PSS - ICSS Automation Specialist

Bechtel Corporation; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Bechtel Corporation is seeking an ICSS Automation Specialist in Houston, TX. You will specify, design, develop, commission, and test ICSS and subsystems across DCS, SIS, FGS, and PLC platforms, coordinating with instrument, electrical, mechanical, and process engineers.

You will lead design efforts, perform technical bid evaluations, ensure safety standards (IEC 61511), and mentor engineers through commissioning and startup, including SAT, loop checks, and cause-effect testing.

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) and 10-13 years of relevant experience or 14-17 years of relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate detailed phases of automation work for control systems in engineering and commissioning groups.

Skills

ICSS design & commissioning

DCS

SIS

Fire & Gas Systems

PLC programming (Allen-Bradley)

IEC 61511

Process instrumentation

System integration

Project coordination

Travel (domestic/international)

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Emerson CHARMS

Honeywell Universal I/O

Yokogawa N-IO

ABB Select I/O

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

Job description

Requisition ID:297722

- Relocation Authorized:National - Single
- Telework Type:Part-Time Telework
- Work Location: Houston, TX

Job Summary

The ICSS Automation Specialist is responsible for the specification, design, development, commissioning, and testing of Integrated Control and Safety Systems (ICSS) and their subsystems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), Fire and Gas Systems (FGS), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). This role collaborates with project instrument, electrical, mechanical, and process engineers to ensure all process control, safety requirements, and system interfaces are met throughout the project lifecycle—from design through commissioning and startup. This role also involves collaboration with site management and client representatives, and includes responsibilities in both new greenfield projects and operating facilities in a brownfield environment.

Major Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate detailed phases of automation work for control systems discipline in both engineering and commissioning groups.
• Provide functional oversight of ICSS within project and/or commissioning teams.
• Lead conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design of ICSS scope, including process control, safety instrumented, fire and gas, and process control network systems.
• Develop system requisitions, perform technical bid evaluations, and recommend ICSS selections.
• Maintain continuous interface with work in progress by reviewing/approving design basis, key drawings, design concepts, vendor schedules, and budgets.
• Oversee technical reviews, interface with project personnel, supervisors, and management to ensure project execution aligns with company standards and procedures.
• Audit ICSS activities for compliance with project execution plans, procedures, and engineering department protocols.
• Support and execute commissioning, testing, and startup of ICSS, including Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), loop checks, cause & effect testing, PID Control, and Loop Tuning.
• Establish and maintain records of hardware/software changes and perform software backups.
• Initiate and coordinate technical requests, RFIs, field change documents, and non-conformance reports between site, contractors, clients, and home office.
• Communicate complex technical issues and recommend solutions to upper management.
• Produce and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Identify and resolve ES&H issues in the field, promoting strong safety practices.
• Analyze commissioning and construction requirements, including installation, purchasing, and contractual issues.
• Mentor and supervise engineers, scientists, and designers, providing technical guidance and training.

Education and Experience Requirements

Requires bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) and 10-13 years of relevant experience or 14-17 years of relevant work experience

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated success in ICSS design, development, and/or commissioning with multiple platforms (Emerson, Honeywell, Yokogawa, ABB, etc.).
• Experience in configuration, commissioning, and testing of process control loops (simple and complex).
• Application and adherence to IEC 61511 Safety Instrumented Systems standards for SIS design.
• Experience with configurable I/O platforms (Emerson CHARMS, Honeywell Universal I/O, Yokogawa N-IO, ABB Select I/O).
• Third-party system integration and PLC design/programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley Control Logix).
• Understanding of process instrumentation, fire and gas devices, and instrumentation field wiring/testing.
• ICSS commissioning and startup experience, including cause and effect testing for SIS and FGS.
• PID Control and Loop Tuning.
• Application software logic programming (function block, sequential, ladder).
• Design and development of process control graphics.
• Design and implementation of process control networks (Levels 1–4), including communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, OPC, HART, Wireless ISA 100.11, Wireless IEC 62591 HART).
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including night, split, or day shifts, and travel for system testing, commissioning, and startup (domestic/international).

Total Rewards/Benefits

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive. Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

Diverse teams build the extraordinary

As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.

We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably.

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age,national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law),protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to [e-mail]