Senior Hydro Controls Engineer — Retrofit & Turnkey Solutions

Emerson; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 129,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Emerson is seeking an experienced Advanced Senior Controls Engineer – Hydro to join our Power and Water Solutions team. In this 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.

This role focuses on modernization and retrofit projects, including turbine governor systems and plant control solutions, with responsibilities spanning design, testing, and on-site

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in engineering or related 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 Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and DNP3 networks.
• Ability to be the primary technical contact for customers.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

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 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 system integration.
• Configure and customize PLC and HMI software to meet project requirements.
• Support FAT and commission control systems at customer sites.
• Develop control narratives, functional descriptions, and test procedures.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for hydro control systems and customer engagement.

Skills

Controls engineering

PLC programming

HMI programming

Electrical design

Hydro power experience

Customer liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Rockwell

Siemens

Schneider

Job description

Emerson is seeking an experienced Advanced Senior Controls Engineer – Hydro to join our Power and Water Solutions team. In this 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.

This role focuses on modernization and retrofit projects, including turbine governor systems and plant control solutions, with responsibilities spanning design, testing, and on-site