Lead Field Control Specialist

WSP; Overland Park (KS); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Lead Field Control Specialist in Overland Park, KS, to lead field control system commissioning and startup projects. Candidates should have at least 10 years of experience in field controls and a strong understanding of PLC- and DCS-based systems. Responsibilities include leading activities in utility and industrial environments and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Key qualifications include a high school diploma, instrumentation experience, and a valid driver's license. WSP promotes a proactive safety culture and equal opportunity employment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in field controls, commissioning, or industrial power plant operations.
• Experience with instrumentation installation and loop checking in active plant environments.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead field control system commissioning and startup activities.
• Serve as a technical authority for PLC- and DCS-based control systems.
• Produce commissioning reports and software backups.

Skills

Field controls experience

PLC-based control systems

Calibration

Safety procedures

Instrumentation installation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree or higher (preferred)

Tools

Rockwell Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

AVEVA System Platform/Wonderware InTouch

DCS platforms (Emerson DeltaV, ABB)

Job description

Overland Park, KS; Saint Louis, MO

Job Description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Field Control Specialist for our Overland Park, KS office. The following locations will also be considered: Topeka, KS, Kansas City, MO, and St. Louis, MO. Be involved in projects with our Field Control Services (FCS) Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients’ objectives and solves their challenges.

Your Impact

• Lead and execute field control system commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and outage support activities for utility, hospital, university, manufacturing, and central plant facilities.
• Serve as a field technical authority for PLC- and DCS-based control systems, including Rockwell Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix platforms, AVEVA System Platform/Wonderware InTouch HMIs, and DCS platforms such as Emerson DeltaV and ABB.
• Lead instrumentation installation verification, loop checks, calibration, and functional testing in support of control system commissioning and startup.
• Perform water‑tube and package boiler combustion testing, tuning, and verification in coordination with plant operations and in accordance with applicable safety practices.
• Independently plan and execute assigned field work by understanding project scope, schedule, and budget prior to mobilization.
• Produce commissioning reports, calibration records, test documentation, software backups, and as‑built deliverables that meet FCS, project, and client standards.
• Interface directly with plant operations staff, vendors, contractors, and internal WSP teams to support safe and successful execution of field activities.
• Support business development activities including technical input to proposals, development of field cost estimates, and identification of follow‑on work opportunities.
• Promote a proactive safety culture by identifying hazards, enforcing safe work practices, and documenting near misses, incidents, and safety observations.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in field controls, commissioning, startup, or industrial power plant operations involving PLC- or DCS-based control systems.
• Demonstrated experience with instrumentation installation, loop checking, and calibration in active plant environments.
• Demonstrated experience with water‑tube and package boiler control systems, including combustion testing and tuning.
• Strong understanding of field safety procedures, hazard identification, and mitigation in industrial and power generation environments.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites.
• Ability to support short‑ and long‑term field assignments, with travel requirements varying by project and outage schedule.
• Successful completion of required safety and compliance training, including OSHA 30‑hour training.
• Proven record of adherence to company health, safety, drug/alcohol, and conduct policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in a technical discipline.
• Experience leading or supporting boiler or power plant commissioning and startup activities.
• Familiarity with Boiler Management Systems (BMS) and combustion safety systems.
• Experience acting independently as a field technical lead during outages or critical plant operations.
• Experience coordinating with operations personnel, contractors, and OEM vendors in live plant environments.

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.