Sr. Application and Controls Engineer (PWR GEN 231) (3105)

Waukesha-Pearce Industries; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Waukesha-Pearce Industries in Houston, TX seeks a Senior Application and Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of electrical control systems for power generation packages. You will serve as the senior technical authority for controls engineering, including PLC programming, system integration, testing, and field support.

You will mentor junior engineers, support continuous improvement, and interface with customers, vendors, and project teams to ensure reliable

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years in troubleshooting and commissioning machine/process controls.
• Advanced knowledge of electrical control systems and PLC programming.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of electrical control systems.
• Develop and review schematics, layouts, BOMs, and as-built docs.
• Lead design and optimization of genset control panels and automated systems.
• Serve as primary technical authority for electrical controls and testing.
• Ensure compliance with NEC, NFPA 79, UL, CSA, and CE standards.

Skills

Electrical controls

PLC programming

System integration

Troubleshooting

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Control panel design software

Electrical schematics

Job description

Scope of Work:

The Senior Application and Controls Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, implementation, and optimization of electrical control systems and automated equipment associated with power generation packages and related systems. This role serves as a senior technical authority for controls engineering, providing expertise in electrical system architecture, control panel design, PLC programming, system integration, troubleshooting, testing, and field support.

The position works cross-functionally with engineering, operations, manufacturing, field service personnel, vendors, and customers to ensure reliable system performance, compliance with company and industry standards, and successful project execution. The Senior Application and Controls Engineer also provides technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to junior engineers and technicians while supporting continuous improvement initiatives and complex customer applications.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of electrical control systems in accordance with company and industry standards.
• Develop and review electrical schematics, control panel layouts, interface drawings, bills of materials, and as-built documentation.
• Lead the design, programming, integration, and optimization of genset control panels, PLCs, and automated control systems.
• Serve as the primary technical authority for electrical controls, troubleshooting, and system performance issues.
• Review and approve vendor-supplied electrical schematics, component selections, and control system designs.
• Provide technical leadership during fabrication, installation, commissioning, startup, FAT, and customer witness testing activities.
• Ensure compliance with UL requirements, applicable electrical codes, and company engineering standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, system performance, and process efficiency.
• Provide advanced technical support and mentorship to technicians, engineers, field personnel, and other departments.
• Act as a technical resource for equipment specifications, system architecture, design reviews, and customer applications.
• Support branch operations and provide guidance on complex PLC and controls-related issues across multiple locations.
• Interface directly with customers, vendors, and project teams to resolve technical issues and support project execution.
• Travel to customer and branch locations as needed to provide on-site engineering support, troubleshooting, and commissioning assistance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years' experience with troubleshooting and commissioning machine/process controls.

Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Must be self-motivated with the ability to effectively manage time, prioritize tasks, and ensure customer projects are completed on schedule and delivered efficiently.
• Advanced knowledge of electrical control systems, PLC programming, industrial automation, and power generation systems.
• Extensive experience designing, programming, integrating, and troubleshooting PLC-based control systems and automated equipment.
• Working knowledge of electrical switchgear, power distribution systems, protection relays, synchronization systems, and metering devices.
• Ability to independently develop, review, and approve electrical schematics, one-line drawings, control narratives, and technical documentation.
• Advanced understanding of control panel design and circuitry, including power supplies, breakers, relays, VFDs, analog instrumentation, and digital I/O systems.
• Thorough knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, UL, CSA, and CE standards, with experience ensuring compliance in control system and panel designs.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities with the capability to diagnose complex electrical and controls issues and implement effective long-term solutions.
• Experience supporting generator and compressor applications, including engine selection, load analysis, and application engineering.
• Ability to develop technical proposals, quotation spreadsheets, scope of supply documents, and engineering specification exceptions for customer applications.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including preparation and presentation of technical reports and documentation.
• Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word, along with electrical design and automation software platforms.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and technicians while providing technical leadership across multiple projects and branch operations.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; additional or extended hours may be required based on business needs.
• Position requires prolonged periods of sitting, with occasional bending, kneeling, and reaching overhead.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments and may involve exposure to varying weather and industrial conditions.

WPI is an EEO/AA (equal opportunity/affirmative action) institution and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, physical or mental disability, creed, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or gender expression in the programs or activities which it operates.

En Espanol

WPI es una institucio n EEO/AA (igualdad de oportunidad/accio n afirmativa) y no discrimina en base al sexo, edad, raza, color, religion, discapacidad fisica o mental, credo, origen nacional, estatus veterano, orientacio n sexual, infomacio n genetica, identidad de genero, o expresio n de genero en los programas o actividades los cuales opera.