Senior Controls Engineer

Senior Controls Engineer – Thermal Power

Pittsburgh, PA (Hybrid) or Houston, TX | Charlotte, NC | Tinley Park, IL

A leading provider of power and automation control technologies is seeking a Thermal Controls Engineer to support full‑lifecycle engineering and modernization projects for thermal power plants across North America. This position focuses on developing control strategies, translating plant processes into functional logic, and designing DCS/PLC‑based solutions for complex thermal systems.

• Lead engineering design for control system retrofit projects in thermal power generation.
• Develop control logic and functional strategies for key thermal systems, including:
  • Balance of Plant (BOP)
  • Boiler and combustion control systems
  • Fuel‑handling and fuel‑burning systems
  • Auxiliary and associated subsystems
• Translate plant operations and process requirements into structured, reliable control logic.
• Collaborate closely with customer engineering teams, project managers, and internal technical groups to define optimal solutions.
• Prepare engineering plans, schedules, and monthly progress updates.
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and occasional commissioning activities (up to 25% travel).
• Recommend improvements to engineering processes, control strategies, and system performance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or relevant technical field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in controls, automation, or system integration.
• Experience designing controls for DCS or PLC platforms (Ovation preferred; Delta
  
  V, ABB, Honeywell, Yokogawa, or other platforms acceptable).
• Knowledge of thermal power plant operations, including BOP, boiler/combustion systems, BMS, and fuel-burning processes.
• Ability to convert plant process flows into functional control logic.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% across North America.
• U.S. work authorization (no sponsorship available).

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Computer Engineering.
• Experience with retrofit or modernization projects.
• Familiarity with P&IDs, I/O lists, functional specifications, and control narratives.
• Prior work with power generation or EPC organizations.

This position operates in a collaborative engineering environment focused on high-quality execution and deep technical engagement. Engineers frequently collaborate with project teams, technical specialists, and customer groups to deliver complex plant-level solutions.

The role follows a 4‑days onsite / 1‑day remote work model. Onsite teamwork supports design reviews, engineering collaboration, and access to system labs and testing resources.

The preferred location is Pittsburgh, PA
, where much of the engineering team is based. However, the role may also be performed from:

• Tinley Park, IL (Chicago area)

These offices operate as interconnected hubs within the larger engineering organization.

Relocation is not required and generally not preferred
, but may be offered for a highly qualified candidate. When approved, relocation is provided as a managed lump-sum package through a relocation services partner.

The role includes up to 25% travel
, primarily for factory acceptance testing, commissioning, and integration support at customer sites across North America.