Senior Controls Engineer

The Partners Alliance; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Relocation package if approved

Job summary

A leading provider of power and automation control technologies is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer focused on thermal power systems to design control strategies and collaborate on modernization projects. A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is required, along with over 5 years of relevant experience. The role follows a hybrid work model with up to 25% travel across North America. The ideal candidate will have experience with DCS or PLC platforms and a strong understanding of thermal powerplant operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience in controls, automation, or system integration.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% across North America.
• U.S. work authorization (no sponsorship available).

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering design for control system retrofit projects in thermal power generation.
• Develop control logic and functional strategies for key thermal systems.
• Collaborate closely with customer engineering teams, project managers, and internal technical groups.

Skills

Engineering experience in controls

Automation or system integration

Designing controls for DCS or PLC platforms

Knowledge of thermal powerplant operations

Ability to convert plant process flows into control logic

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or relevant field

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Computer Engineering

Tools

DCS platforms (Ovation, DeltaV)

Job description

Senior Controls Engineer – Thermal Power

Pittsburgh, PA (Hybrid) or Houston, TX | Charlotte, NC | Tinley Park, IL

A leading provider of power and automation control technologies is seeking a Thermal Controls Engineer to support full‑lifecycle engineering and modernization projects for thermal power plants across North America. This position focuses on developing control strategies, translating plant processes into functional logic, and designing DCS/PLC‑based solutions for complex thermal systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering design for control system retrofit projects in thermal power generation.
• Develop control logic and functional strategies for key thermal systems, including:
  • Balance of Plant (BOP)
  • Boiler and combustion control systems
  • Fuel‑handling and fuel‑burning systems
  • Auxiliary and associated subsystems
• Translate plant operations and process requirements into structured, reliable control logic.
• Collaborate closely with customer engineering teams, project managers, and internal technical groups to define optimal solutions.
• Prepare engineering plans, schedules, and monthly progress updates.
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and occasional commissioning activities (up to 25% travel).
• Recommend improvements to engineering processes, control strategies, and system performance.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or relevant technical field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in controls, automation, or system integration.
• Experience designing controls for DCS or PLC platforms (Ovation preferred; DeltaV, ABB, Honeywell, Yokogawa, or other platforms acceptable).
• Knowledge of thermal powerplant operations, including BOP, boiler/combustion systems, BMS, and fuel-burning processes.
• Ability to convert plant process flows into functional control logic.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% across North America.
• U.S. work authorization (no sponsorship available).

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Computer Engineering.
• Experience with retrofit or modernization projects.
• Familiarity with P&IDs, I/O lists, functional specifications, and control narratives.
• Prior work with power generation or EPC organizations.

This position operates in a collaborative engineering environment focused on high-quality execution and deep technical engagement. Engineers frequently collaborate with project teams, technical specialists, and customer groups to deliver complex plant-level solutions.

Hybrid Schedule

The role follows a 4‑days onsite / 1‑day remote work model. Onsite teamwork supports design reviews, engineering collaboration, and access to system labs and testing resources.

Primary and Alternate Locations

The preferred location is Pittsburgh, PA, where much of the engineering team is based. However, the role may also be performed from:

• Tinley Park, IL (Chicago area)

These offices operate as interconnected hubs within the larger engineering organization.

Relocation

Relocation is not required and generally not preferred, but may be offered for a highly qualified candidate. When approved, relocation is provided as a managed lump-sum package through a relocation services partner.

Travel Requirements

The role includes up to 25% travel, primarily for factory acceptance testing, commissioning, and integration support at customer sites across North America.