Senior Control Systems Engineer

HDR, Inc.; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Control Systems Engineer to design SCADA and control wiring, develop P&IDs, and coordinate multi-discipline design teams for complex facility projects.

You will lead technical discussions, review documents, and ensure high-quality construction documents. The role requires a PE license and a minimum of 10 years in control systems design, with hands-on experience inPLC/SCADA programming, instrumentation, and network integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• Master's degree in related field is preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop SCADA/Control Systems construction documents (P&IDs, diagrams, wiring diagrams).
• Coordinate workload and manning for control systems staff across design and construction phases.
• Lead or support SCADA and network Master Planning projects.
• Interface with Electrical, Process, and Cybersecurity specialists to coordinate design requirements.

Skills

SCADA design

Project leadership

Control systems programming

P&ID development

Network architecture

Field supervision

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Computer Engineering

Master's degree in related field

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

As part of HDR's Building Engineering Services Group, you will design critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. Your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience by optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, and engineering the backbone of next‑generation facilities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform complex assignments exercising judgment in evaluation, selection and modification of standard engineering techniques and procedures.
• Coordinate control system discipline staff workload through design development and construction document phases to complete documents on schedule.
• Review control systems documents for areas of conflict with all disciplines.
• Write and edit instrumentation and controls systems specifications, and select equipment and monitoring/control devices.
• Develop biddable and technically accurate SCADA / Control Systems construction documents including P&IDs, network architecture diagrams, control panel layouts and wiring diagrams, installation details, loop drawings, and technical specifications.
• Coordinate with and assist affected disciplines with addenda, RFIs, CPRs and change orders, and incorporate agreed‑upon changes into the project documents.
• Make decisions on significant design and engineering procedures as needed.
• Supervise and develop a small staff of professionals and technicians as needed.
• Provide construction contract administration as needed.
• Lead or support SCADA and network Master Planning projects as needed.
• Travel to client facilities to participate in field activities to assess and document the current state of installed control systems.
• Participate in and lead design review and planning meetings with the client.
• Lead the development of preliminary engineering reports and studies focused on recommending and developing solutions for improvements to client control systems.
• Serve as Engineer of Record in responsible charge for the development of biddable and technically accurate control system construction documents.
• Interface with Electrical, Process, and Cybersecurity specialists to fully coordinate design requirements for network, power, control, and instrumentation.
• Lead the selection and specification of facility and process instrumentation, control panels, and network equipment.
• Lead the development of biddable and technically accurate control system construction documents including P&IDs, process flow diagrams, network architecture diagrams, control panel layouts and wiring diagrams, installation details, loop drawings, and technical specifications.
• Participate in system testing and commissioning activities.
• Coordinate with project manager and section manager to update workplans for control systems staff assigned to your project, and track budget and schedule performance for the control systems team.
• Participate in joint scoping and proposal development working with clients and marketing staff.
• Participate in the planning and specification of applied technology solutions including instrumentation and control, advanced automation and control, artificial intelligence, networking, data management & analytics, augmented reality, and vision control.
• Provide Quality Control (QC) reviews of control system designs.
• Contribute to Control System Technical Leadership Team and drive corporate initiatives for quality and strategic growth within the Control Systems Discipline.
• Active participation in industry professional societies to contribute to the development of standards, participate in the development and delivery of presentations and whitepapers at industry trade shows and conferences, and develop article content for general industry and market sector specific newsletters and periodicals.

System Integration Responsibilities

• Perform complex assignments exercising judgment in evaluation, selection and modification of standard engineering techniques and procedures.
• Coordinate workload through development, testing, and construction phases to complete integration tasks on schedule.
• Conduct systems integration of the SCADA systems, including programming of PLCs/PCs and HMI customizing for various control software programs.
• Review electrical documents for areas of conflict with all disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Hands‑on experience designing SCADA systems, including schematics and loops.
• Experience with control panel design and panel wiring.
• Experience with instrumentation setup, configuration and calibration.
• A minimum of 10 years of control systems programming experience.
• Experience managing control systems tasks, projects and teams.
• Experience with startup and commissioning.
• Knowledge of automation hardware including but not limited to Allen‑Bradley/Rockwell, Emerson/GE, Foxboro, Modicon/Schneider‑Electric, and Siemens.
• Knowledge of HMI software including but not limited to Wonderware/AVEVA, iFix, FactoryTalk, VTScada, Ignition, Emerson Ovation, Delta V, etc.
• Knowledge of industrial network equipment such as network switches, industrial firewalls, radio/RTU communication, cellular modems.
• Previous work experience with a Systems Integration firm.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must.
• A minimum of 10 years applicable experience.