Controls Engineer / Senior Process Automation Specialist

Openwork, formerly Meador Staffing Services; Texas City (TX); On-site; USD 170,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Openwork is seeking a Controls Engineer / Process Automation Specialist in Texas City, TX to own DCS/PLC design and modernization efforts. This hands-on role collaborates with operations and maintenance to drive reliability and capital project outcomes.

Ideal candidates will have 6+ years in terminal/petrochemical environments with DeltaV or Experion, plus AB/Siemens PLC experience and SIS knowledge. This position offers stability and impactful scope.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of hands-on process automation in terminal/petrochemical/refining environments.
• Proficiency with DeltaV and/or Honeywell Experion/TDC3000.
• Strong experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and Siemens PLCs.

Responsibilities

• Own DCS/PLC design, configuration, programming, and troubleshooting.
• Lead controls modernization and cutover activities from concept to startup.
• Develop control narratives for rotating equipment (compressors, turbines, pumps).
• Design and support SIS, alarm rationalization, loop checkouts, and reliability initiatives.
• Collaborate with plant operations and contractors during turnarounds and debottlenecks.

Skills

DeltaV

Experion

DCS migrations

AB PLC

Siemens PLC

SIS implementation

Electrical Eng

Rotating equipment controls

Education

Electrical/Automation/Instrumentation Eng

Tools

HMI/SCADA

Job description

Job Title: Controls Engineer / Senior Process Automation Specialist

Location: Texas City, TX

Compensation: $170 - $185K

Employment Type: Direct Hire, Permanent

About the Opportunity

We are partnering with a premier, global energy infrastructure and terminal storage operator in Texas City, TX to identify an experienced Controls Engineer / Process Automation Specialist.

If you are a hands-on controls professional who thrives on modernizing legacy architectures, leading critical DCS/PLC migrations, and collaborating across operations and maintenance to drive unit reliability, this role offers both stability and high-impact project ownership.

What You’ll Do

• DCS & PLC Ownership: Serve as the site subject matter expert for the design, configuration, programming, and troubleshooting of Distributed Control Systems (DeltaV / Honeywell) and PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Modernization & Migrations: Lead controls modernization and system cutover initiatives from concept through FAT/SAT, commissioning, and startup.
• Rotating Equipment Controls: Develop and optimize control narratives and logic for critical rotating equipment, including compressors, turbines, generators, and multi-stage pump systems.
• Safety Systems & Reliability: Design and support Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), alarm rationalization, loop checkouts, and reliability initiatives to eliminate operational bottlenecks.
• Plant Support & Project Execution: Work directly with plant operations, I/E technicians, and contractors during turnarounds, unit debottlenecks, and emergency operational support.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: 6+ years of hands-on process automation, instrumentation, or controls engineering experience within terminal operations, petrochemical, chemical processing, LNG/LPG, or refining environments.
• Core Technical Expertise:
• Strong working proficiency in Emerson DeltaV and/or Honeywell (Experion / TDC3000).
• Deep experience with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Siemens) and industrial field networking.
• Proven experience with DCS migrations, virtualized architectures, cutovers, and SIS implementation.
• Familiarity with rotating machinery controls (anti-surge, speed governors, vibration trip logic).
• Education & Background: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Automation, Chemical, or Instrumentation Engineering, or equivalent practical background/technical degree with proven plant-level process controls leadership.
• Mindset: A pragmatic problem-solver who enjoys being in the plant, collaborating with field technicians, and driving practical reliability improvements.

Why Apply?

• Long-Term Stability & Culture: Be part of an established, financially sound industrial leader known for collaborative site culture, transparent leadership, and strong work-life balance.
• Direct Project Impact: Own real capital upgrade projects and migration roadmaps rather than just maintaining routine status quo.
• Competitive Package: Comprehensive base salary, annual performance bonus, robust 401(k) match, and full medical/dental benefits.

EOE