Lead Controls Engineer

Overview

The Lead Controls Engineer is responsible for leading projects, managing customer support activities, and contributing to the execution of organizational goals and priorities. This role requires deep expertise in automation systems along with a strong understanding of process control and electrical engineering. The ideal candidate is eager to learn how all components of a system work together.

You will lead projects ranging from system upgrades to HMI maintenance and troubleshooting, working directly with customers to resolve issues and support ongoing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Instrumentation and Maintenance Technicians to troubleshoot and maintain plant automation control systems and software.
• Provide technical expertise in troubleshooting Gas Turbine and Balance of Plant (BOP) operations.
• Troubleshoot Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems.
• Travel to customer sites for HMI installations, system upgrades, and other product deployments.
• Work across a variety of process control platforms, including GT automation, BOP controls, solar, and energy‑storage systems.
• Design and develop graphical user interfaces for customer HMIs.
• Troubleshoot and configure industrial control communication networks.
• Support technicians with calibration of plant instruments such as pressure, flow, temperature, and level devices.
• Program, troubleshoot, and validate PLC code and operator HMIs.
• Identify and communicate opportunities for system improvements to customers.

Job Requirements

• Extensive hands‑on experience in electrical and/or instrumentation/control disciplines.
• Experience performing control system upgrades.
• 5+ years of experience with Gas Turbines.
• 5+ years of experience with automation systems.
• Ability to define and configure devices on a network through software interfaces.
• Strong communication skills with both customers and internal teams.
• Ability to lead initiatives outside of core domain expertise and willingness to learn new technologies.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Control Systems Engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems using a systematic approach.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of power distribution systems and electrical fundamentals.
• Comfortable working in a small, fast‑paced startup environment.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience with Mark VI/VIe control systems.
• 1+ years of experience with Allen‑Bradley controls.
• 1+ years of experience with Woodward control systems.
• 1+ years of experience with Emerson Ovation Controls.
• 1+ years of experience with Siemens systems.
• Experience with power‑generation turbines or excitation control systems.
• Based in Houston, TX (preferred).
• IoT‑related experience.
• Basic programming skills in Python, Node.js, C#, .NET, or VBA.

Equal Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws.