Senior Automation Engineer

Williams Power Innovation; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Williams 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 automation solutions, mentor others, and drive safety and efficiency across projects.

The role requires 8+ years in automation/control, strong analytical and communication abilities, and a PE license or equivalent. Hybrid work and extensive benefits accompany this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology with PE lic.
• 8+ years of automation/control experience in relevant industries such as natural gas or petrochemical.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; ability to translate requirements into control logic.

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 needs into automation solutions and oversee project work as needed.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations; monitor project scope and resources.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Effective communication

Independent execution

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

PE license or Engineering Technology with PE license

Tools

PLC

HMI/SCADA

PID control

Control systems

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

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:

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

• 20–30% travel based on project need

About Houston (Williams Tower Location):

Our Houston office is located in the Williams Tower, just steps from the Houston Galleria on Post Oak Boulevard, an area with more than 700 retailers, fine dining and hotels within two square miles. We offer free onsite-parking!

Houston is the fourth most populous city in the nation and greater Houston is the most ethnically diverse metropolitan area in the United States. Houston is a dynamic mix of imagination, talent and first-class attractions that makes it a world-class city!

If you love being outside, Houston rates first in total park acreage among U.S. cities with more than one million residents and offers a 300-mile interconnected bikeway network spread over 500 square miles. Check out visithoustontexas to learn more!

We invest in our people in ways that actually show up in your day-to-day, not just on paper. Our Total Rewards are built to support how you work, live, and plan for what’s next.

Here’s a look at what that means:

• 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

Eligibility and benefits are governed by the terms of the applicable plan or program document which can be amended or terminated at any time.

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.

Williams is a leading provider of energy transportation and storage solutions, committed to delivering reliable, low-cost, low-carbon energy for a sustainable future.