Controls Engineer

Advastar, Inc. | Recruiting & Staffing; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision

PTO

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Advastar, Inc. | Recruiting & Staffing is sourcing a Controls Engineer in the Houston area to own PLC-based control system design, programming, and startup for custom HVAC equipment. You will take projects from concept through commissioning, working directly with an engineering team that designs the equipment you program.

This hands-on role requires strong PLC programming ability, experience with industrial controls, and the ability to travel for on-site commissioning and start-up support.

Qualifications

• Strong, provable PLC programming ability.
• Experience with industrial controls, sequences of operation, and system integration.
• Proficiency with electrical CAD/schematic software.
• Strong understanding of AC/DC power and control circuits.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and test PLC-based control systems for custom-built industrial equipment.
• Take PLC programs from initial concept through final commissioning.
• Support FAT and SAT, including start-up and troubleshooting.
• Debug, troubleshoot, and modify PLC programs for systems already in the field.
• Design and document sequences of operation.
• Develop electrical wiring diagrams, control schematics, and panel layouts.
• Perform electrical calculations including load, protection, and short-circuit ratings.
• Select control components and define electrical interconnections.
• Prepare and maintain bills of materials for controls and electrical systems.
• Collaborate daily with engineering, fabrication, and field teams to resolve technical issues.

Skills

PLC programming

Siemens S7

Allen-Bradley

Industrial controls

HVAC controls

Ladder logic

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Electrical CAD/schematic software

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Job description

An established, growing manufacturer of custom-built industrial HVAC equipment in the Houston area is hiring a Controls Engineer to own PLC-based control system design, programming, and startup for equipment built to unique customer specifications - not off-the-shelf systems. You'll take projects from concept through commissioning, working directly with the engineering team that designs the equipment you're programming. This is a hands‑on role with real ownership: what you program gets built, tested, and shipped by the same team you sit next to every day.

• Anticipated $95,000-$135,000 annually, based on experience
• Full suite of benefits: Health/Dental/Vision, PTO, 401(k) with company match
• Some travel required for on-site commissioning and start‑up support

Overview:

• Design, program, and test PLC-based control systems for custom-built industrial equipment
• Take PLC programs from initial concept through final commissioning
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), including start‑up and troubleshooting
• Debug, troubleshoot, and modify PLC programs for systems already in the field
• Design and document sequences of operation
• Develop electrical wiring diagrams, control schematics, and panel layouts
• Perform electrical calculations including load, protection, and short‑circuit ratings
• Select control components and define electrical interconnections
• Prepare and maintain bills of materials for controls and electrical systems
• Collaborate daily with engineering, fabrication, and field teams to resolve technical issues

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent hands‑on experience will be considered
• Strong, provable PLC programming ability - this is the top qualifier for this role
• Experience with industrial controls, sequences of operation, and system integration
• Proficiency with electrical CAD/schematic software
• Strong understanding of AC/DC power and control circuits
• Familiarity with relevant electrical and hazardous-location codes and standards
• Ability to read and interpret customer drawings, specifications, and schematics
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines

KEYWORDS:

PLC programming, Siemens S7, Allen‑Bradley, controls engineer, electrical engineer, industrial controls, HVAC controls, sequence of operation, electrical schematics, panel design, wiring diagrams, factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, commissioning, motor control, VFD, relay logic, ladder logic, NEC, hazardous location, ATEX, bill of materials, industrial automation, HVAC manufacturing, troubleshooting