Controls Engineer - Hydro Power Projects

Emerson; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision coverage

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Emerson is seeking a Controls Engineer for Hydro Power Projects, based in Cranberry Township, PA or Blue Bell, PA. You will contribute to engineered control system solutions for hydroelectric facilities across North America and design, program, and verify control logic for governor and plant control systems.

The role emphasizes hands-on engineering, FAT participation, and collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver reliable power generation solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, a technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years related experience in an engineering environment.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with an interest in learning how systems operate.
• Ability to travel up to 30% (domestic with occasional international travel).
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

Responsibilities

• Support the execution of engineering projects for retrofit control system solutions in the North American hydro power sector.
• Assist in designing and developing Hydro Governor and Plant Control systems.
• Interpret technical specifications to support the creation and application of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical control solutions.
• Contribute to implementing new system functionality based on evolving customer needs.
• Program and adapt control logic using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Flow Diagrams.
• Read and interpret electrical and hydraulic schematics to ensure accurate system integration.
• Configure PLC and HMI software for custom project applications.
• Participate in FAT and support onsite system commissioning.
• Develop control narratives, hardware specifications, and software test procedures.
• Grow your expertise as a subject matter resource in hydro‑related control systems and plant operations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Collaborative mindset

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

PLC

SCADA

DCS

CAD

Job description

If you are looking for an opportunity to grow your career, Emerson's Power & Water Solutions business has an exciting opportunity based in Cranberry Township, PA or Blue Bell, PA for a Controls Engineer – Hydro Power Projects. In this role, you will support hydro power projects across North America by contributing to fully engineered control system solutions for hydroelectric facilities.

Hydroelectric power plays a critical role in delivering clean, reliable, renewable energy. Professionals in this industry get to work at the intersection of long‑standing infrastructure and cutting‑edge technology—modernizing systems, solving complex engineering challenges, and making a measurable impact on sustainability. The work is hands‑on, highly collaborative, and offers unique opportunities to innovate while supporting communities through dependable power generation.

Join us!

In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:

• Support the execution of engineering projects for retrofit control system solutions in the North American hydro power sector.
• Assist in designing and developing Hydro Governor and Plant Control systems.
• Interpret technical specifications to support the creation and application of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical control solutions.
• Contribute to implementing new system functionality based on evolving customer needs.
• Program and adapt control logic using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Flow Diagrams.
• Read and interpret electrical and hydraulic schematics to ensure accurate system integration.
• Configure PLC and HMI software for custom project applications.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and support onsite system commissioning.
• Develop control narratives, hardware specifications, and software test procedures.
• Grow your expertise as a subject matter resource in hydro‑related control systems and plant operations.

Who You Are:

You build strong partnerships by actively listening, engaging others, and fostering a collaborative environment. You approach challenges with curiosity and creativity, generating practical and innovative solutions. You demonstrate accountability by following through on commitments and maintaining focus on achieving meaningful outcomes. You adapt well to changing priorities, remaining resilient and resourceful as you navigate complexity.

For This Role, You Will Need:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, a technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years related experience in an engineering environment.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with an interest in learning how systems operate.
• Ability to travel up to 30% (domestic with occasional international travel).
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 (including those with OPT or CPT), H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Preferred Qualifications That Set You Apart:

• Experience working with PLCs ,Distributed Control Systems (DCS), or SCADA
• Experience using computer‑aided (CAD) design tools.
• Knowledge of Turbine Governor Systems and Hydro Control Units.
• Ability to analyze designs involving logic or digital circuitry, motor controls, instrumentation, or data acquisition systems.

Our Culture and Commitment To You:

At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives—because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams, working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.

We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing. We prioritize providing flexible, competitive benefits plans to meet you and your family’s physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture offers flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), vacation and holiday leave.

Our Commitment to Our People

At Emerson, we are motivated by a spirit of collaboration that helps our diverse, multicultural teams across the world drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter, and more sustainable. And we want you to join us in our bold aspiration.

We have built an engaged community of inquisitive, dedicated people who thrive knowing they are welcomed, trusted, celebrated, and empowered to solve the world’s most complex problems — for our customers, our communities, and the planet. You’ll contribute to this vital work while further developing your skills through our award‑winning employee development programs. We are a proud corporate citizen in every city where we operate and are committed to our people, our communities, and the world at large. We take this responsibility seriously and strive to make a positive impact through every endeavor.

At Emerson, you’ll see firsthand that our people are at the center of everything we do. So, let’s go. Let’s think differently. Learn, collaborate, and grow. Seek opportunity. Push boundaries. Be empowered to make things better. Speed up to break through. Let’s go, together.

Work Authorization

Emerson will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1(including those with OPT or CPT) , H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

Accessibility Assistance or Accommodation

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Emerson is a global leader in automation technology and software. Through our deep domain expertise and legacy of flawless execution, Emerson helps customers in critical industries like life sciences, energy, power and renewables, chemical and advanced factory automation operate more sustainably while improving productivity, energy security and reliability.

With global operations and a comprehensive portfolio of software and technology, we are helping companies implement digital transformation to measurably improve their operations, conserve valuable resources and enhance their safety.

We offer equitable opportunities, celebrate diversity, and embrace challenges with confidence that, together, we can make an impact across a broad spectrum of countries and industries. Whether you’re an established professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring possibilities, or a recent graduate with an advanced degree, you’ll find your chance to make a difference with Emerson. Join our team – let’s go!