Principal Process Automation & Controls Engineer

WorleyParsons; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent remuneration & benefits

Flexible work environment

Career development opportunities

Job summary

WorleyParsons in Houston is looking for a Principal Process Automation & Controls Engineer to lead automation engineering projects within the Autonomous and Automation Americas team. This role involves programming PLC and DCS platforms while coordinating with various engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions.

The ideal candidate should have over 10 years' experience and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, with strong skills in managing control systems projects. Hybrid working model available.

Qualifications

• 10-12+ years’ experience leading control systems projects.
• Experience in automation development from planning to operations.
• EPC experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive execution of automation engineering projects.
• Coordinate with engineering teams and contractors.
• Engineering and commissioning of complex automation projects.

Skills

Control systems management

PLC programming

DCS configuration

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Rockwell

Honeywell

Triconex

Estimating software (Cleopatra)

Job description

Principal Process Automation & Controls Engineer (HOU04DB)

Company: Worley Consulting

Primary Location

USA-TX-Houston

Job

Consultants

Schedule

Full-time

Employment Type: Employee

Unposting Date: Jul 31, 2026

Reporting Manager Title: Technical Director, Onshore Autonomous Operations - Canada

About us

Worley Consulting is a global group of consultants, scientists, engineers, and digital experts dedicated to solving the world’s critical infrastructure, environmental, energy, and resource challenges.

We partner with our customers to find solutions that create value over the life of their assets. We implement new technologies to run assets more efficiently, secure and safeguard social license, support local communities, and accelerate the energy transition.

We evaluate options and identify opportunities and risks to support our customers’ decision making. We assist with asset strategy and selection, business case preparation, concept and feasibility studies, technology evaluation, energy strategies and asset operational excellence.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this role is to drive execution of automation engineering projects within the Autonomous and Automation Americas team by leveraging cutting‑edge digital, technology, and autonomous solutions across multiple vendor platforms. The consultant will play a pivotal role in delivering innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability in mining, on‑shore or off‑shore operations.

This is a full‑time hybrid position based in Houston, Texas, Calgary, or Edmonton Alberta, Canada.

Overall Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities

• Work seamlessly with various Worley offices to share work and integrate staff on projects for a blended execution team.
• Coordinate interfaces with engineering partners, construction contractors, equipment manufacturers, system integrators and project management as well as other technical disciplines including process, civil, structural, piping, mechanical, and electrical.
• Desire to expand role and be adaptable to client’s needs.
• Assist, and later, lead the preparation of proposals, execution plans and budgets.
• Work on all engineering phases within a project from concept through detailed design and engineering.
• Provide construction support, FAT and SAT, installation qualifications and commissioning/validation handover to operations.
• Program and configure PLC and DCS platforms while leading a team for project implementation.
• Produce various deliverables such as control narratives, cause and effect drawings, Boolean logic diagrams, DCS/SIS/PLC functional specifications and procurement, system cabinet drawings, wiring diagrams, system card layout and loading. Provide basic I&C deliverables such as instrument datasheets, instrument index, IO lists, wiring diagrams, system architecture.
• Engineer and commission complex automation projects, including field support for construction management, writing and utilizing FAT and SAT protocols, installation qualification, commissioning and handover.
• Take ownership for project success: delivery of target quality, cost management and customer satisfaction.
• Proactively build a knowledge base of tools and methodologies to drive productivity and growth.
• Work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Travel is required for various field programs up to 25% to 50% depending on project phase and assignment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering discipline (Electrical, Instrumentation, Computer Systems, Chemical).
• 10-12+ years’ experience with expertise in leading control systems projects in the industry and managing a team.
• Programming and configuring PLC and DCS platforms; preference for Rockwell, Honeywell and/or Triconex.
• Hands‑on experience and leading teams involved in system integration work including DCS and PLC software migrations.
• Strong self‑starter and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Excellent communication skills including ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, producing concise reports and presentations appropriate for all levels.
• EPC Experience is an asset.
• Experience in the full lifecycle of automation development, from planning, development, testing, commissioning and operations.
• Experience in the following sectors a plus: Mining, LNG, petrochemical, oil and gas, or nuclear industries.
• Front‑end engineering experience developing project scope, control system philosophy, systems architecture, process safety studies, CHAZOP/HAZOP/LOPA, SIL determination, P&ID development and building TIC estimates.
• Experience in developing Total Installed Cost (TIC) estimates for capital projects, including performing material takeoffs and utilizing estimating software tools (Cleopatra preferred). Must have a strong background in compiling material quantities for process automation-intensive projects to produce accurate TIC estimates.

Benefits

Worley Consulting offers an excellent remuneration & benefits package, a friendly, professional, dynamic and flexible work environment along with the opportunity to develop your career prospects locally and internationally.

We strive to be an industry leader in health, safety and environmental performance. Our vision is to achieve zero harm to people and assets, and zero environmental incidents.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone feels they belong, can bring themselves, and are heard. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.

Our policy is to conduct background checks for all U.S. based candidates who accept an offer of employment with us.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Worley Group is an equal opportunity employer.