Senior Engineer, Process Controls Automation

Jobtailor; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Houston seeks a senior automation engineer to design, program, configure, test, and implement automation solutions for manual and business processes. You will lead capital projects for automation systems and ensure compliance with industry standards.

You will develop reusable scripts and frameworks, support DCS/PLC/HMI, and mentor technicians while traveling 30-50% to facilities for FAT/SAT and commissioning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering is required.
• 5+ years of automation experience.
• Experience with PLC/DCS configuration and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with NEC/NFPA 70 standards.
• Willingness to travel 30-50% and outdoor work.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, configure, test, and implement automation solutions for manual and business processes.
• Lead capital projects for automation systems and ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Analyze business processes and optimize automation strategies.
• Develop reusable automation scripts, frameworks, and workflows.
• Architect and support DCS/PLC/RTU/HMI systems and functional safety (BMS & ESD).
• Troubleshoot and maintain automation equipment, ensuring safety and reliability.
• Mentor technicians and contractors; lead integration and data collection efforts.
• Produce project documentation including I/O lists, alarm databases, and drawings.
• Travel to facilities for FAT/SAT, commissioning, and support.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Problem-Solving

Communication

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

DCS

PLC

RTU

HMI

Automation Scripting

Industrial Communication Protocols

Job description

• Design, program, configure, test, and implement automation solutions for manual and business processes
• Lead and execute capital projects for automation systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and company guidelines
• Analyze business processes and recommend automation strategies, including lifecycle management and optimization
• Develop reusable automation scripts, frameworks, and smart workflows to replicate and improve processes
• Architect, implement, and support distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), remote terminal units (RTUs), and human-machine interfaces (HMIs)
• Architect, implement, and support functional safety systems (BMS & ESD)
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and enhance automation equipment and systems, ensuring safety and reliability
• Direct and mentor technicians and contractors in the construction and enhancement of automation systems
• Conduct technical studies, feasibility reviews, and process hazard analyses to determine optimal automation solutions
• Lead integration efforts for data collection, system optimization, and communication infrastructure
• Produce and maintain project documentation, including I/O lists, alarm databases, control narratives, and drawings
• Support and implement information security measures for automation cyber assets
• Participate in incident investigations, technical committees, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Travel to facilities as needed, supporting operations and commissioning activities, including Factory and Site Acceptance Tests (FAT/SAT)

Requirements

• Legally authorized to work in the job posting country
• Bachelor's degree in engineering
• 5+ years of relevant experience in automation
• Intermediate proficiency in PLC/DCS configuration, industrial communication protocols, and troubleshooting
• Expertise in process control optimization, tuning, and sequential functions
• Familiarity with NEC/NFPA 70 standards
• Willingness to travel (30-50%), including outdoor work in varying conditions

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in designing and implementing automation solutions, including proficiency in PLC/DCS configuration and process control optimization. Capable of leading projects, mentoring teams, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• PLC/DCS Configuration
• Process Control Optimization
• Automation Solutions Design
• Technical Documentation Production
• Compliance with NEC/NFPA 70 Standards

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Automation Solutions
• Process Control Optimization
• Troubleshooting
• Lifecycle Management
• Automation Scripting
• Control Systems Architecture
• Functional Safety Systems
• Industrial Communication Protocols
• Data Collection Integration
• Project Management

Soft Skills

• Mentoring
• Leadership
• Collaboration
• Problem-Solving
• Communication

Industry Keywords

• Capital Projects
• Technical Studies
• Feasibility Reviews
• Process Hazard Analyses
• Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT)
• Site Acceptance Tests (SAT)

Tools & Technologies

• Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
• Remote Terminal Units (RTU)
• Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI)
• Automation Cyber Assets