Senior Automation Engineer

Williams Companies; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Health coverage

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Employee stock purchase plan

Domestic partner benefits

Wellness programs

Job summary

Williams Companies in Houston is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead programming, commissioning, and optimization of advanced control systems for compression and midstream operations.

You will translate business needs into robust automation solutions, develop control narratives, and provide technical leadership across project teams while ensuring safety, compliance, and continuous improvement in a dynamic energy environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology with P.E. license.
• Experience with automation/control in natural gas, petrochemical, or similar industries is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning of PLC and HMI/SCADA systems.
• Design and implement control strategies (PID loops, motor control, alarm management).
• Translate business and operational needs into effective automation solutions.
• Develop control system documentation (control narratives, cause & effect, control philosophy).
• Collaborate across teams to ensure safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Provide technical leadership and may oversee project work of others.
• Monitor project scope, costs, and resources.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations.
• Champion safety standards, procedures, and best practices.

Skills

PLC/SCADA

HMI/SCADA

Control systems

P.E. license

NEC/API standards

Analytical skills

MS Office

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Engineering Technology + P.E. license

Tools

None

Job description

At Williams, we’re powering a cleaner, more connected future, and that starts with you. Here, your work fuels communities, drives innovation, and helps deliver reliable energy the world depends on. Join a Fortune 500 team that invests in your growth, values your contributions, and challenges you to make a lasting impact every day.

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will lead the programming, commissioning, and optimization of advanced control systems supporting compression and midstream operations. This role requires strong technical expertise, independent execution, and the ability to anticipate customer needs and deliver innovative automation solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning of PLC and HMI/SCADA systems
• Design and implement control strategies (PID loops, motor control, alarm management)
• Translate business and operational needs into effective automation solutions
• Develop control system documentation (control narratives, cause & effect, control philosophy)
• Collaborate across teams to ensure safety, compliance, and continuous improvement
• Provide technical leadership and may oversee project work of others
• Monitor project scope, costs, and resources
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations
• Champion safety standards, procedures, and best practices

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; OR Engineering Technology degree with P.E. license
• 8+ years of automation/control experience in natural gas, petrochemical, or similar industries
• Experience with PLCs (Allen-Bradley, SCADAPack) and HMI/SCADA systems
• Experience with natural gas processing and compression operations
• Commissioning midstream or process facilities
• Control system documentation development
• Electrical/instrumentation standards (e.g., NEC, API RP 500)
• Strong analytical skills with ability to translate requirements into control logic
• Effective communication and collaboration skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license
• Experience in Pre-FEED, FEED, or EPC project phases
• Background in instrumentation and electrical system design (low/medium voltage)
• Experience leading projects or mentoring others

Work Environment

• 20–30% travel based on project need

Benefits

• Strong pay plus an annual incentive program
• Hybrid work for most office roles, plus real flexibility in many field positions
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with options that fit your life, not the other way around
• 401(k) with company match and an annual company contribution
• Paid time off, including company and floating holidays
• Paid parental leave (up to six weeks per parent), plus fertility and adoption support
• Advanced AI tools and resources to help level up and work smarter
• Clear paths to grow your career, with a strong culture of promoting from within
• Tuition reimbursement and support for continuing education
• HSA and FSA options
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Domestic partner benefits
• Employee resource groups, wellness support, paid volunteer time, and company matching for causes you care about

Williams is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be 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, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected under applicable discrimination law.