Controls Engineer - Hydro Power Projects

City of Shakopee, MN; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Emerson is seeking a Controls Engineer – Hydro Power Projects to support retrofit control system solutions for North American hydro facilities. The role can be based in Cranberry Township, PA or Blue Bell, PA, and involves designing, programming, and validating control systems with PLCs and HMIs.

You will work across projects, travel up to 30% domestically, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, modern hydro control solutions that enhance plant performance and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical discipline
• 2+ years related experience in an engineering environment
• Willingness 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 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.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical discipline

Tools

PLC

DCS

SCADA

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.

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