Distributed Control System Engineer

Consulting Solutions; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Consulting Solutions in Charlotte is seeking a DCS Start-Up Engineer to support the deployment and commissioning of Ovation control systems at the site and in the lab. You will coordinate with EPC, vendors, and operations to ensure successful startup and turnover of new generation assets.

Responsibilities include field start-up, hardware checks, network verification, graphics validation, testing, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of engineering experience, including experience with control systems, commissioning, start-up, power generation, industrial controls, or related technical project execution.
• Strong working knowledge of Distributed Control Systems and related control system hardware, software, networks, and integration.
• Ability to work in active construction and commissioning environments.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, documentation, and coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support DCS field start-up activities, including hardware checkout, controller and cabinet inspections, network verification, power-up support, system readiness reviews and system walk-downs.
• Coordinate with vendors, EPC contractors, construction teams, commissioning personnel, operations, and engineering stakeholders to plan and execute DCS commissioning activities.
• Support control system configuration, logic checkout, graphics verification, alarm validation, historian and interface checks, and controller-to-field device integration.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in loop checks, functional testing, cause-and-effect testing, interlock validation, permissive testing, sequence testing, and control tuning, as applicable.
• Troubleshoot DCS hardware, software, communications, field instrumentation interfaces, I/O, networks, and related control system components.
• Review DCS drawings, logic diagrams, control narratives, I/O lists, network architecture drawings, cabinet layouts, test procedures, and vendor documentation for constructability, accuracy, and readiness.
• Support factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, commissioning test procedure development, deficiency tracking, and resolution of punch list items.
• Ensure DCS start-up activities are performed in accordance with project requirements, contracts, design criteria, safety expectations, cybersecurity requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Provide field engineering support during energization, first fire, synchronization, performance testing, turnover milestones, and initial operation of new generation assets, as applicable.
• Prepare and maintain start-up documentation, test records, turnover packages, marked-up drawings, issue logs, lessons learned, and technical correspondence.
• Monitor controls-related scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and readiness concerns; communicate issues and recommended actions to project leadership.
• Manage the client control change management procedure throughout the commissioning of the site. Daily coordination with EPC startup team and PMC engineering team.
• Support project closeout, warranty resolution, and transfer of control system knowledge to operations and maintenance personnel.

Skills

DCS start-up

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Coordination

Documentation

Communication

Tools

Emerson Ovation

PLC systems

HMI graphics

Job description

The DCS Start-Up Engineer will support the deployment of the Ovation logic and graphics at the controls development lab located in the charlotte corporate office and remote support. The DCS start-up Engineer will then transfer to the site for Ovation control-related activities during start-up and commissioning of the new combined cycle plant.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead or support DCS field start-up activities, including hardware checkout, controller and cabinet inspections, network verification, power-up support, system readiness reviews and system walk-downs.
• Coordinate with vendors, EPC contractors, construction teams, commissioning personnel, operations, and engineering stakeholders to plan and execute DCS commissioning activities.
• Support control system configuration, logic checkout, graphics verification, alarm validation, historian and interface checks, and controller-to-field device integration.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in loop checks, functional testing, cause-and-effect testing, interlock validation, permissive testing, sequence testing, and control tuning, as applicable.
• Troubleshoot DCS hardware, software, communications, field instrumentation interfaces, I/O, networks, and related control system components.
• Review DCS drawings, logic diagrams, control narratives, I/O lists, network architecture drawings, cabinet layouts, test procedures, and vendor documentation for constructability, accuracy, and readiness.
• Support factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, commissioning test procedure development, deficiency tracking, and resolution of punch list items.
• Ensure DCS start-up activities are performed in accordance with project requirements, contracts, design criteria, safety expectations, cybersecurity requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Provide field engineering support during energization, first fire, synchronization, performance testing, turnover milestones, and initial operation of new generation assets, as applicable.
• Prepare and maintain start-up documentation, test records, turnover packages, marked-up drawings, issue logs, lessons learned, and technical correspondence.
• Monitor controls-related scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and readiness concerns; communicate issues and recommended actions to project leadership.
• Manage the client control change management procedure throughout the commissioning of the site. Daily coordination with EPC startup team and PMC engineering team.
• Support project closeout, warranty resolution, and transfer of control system knowledge to operations and maintenance personnel.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work arrangement when project demands allow.
• Significant onsite support is required during construction, commissioning, start-up, and turnover periods.
• Onsite assignments may include extended periods at project locations, including active construction and commissioning environments.
• Travel requirement is typically 25-50%, with higher travel possible during critical start-up and commissioning phases.

Basic / Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of engineering experience, including experience with control systems, commissioning, start-up, power generation, industrial controls, or related technical project execution.
• Strong working knowledge of Distributed Control Systems and related control system hardware, software, networks, and integration.
• Ability to support field engineering activities in active construction and commissioning environments.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, documentation, and coordination skills.

Preferred / Desired Qualifications

• Experience with Emerson Ovation or similar Distributed Control System platforms.
• Experience supporting hardware checkout, software validation, logic testing, graphics verification, and commissioning activities.
• Experience with power generation facilities, combustion turbines combined cycle facilities, and balance-of-plant systems.
• Familiarity with PLCs, field instrumentation, process controls, electrical interfaces, industrial networks, cybersecurity requirements, and control system integration.
• Working knowledge of applicable industry standards and requirements, including ISA, IEEE, NFPA, NERC CIP, and company cybersecurity and compliance procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in high-pressure start-up and commissioning environments.

Specific Requirements

• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment, including hard-hat, safety glasses, safety clothing, hearing protection, fall protection, and other PPE based on site conditions.
• Must be able to work safely in active industrial, construction, and commissioning environments.
• Must be able to support extended onsite assignments, changing project schedules, and critical commissioning milestones.

Consulting Solutions and its family of companies is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application or at any point in the hiring process, please contact us at: [e-mail].