Lead DCS Controls Engineer - ABB DCS

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.; Beech Grove (IN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc. is seeking a Lead DCS Controls Engineer in Beech Grove, Indiana. The role involves leading the design, programming, and implementation of distributed control systems, ensuring high-performance automation solutions. Candidates should have a strong background in DCS systems, controls engineering, and client-facing project management. Opportunities for career growth into senior technical or management paths are available, along with the chance to work on impactful projects in industrial automation.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in DCS, process automation, or controls engineering.
• Prior experience in industrial process environments.
• Proven ability to lead projects and deliver results in client-facing roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, programming, configuration, and deployment of DCS systems for industrial automation projects.
• Guide junior engineers and coordinate cross-functional teams.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and identify system optimization opportunities.

Skills

DCS platforms experience

Control systems troubleshooting

Process control principles

HMI/SCADA systems

Industrial communication protocols

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

We are seeking a Lead DCS Controls Engineer to drive the design, programming, implementation, and lifecycle support of advanced distributed control systems across industrial process environments. This role combines technical leadership, project ownership, and customer engagement, with responsibility for delivering high-performance automation solutions from concept through commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, programming, configuration, and deployment of DCS systems for complex industrial automation projects
• Develop and oversee control strategies, system architectures, and process logic (PID, batch, sequencing)
• Serve as technical lead on projects, guiding junior engineers and coordinating cross‑functional teams
• Partner with sales and project management to define project scope, technical solutions, and cost estimates
• Own development and review of Bills of Materials (BOMs), budgets, and resource planning
• Oversee HMI/SCADA development, including graphics, alarm strategies, and data historian integration
• Lead system integration efforts across DCS, PLCs, instrumentation, and third‑party systems
• Ensure accurate system load calculations (power, heat, motor loads) and design integrity
• Review and approve control panel designs and electrical documentation, ensuring NEC and UL compliance
• Direct and execute FAT and SAT testing, ensuring systems meet performance and quality standards
• Lead commissioning, startup, and on‑site troubleshooting, acting as the primary technical authority
• Provide operator training and develop comprehensive system documentation (O&M manuals, functional specs)
• Maintain strong client relationships, serving as the primary technical point of contact
• Deliver remote and on‑site support, including critical response when required
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, identifying system optimization opportunities
• Support business growth by identifying new opportunities and contributing to proposals and technical sales efforts

Leadership & Professional Expectations

• Demonstrate strong ownership, accountability, and decision‑making across all project phases
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and technicians
• Maintain a customer‑first mindset with a focus on long‑term partnerships
• Effectively manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in dynamic environments
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Technical Qualifications

• Strong experience with major DCS platforms such as:
  • Emerson DeltaV
  • Honeywell Experion
  • ABB
  • Siemens PCS7
  • Rockwell PlantPAx
• Deep understanding of process control principles (PID control, batch processing, sequencing)
• Advanced troubleshooting of control systems, instrumentation, and industrial networks
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems, alarm management, and data historians
• Proficiency with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, OPC, etc.)
• Strong working knowledge of PLC systems and DCS integration
• Familiarity with NEC and UL508A standards
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical for system and panel design
• Knowledge of instrumentation, calibration, and field devices

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in DCS, process automation, or controls engineering
• Prior experience in industrial process environments (manufacturing, utilities, oil & gas, chemical, etc.)
• Proven ability to lead projects and deliver results in client‑facing roles

Why This Role

• True technical leadership position with ownership of complex automation projects
• Opportunity to work on large‑scale, high‑impact process systems
• Strong mix of engineering, field work, and client engagement
• Career growth into senior technical or management leadership paths