Senior Hydro Controls Engineer - Hydro

Emerson; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 128,700 - 167,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time off

Paid parental leave

401(k)

Medical/dental/vision

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Emerson is seeking an experienced Advanced Senior Controls Engineer to join their Power and Water Solutions team in Riverside, CA. This crucial role involves leading engineering efforts for retrofit projects, designing turbine governor systems, and serving as a subject matter expert for hydro control systems. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and at least 7 years of experience in control systems for hydro power plants. A competitive salary range of $128,700 to $167,300 annually is offered, commensurate with skills and experience.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in controls and automation.
• Experience with design and commissioning of control systems for hydro power plants.
• Proficiency in PLC and HMI programming/configuration.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering efforts for retrofit and modernization projects.
• Design and develop turbine governor systems and plant control solutions.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for hydro control systems.

Skills

Controls and automation

PLC programming

HMI programming

Communication networks

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Rockwell software

Siemens software

Schneider software

DCS systems

Job description

Emerson is seeking an experienced Advanced Senior Controls Engineer – Hydro to join our Power and Water Solutions team. In this critical role you will be part of the Hydro Controls Engineering team responsible for delivering fully engineered control system solutions for hydroelectric power plants across North America.

Preferred Locations

• Blue Bell, PA
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Warren, NJ
• Latham, NY
• Charlotte, NC
• Houston, TX
• Riverside, CA
• Detroit, MI
• Tinley Park, IL

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering efforts for retrofit and modernization projects within the North American hydroelectric power industry
• Design and develop turbine governor systems and plant control solutions for hydroelectric facilities
• Interpret customer and industry technical specifications to create mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical control system designs
• Develop and adapt control logic using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and functional flow diagrams
• Apply electrical and hydraulic schematics to ensure accurate, safe, and effective system integration
• Configure and customize PLC and HMI software to meet project-specific operational requirements
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and commission control systems at customer sites
• Develop control narratives, functional descriptions, and hardware and software test procedures
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for hydro control systems, plant operations, and customer engagement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field
• 7+ years of experience in controls and automation
• Hands‑on experience with design and commissioning of control systems for hydro power plants and turbine governor systems
• Proficiency in PLC and HMI programming/configuration (Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider) and/or DCS systems
• Knowledge of communication networks such as Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and DNP3
• Ability to serve as the primary technical contact for customers
• Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically to support projects
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future (no sponsorship will be provided)

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in controls and automation engineering
• Ability to analyze and implement engineering designs for logic or digital circuitry, motor controls, instrumentation, or data acquisition systems
• Experience with pumped storage station controls
• Prior experience with Emerson Ovation controls systems

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $128,700 – $167,300 annually, plus benefits, commensurate with the skills, talent, capability, and experience each candidate brings to a role. Flexible time off, paid parental leave, 401(k), medical/dental/vision, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, and other benefits are also available.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

Work Authorization

Emerson will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F‑1 (including those with OPT or CPT), H‑1, H‑2, L‑1, B, J, or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.