Controls Systems Engineer I to III

Lansing Board of Water & Light; Delta Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Employee development

Excellent benefits

Job summary

Lansing Board of Water & Light in Lansing, Michigan, is seeking an entry-level engineer to support the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of DCS, SCADA, and related control systems across electric, water, and other production facilities.

The role offers hands-on experience with plant operations, system commissioning, and documentation, while contributing to safe and reliable utility operations. Starting salary is competitive for an entry-level engineering role in utilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• Strong analytical skills for problem-solving and decision-making.
• Basic understanding of computer networking.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly in writing.
• Ability to respond to emergencies and multitask.
• Demonstrated results-driven mindset.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and implement DCS/PLC/SCADA systems.
• Assist with engineering studies, data collection, and root cause analysis.
• Develop control strategies and implement software changes.
• Participate in plant commissioning, testing, and documentation reviews.
• Support project teams and coordinate with operators and maintenance.
• Prepare equipment specifications and system documentation.

Skills

DCS systems

SCADA

PLC programming

Networking basics

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Related field

Tools

DCS software

SCADA software

Networking tools

Job description

Thank you for your interest in the BWL. We think you'll find it a rewarding and nurturing place to grow your career. Starting Salary Range: $70,300.00 - $83,600.00

Position Summary

Entry level engineering position responsible for supporting activities related to the design, construction, operation and maintenance of BWL DCS, SCADA and communication systems for electric, water, steam and chilled water production facilities.

Gains practical experience through direct involvement in plant operations and project work.

Provides technical assistance and contributes to the safe and reliable operation of electric and water production plants and associated systems.

Essential Functions

• Supports the design, programming, and implementation of control systems including DCS, PLCs, SCADA, and networking.
• Assists with engineering studies, data collection, and root cause analysis of control system performance issues.
• Works under supervision to develop control strategies and implement software changes to improve reliability and efficiency.
• Participates in plant commissioning, loop checks, system testing, and documentation reviews.
• Assists with drawing updates, control narratives, and system documentation.
• Supports project teams in execution of control-related projects within schedule and budget.
• Interfaces with plant operators, maintenance personnel, and other engineers to resolve control system issues.
• Assists in development of equipment and material specifications.
• Participates in training and stays current with industry best practices and new technologies.
• Adheres to all safety policies and procedures; participates in safety training and compliance.
• Establishes and reviews documentation, procedures and standards.
• Troubleshoots, debugs and upgrades existing systems.
• Must be able to provide continuous support and perform a primary assignment in support of an emergency response to operational impacting events.
• Attends training for safety awareness as required by supervisor, BWL or governmental agency such as MIOSHA and adheres to safety procedure and practices.
• Predictable and reliable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• Strong analytical skills for problem-solving and decision-making.
• Basic understanding of computer networking.
• Ability to communicate technical and complex information both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently and respond to emergency situations effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to be results driven.

Preferred

• Coursework or project experience in DCS/PLC systems, process control and instrumentation.
• Understanding of cybersecurity in the context of Operations Technology.
• Basic knowledge of utility system operations.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for the majority of the working day. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office environment including the use of stairs. Constantly operates a computer, and other office equipment. Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen. Must communicate frequently with other departments and employees both verbally and in writing. May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/below knee level or reach overhead. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about in industrial environments, and uneven terrain. May be required to recognize small numbers, letters, symbols, colors on prints, and/or operate field instruments/equipment. Works in temperature-controlled office environment, with occasional work in outdoor weather conditions, and in industrial environments. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills that may be required of the employee. Management reserves the right to add, remove, or otherwise alter these duties, responsibilities, and skills at any time.

Why Should You Apply?

• Competitive wages, employee development, and opportunity for professional growth.
• Robust time off benefits including vacation, free choice, sick leave, parental leave and 11 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive benefits package offered including medical, prescription, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, employee assistance program.
• Voluntary benefits including vision, supplemental and dependent life insurance, flexible spending, AFLAC options, LifeLock anti-theft, long term care, tuition reimbursement, and BWL's Home Purchase Plan – Forgivable $5,000 loan for purchase of a home in Lansing.
• Retirement programs including 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan (DC) (100% company paid up to 9.5 % of base salary for BU positions and up to 13% of base salary for NBU positions), 457 Deferred Compensation matches up to $2,500 per year.
• Post retirement benefits offered at the respective level of coverage, co-pays and health care premium, at the same level as active employees.
• Two fitness centers located on site open 24/7, work life balance program, employee assistance program, free parking and much more!

About BWL

The Board of Water & Light serves Lansing, Michigan, and surrounding areas with electricity, water, and steam. Lansing's city charter vests the BWL with full and exclusive management of water, steam, and electric services for or the city. The American Public Power Association has honored the Lansing Board of Water & Light as one of the country's best publicly-owned utilities.

Location

Lansing lies at the heart of the Great Lakes State and offers all the beauty and splendor of the four seasons. A haven for swimming, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, golf, and hunting, mid-Michigan is also just a couple hours from premier skiing and one of the most beautiful freshwater lakeshores in the world on our Lake Michigan Coast. Lansing itself is only minutes and miles away from two of the nation’s premier universities, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, and boasts miles of walking, running, biking trails, Potter Park Zoo, professional sports, the arts, and fine dining.

THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Lansing Board of Water & Light is a municipally-owned public utility that provides safe, reliable and affordable utility products and services to around 100,000 electric and 58,000 water customers throughout the greater Lansing area. Our mission is to is to provide a safe, reliable and affordable utility experience through public ownership, climate consciousness and innovative strategies.

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