Senior Hydro Controls Engineer — Modernization

City of Shakopee, MN; Cranberry Township (Butler County); Hybrid; USD 129,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Emerson is seeking an experienced Advanced Senior Controls Engineer - Hydro to join the Hydro Controls Engineering team, delivering fully engineered control system solutions for hydroelectric power plants across North America. The role focuses on modernization, turbine governor systems, and turnkey project delivery from design to on-site commissioning.

Travel up to 30% domestically is required. The candidate will act as a technical SME, coordinating with customers and internal teams to ensure

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.
• Proficiency in PLC and HMI programming/configuration.
• Knowledge of Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and DNP3.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

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

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

DCS systems

Customer liaison

Travel up to 30%

Sponsorship awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Rockwell Automation

Siemens

Schneider Electric

Job description

Emerson is seeking an experienced Advanced Senior Controls Engineer - Hydro to join the Hydro Controls Engineering team, delivering fully engineered control system solutions for hydroelectric power plants across North America. The role focuses on modernization, turbine governor systems, and turnkey project delivery from design to on-site commissioning.

Travel up to 30% domestically is required. The candidate will act as a technical SME, coordinating with customers and internal teams to ensure