Control Systems Designer at NESC Staffing Houston, TX

Downtown Boulder Partnership; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Downtown Boulder Partnership is seeking a Control Systems Designer in Houston, TX. This role involves supervising a team of designers and drafters to develop detailed CAD models and construction drawings for various industrial projects, including petrochemicals and LNG.

Qualified candidates will have strong proficiency in design software and knowledge of international engineering codes. This is a contract position, fully on-site.

Qualifications

• Must have extensive experience in design and drafting.
• Knowledge of design codes, criteria, and industry standards.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of designers and drafters for project design.
• Manage operational supervision through staffing and scheduling.
• Ensure compliance with design standards and codes.

Skills

Design software proficiency (S3D, SPI, MicroStation)

Knowledge of international codes

Project management in greenfield/brownfield

Education

Degree in engineering or scientific discipline

Tools

MicroStation

S3D

SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI)

Job description

Control Systems Designer

Houston, TX 77001

3 Month Contract - 100% On-Site

Summary

The Control Systems Designer is responsible for supervising and guiding a team of designers and drafters to develop detailed 2D/3D CAD models, construction drawings, and material requisitions for industrial and energy-related projects. This role involves managing design standards, ensuring code compliance, coordinating with engineers and clients, and contributing to cost‑efficient, high‑quality deliverables across greenfield and brownfield projects in sectors such as petrochemicals, LNG, power, and water treatment. Strong proficiency in design software (e.g., S3D, SPI, MicroStation), familiarity with international codes, and prior experience leading FEED or proposal design efforts are essential.

Responsibilities

• Either directly or through subordinate supervisors, provides operational supervision and technical guidance through administering and directing the work of designers and drafters who work as a medium sized group in a particular discipline on a project or group supporting a global business unit, and assigns lead roles. Determines staffing needs and schedules to meet work requirements. Prepares the preparation of layouts, study drawings, detailed design 2‑D and 3‑D Computer Aided Design (CAD) models and construction drawings. Supports development of work plans and schedules for the assigned work including estimate for material quantities, design deliverables and staffing needs to meet the project milestones. Supervises preparation of assigned material requisitions and bid evaluations. Monitors work for compliance to applicable codes, accepted engineering practices and with approved design standards to provide quality design, reliable/safe plant operation and construction economy, and assigns lead roles. Prepares design and drafting procedures to standardize design effort.
• Coordinates or makes jobsite visits as required, to resolve problems and interpret drawings and documents. Reviews or defines engineering scope changes, as required, for project management. Endorses or prepares reports of work progress, as required, for project and discipline use.
• Maintains up-to-date skills in Company Standard Application Programs relevant to design work and ensures that maximum use is made thereof.
• Organizes and directs the implementation of on-the-job training of assigned personnel. Conducts annual performance reviews in accordance with approved procedures and holds career development discussions.
• Establishes and maintains communication with project engineers, engineering supervisors in charge of related disciplines, and with administrative personnel within the project. Consults with equipment suppliers, technical specialists and client representatives as directed to provide and receive technical information.
• Responsible for assigned activities within an engineering or design discipline in a GBU on a project or program. Applies broad and diversified knowledge of engineering principles and practices to project engineering in the preparation of complex designs and deliverables under the direction of an engineer. Makes decisions independently concerning problems with the discipline on the project. Represents the discipline on the project and with the client to resolve technical questions and as required to coordinate work.

Basic Qualifications

• Specialized courses in drafting, design and engineering practices, and CAD, or a recognized degree in a job‑related engineering or scientific discipline.
• Extensive experience in design and drafting and experience in personnel administration.
• Broad knowledge of design and drafting techniques, engineering drawings, graphic arts, reading of drawings and reproduction methods used by the discipline. Skill in reading, interpreting, and using related documents and drawings prepared by other project groups. Knowledge of the application of engineering and construction materials related to the discipline’s design responsibilities. Knowledge of discipline Design Guides, mathematical formulae and design calculations used in the discipline. Knowledge of procedures used for the procurement and quantity control of bulk materials applicable to the discipline.
• Knowledge of industry and regulatory standards, design criteria and codes relevant to the discipline.
• Broad knowledge of 2-D and 3-D computer aided drafting (CAD) tools.
• Knowledge of technical responsibilities of other groups associated with the total design effort. Demonstrated skill in organizing and supervising.

Required

• Must be proficient in the use and application of international design standards including IEC and NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code).
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience in MicroStation, Smart Sketch, S3D is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience in SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI) is required.
• Demonstrated experienced reviewing Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) is required.
• Ability to independently produce instrument location plans, wiring and loop diagrams, instrument installation details, instrument hookup details.
• Ability to independently model instruments, instrument junction’s boxes, remote I/O panels, etc. S3D.
• Ability to develop innovative ideas to reduce project total installed costs (TIC).
• Previous experience in reviewing complex vendor packages including compressors, thermal oxidizers, heaters, gas turbine generators.
• Demonstrated prior experience/performance on Petrochemical and LNG projects.
• Previous experience preparing estimated quantities, job hour estimates, and schedule planning is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience as Design Supervisor/Lead Designer on FEEDs or Project Proposals is required for Lead Designer position.

*Specific experience in planning and executing greenfield or brownfield projects in one or more of the following market segments:

• Natural gas processing including liquefaction and regasification.
• Coal, gas, or biomass to chemicals such as methanol and ammonia.
• Petrochemicals such as HDPE, LDPE, MEG, PET, PTA, PVC, and others.
• Carbon capture and sequestration.
• Solar and/or combined cycle power plants.
• Hydrogen value chain including electrolysis, reforming, liquefaction, transportation and fueling stations.
• Offshore and onshore pipelines.
• Desalination, raw water, demineralized water and wastewater treatment plants.
• Familiarity with current process technologies and licensors associated with the above.

Education

• Specialized courses in drafting, design and engineering practices, and CAD, or a recognized degree in a job‑related engineering or scientific discipline.