Controls Engineer

Gigaenergy; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with 4% employer match

Unlimited PTO

Team on-sites for collaboration

Job summary

Gigaenergy is looking for a Controls Engineer in Houston, TX, to design and deliver control systems for AI infrastructure. You will be responsible for PLC/HMI programming and ensuring the systems operate reliably. A blend of technical expertise and collaborative work is essential for this position.

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of experience, a strong grasp of control systems, and a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Excellent benefits and a flexible work environment are offered.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on PLC and HMI programming experience.
• Ability to read and work from P&ID diagrams.
• Familiarity with I/O design and at least one industrial communication protocol.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC and HMI programs for building automation.
• Configure and commission VFD drive controls for motors and pumps.
• Collaborate with engineers to integrate controls into facility infrastructure.

Skills

PLC and HMI programming

Control panel design

Control systems principles

VFD drive configuration

Industrial communication protocols

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Rockwell Automation Suite

Job description

What you’ll do

As a Controls Engineer at Giga, you will own the design, development, and commissioning of control systems for mission‑critical AI infrastructure. From PLC/HMI programming and panel design to control schematics and I/O architecture, you’ll be the person who makes the systems actually work—and keeps them running. If you love getting into the details of how complex systems talk to each other and take pride in building things that can’t afford to go down, this is your role.

Where you’ll work

This role is based out of one of our offices (San Francisco, CA / Long Beach, CA / Houston, TX). We work in person because the best engineering happens when smart people are in the same room.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC and HMI programs for building automation and facility control systems
• Design control panels and produce detailed control schematics from concept through construction‑ready documentation
• Develop and maintain network designs across a range of communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, and Modbus RTU
• Configure and commission VFD drive controls for motors, pumps, and HVAC systems
• Read and interpret P&ID diagrams to translate process requirements into control logic — including valve sequencing, motor control, and pump staging
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to integrate controls into broader facility infrastructure
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and commissioning activities
• Continuous improvement on existing Controls and BMS design and scale as needed.
• Troubleshoot control system issues in the field and drive resolution with minimal supervision
• Maintain accurate as‑built documentation, program backups, and engineering records

Requirements

• 3+ years of hands‑on PLC and HMI programming and commissioning experience. Rockwell Automation Suite Preferred
• Experience designing control panels and producing control schematics using AUTOCAD
• Solid understanding of general control systems principles including loop and PID control, Cooling systems control with building automation experience strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of VFD drive configuration and control. Allen Bradley and ABB drives a plus.
• Ability to read and work from P&ID diagrams, including valve functions, motor control, and pump control logic
• Familiarity with I/O design and at least one industrial communication protocol (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, or Modbus RTU)
• Strong learning agility — you pick up new platforms, tools, and systems quickly and without hand-holding
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a closely related field (or equivalent hands‑on experience)

Bonus Points

• Experience with data center cooling control systems or other mission‑critical facility environments (hospitals, colocation, power generation)
• Knowledge of network architecture and industrial cybersecurity practices for OT/ICS environments
• Experience with additional communication protocols (BACnet, Profibus, PROFINET, OPC‑UA)
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and historian platforms. Ignition experience preferred.
• Experience working in fast‑paced build environments where schedules are tight and priorities shift

Benefits

• Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
• Equity (options) in a rapidly growing startup
• 401(k) with 4% employer match
• Unlimited PTO
• Parental leave
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Commuter benefits
• Team on‑sites where all offices come in‑person to collaborate

Pay Transparency

The range provided below is the role’s On Target Earnings ("OTE") range, meaning it includes both the commission / bonus target and annual base salary for the role (if applicable). This salary range may be inclusive of several career levels at Giga and will be narrowed during the interview process based on a number of factors, including the candidate’s experience and qualifications. Additional benefits include 401(k) plan plus subsidized medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Salary Range: $90,000—$122,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Giga Energy is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. Giga Energy complies with all applicable labor laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and other relevant state and federal regulations. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage applicants who require accommodations during the hiring process to contact us.