• Contribute to PCB prototyping, schematic reviews, and design-for-test considerations using KiCAD or EasyEDA where applicable.

Qualifications

Required:

• BSc in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field.
• Solid understanding of sensor types, signal standards (e.g., 4–20 mA, RTDs, thermocouples, digital I/O), and their role in process systems.
• Experience writing and debugging PLC programs using Structured Text (ST) and/or Ladder Logic (LAD) in industrial platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley, etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, I/O maps, wiring diagrams, and control specifications.
• Exposure to PCB design workflows or tools (e.g., KiCAD, EasyEDA).
• Strong troubleshooting skills, with the ability to systematically isolate and resolve signal, wiring, or logic issues.

Preferred:

• Deep experience with Siemens PLCs, including diagnostics, hardware selection, and ladder/ST programming.
• Proficiency in KiCAD or EasyEDA for full schematic capture and layout (not just exposure).
• Familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical or similar tools for control panel design and wiring schematics.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus RTU/TCP, OPC UA, CAN, Profinet).
• Experience with structured control documentation (block diagrams, flow charts, control architecture).

As part of your application process, please complete the challenge below and attach your solution by Friday 20th March 2026 at 5pm EAT.

Assignment:  Pilot_Plant_I_C_Challenge.pdf

Note: Applicants who complete both challenges will be given strong consideration.

Octavia Carbon offers competitive growth opportunities, a competitive salary, a route to owning company equity, and a high degree of professional freedom & responsibility, coupled with an intense working environment to enable a steep learning curve.  

Octavia Carbon is an equal opportunity employer and especially encourages applications from women, and individuals from diverse socioeconomic, religious and regional backgrounds.