Project Engineer Electrical Controls

HIKINEX; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

HIKINEX is seeking a full-time Project Engineer - Electrical/Controls in Dallas, Texas. This role involves managing small-to-mid-sized modernization and greenfield projects from FEED through handoff, providing real ownership without the bureaucracy of larger projects.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in project engineering within industrial automation, strong technical qualifications, and excellent communication skills. Join a firm with robust client relationships and a commitment to quality performance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in project engineering within industrial automation or controls.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, Electrical One-Lines, and Plot Plans.
• Experience with HMIs and PC networking.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from front-end design (FEED) through commissioning and handoff.
• Manage schedules, milestones, and project financials as the primary client contact.
• Develop and manage construction subcontract packages with third-party contractors.

Skills

Project engineering

DCS and/or PLC control systems

Industrial network protocols

Low-voltage AC and DC power systems

Motor controls and process instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in relevant technical discipline

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

A well-established, growth-oriented process automation and software systems firm in the South is adding a full time Project Engineer - Electrical/Controls to its engineering team. This is a true dual-role position — part project lead, part hands-on technical contributor — built for someone who thrives when no two days look the same.

You'll own small-to-mid-sized brownfield modernization and greenfield projects from FEED through handoff, working across a range of industries in the Southwest area. Project values typically run $250K to $1.5M , which means real scope and accountability without the bureaucracy of mega-project environments.

If you're the kind of engineer who wants to lead projects, stay technically sharp, and see the results of your work — then consider this opportunity.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead projects from front-end design (FEED) through commissioning and handoff
• Manage schedules, milestones, and project financials — you're the primary client contact during execution
• Define electrical design scope and documentation standards for each engagement
• Direct systems engineers and electrical designers to keep projects on track
• Develop and manage construction subcontract packages with established third-party contractors
• Oversee cutover planning, including live/hot cutovers
• Step in to self-perform design and systems engineering work when the project calls for it

This is a high-ownership role. You'll manage these smaller projects and be the Project Engineer depending on what the project needs.

What You Bring

Technical Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in a project engineering role within industrial automation or controls
• DCS and/or PLC control systems , HMIs, and PC networking experience
• Working knowledge of industrial network protocols: Modbus, Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, Profibus, OPC
• Proficiency in low-voltage AC (480V and below) , DC power systems, and grounding
• Competency in motor controls, MCCs, VFDs, and process instrumentation
• Ability to read, interpret, and redline P &IDs, Electrical One-Lines, and Plot Plans
• AutoCAD Electrical experience is a plus
• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in a relevant technical discipline (EE, EET, or similar)

Who You Are:

• Self-directed — you can manage competing priorities without needing constant oversight
• Calm under pressure — you've worked outages, cutovers, and start-ups and know how to stay effective
• A clear communicator — your project updates and documentation are accurate and on time
• Flexible — you're equally effective working solo or leading a team
• Comfortable traveling — regional customer visits, including overnight stays are part of the job

Why This Role

• Work on a variety of projects — brownfield modernization, greenfield builds, software integration — no repetitive single-scope assignments
• Join a firm with strong client relationships and a track record of successful project delivery
• Operate with real autonomy in a role that values judgment over checkbox compliance
• Be part of a technical engineering team that takes both quality and customer relationships seriously

This is a full-time position with a competitive compensation and benefits package. Only candidates not requiring sponsorship will be considered.