Lead Field Control Specialist

WSP in the U.S.; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life insurance

Retirement savings

Job summary

WSP in the U.S. seeks a Lead Field Control Specialist for their Overland Park, KS office, responsible for leading field control system projects across various facilities. The role requires a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in field controls, including PLC and DCS systems. Candidates should have strong instrumentation and safety knowledge. WSP offers comprehensive benefits, a proactive safety culture, and the opportunity to work on diverse projects that support utility, hospital, and manufacturing sectors.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in field controls and commissioning.
• Experience with instrumentation installation and calibration.
• Strong knowledge of boiler control systems and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning and support activities for various facilities.
• Serve as a technical authority for PLC and DCS control systems.
• Interface with vendors and plant staff to ensure safe operations.

Skills

Field controls

PLC-based control systems

DCS-based control systems

Calibration

Combustion testing

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree or higher in a technical discipline

Tools

ControlLogix platforms

AVEVA System Platform

Wonderware InTouch HMIs

Emerson DeltaV

ABB control systems

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a Lead Field Control Specialist to join our team in the Overland Park, KS office. Other locations considered: Topeka, KS; Kansas City, MO; St. Louis, MO.

As part of our Field Control Services Team, you will work on projects that support utility, hospital, university, manufacturing and central plant facilities. You will lead commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and outage support activities.

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.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, a leading engineering and professional services firm. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with clients to help communities prosper. We provide comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.