Process Controls Engineer

Openwork LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 170,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Openwork LLC is seeking a seasoned Controls Engineer / Senior Process Automation Specialist in Texas City, TX. You will own DCS/PLC configurations, lead modernization efforts, and collaborate with operations and maintenance to improve unit reliability.

You will design and implement control strategies for rotating equipment, ensure SIS integrity, and support turnarounds, debottlenecks, and emergencies with practical reliability improvements.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of hands-on process automation or controls experience in terminal, petrochemical, LNG/LPG, or refining environments.
• Strong proficiency with DCS/PLC platforms and migrations.
• Experience with SIS implementation and alarm rationalization.

Responsibilities

• Own design, configuration, programming, and troubleshooting of DCS/ PLCs on site.
• Lead modernization, migrations, cutovers, FAT/SAT, commissioning and startup.
• Develop control narratives for rotating equipment and optimize safety systems.

Skills

DCS ownership

PLC experience

SIS implementation

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Automation/Instrumentation Engineering

Tools

Emerson DeltaV

Honeywell Experion/TDC3000

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

Siemens PLCs

Industrial networking

Job description

Job Title: Controls Engineer / Senior Process Automation SpecialistLocation: Texas City, TXCompensation: $170 - $185KEmployment Type: Direct Hire, PermanentAbout the OpportunityWe are partnering with a premier, global energy infrastructure and terminal storage operator in Texas City, TX to identify an experienced Controls Engineer / Process Automation Specialist.If you are a hands-on controls professional who thrives on modernizing legacy architectures, leading critical DCS/PLC migrations, and collaborating across operations and maintenance to drive unit reliability, this role offers both stability and high-impact project ownership.What You’ll DoDCS & PLC Ownership: Serve as the site subject matter expert for the design, configuration, programming, and troubleshooting of Distributed Control Systems (DeltaV / Honeywell) and PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens).Modernization & Migrations: Lead controls modernization and system cutover initiatives from concept through FAT/SAT, commissioning, and startup.Rotating Equipment Controls: Develop and optimize control narratives and logic for critical rotating equipment, including compressors, turbines, generators, and multi-stage pump systems.Safety Systems & Reliability: Design and support Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), alarm rationalization, loop checkouts, and reliability initiatives to eliminate operational bottlenecks.Plant Support & Project Execution: Work directly with plant operations, I/E technicians, and contractors during turnarounds, unit debottlenecks, and emergency operational support.What We’re Looking ForExperience: 6+ years of hands-on process automation, instrumentation, or controls engineering experience within terminal operations, petrochemical, chemical processing, LNG/LPG, or refining environments.Core Technical Expertise:Strong working proficiency in Emerson DeltaV and/or Honeywell (Experion / TDC3000).Deep experience with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Siemens) and industrial field networking.Proven experience with DCS migrations, virtualized architectures, cutovers, and SIS implementation.Familiarity with rotating machinery controls (anti-surge, speed governors, vibration trip logic).Education & Background: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Automation, Chemical, or Instrumentation Engineering, or equivalent practical background/technical degree with proven plant-level process controls leadership.Mindset: A pragmatic problem-solver who enjoys being in the plant, collaborating with field technicians, and driving practical reliability improvements.Why Apply?Long-Term Stability & Culture: Be part of an established, financially sound industrial leader known for collaborative site culture, transparent leadership, and strong work-life balance.Direct Project Impact: Own real capital upgrade projects and migration roadmaps rather than just maintaining routine status quo.Competitive Package: Comprehensive base salary, annual performance bonus, robust 401(k) match, and full medical/dental benefits.Click on Apply Now to be considered or visit our website www.openwork.com to search for other opportunities that are currently available.Contact JESSIKA at [e-mail] Openwork:Openwork is a talent-first staffing company on a mission to bring ease and thoughtfulness to an industry we’ve held a footing in for 50+ years. We believe there’s more to life than livelihood, but that finding your dream career or team is a really good place to start. Our family of companies also includes Openwork Health, and Aerospace Solutions. Looking for your dream job or hire? Visit us at www.openwork.com to say hello and start building your future, together. EOE#OPWTXDH