Control Systems Engineer - Houston, TX

S&B Houston•Houston Offices, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

S&B is seeking a Control Systems Engineer to work on all phases of control system development and control system equipment design for projects of varying sizes and complexities. The role requires full competence in conventional Control System Engineering and the independent judgment to evaluate, select, adapt, and modify standard design criteria, methods, and procedures. The engineer periodically evaluates work performed by less experienced engineers and applies knowledge of project management requirements, including staffing and scheduling. The position provides technical guidance and manpower coordination for Control Systems Engineering staff assigned to one or more projects, and may involve supervising personnel or planning and directing design engineering activities on complex projects. Work includes client and vendor coordination, development and review of engineering documents and designs, system specifications and procurement, functional safety documentation, and support for project estimates, proposals, scheduling, and manpower planning. Plant start-ups, field assignments, vendor inspections, and foreign travel may be required. S&B is a privately owned, full-service Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company serving industries including Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Energy Transition, Power, and Pulp & Paper. The company describes its culture as collaborative and focused on innovation and excellence, and offers competitive compensation, flexible and hybrid work schedules, and a comprehensive benefits program.

Requirements

At least 10 years of Control Systems Engineering experience, or equivalent working knowledge and experience.
Normally requires a four-year degree in Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering.
Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of computer software packages and automated engineering and design equipment, sufficient to direct their use for diverse engineering assignments.
Experience with safety shutdown and/or critical control systems.
Experience with PLC programming, logic, human-machine interface, and/or graphics.
Experience with DCS programming, configuration, human-machine interface, and/or graphics.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from clients, managers, designers, and engineers.
Ability to work with probability, statistical inference, geometry, trigonometry, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
Occasional field trips may require normal hearing; ability to stand, walk, reach, climb, and balance; clear close and distance vision, depth perception, and ability to focus.
Lifting up to 25 pounds may be required.

Nice To Haves

Certified Functional Safety Engineer (Exida CFSE) or TUV Functional Safety Engineer registration is preferred.

Responsibilities

Meet with clients’ technical staff to discuss technical information and features.
Prepare sketches and calculations for detailed project segments.
Visit existing plants to collect operating data and equipment information.
Prepare equipment specifications, inquiries, and purchase requisitions for approval.
Evaluate vendor bids and drawings for compliance with specifications.
Communicate equipment designs to clients and other design disciplines.
Review and approve design drawings for assigned project segments.
Participate in reviews of Process Flow Diagrams and Piping and Instrument Diagrams.
Participate in preparing equipment lists, instrument indexes, and process specifications for instruments.
Develop system architecture drawings showing project control systems, required hardware, and communication protocols and interfaces.
Prepare control system specifications and procurement documents for multiple control system platforms, and attend Factory Acceptance Tests for project- or client-purchased equipment.
Develop and support Safety Instrument System documentation, including Cause and Effect, Safety Requirement Specifications, Safety Instrumented Function design, SIL calculations, and other Functional Safety Management Plan documentation.
Support or facilitate alarm rationalization among project stakeholders.
Monitor subcontracted technical services activities.
Participate in preparing design guides, guide specifications, and contract proposals.
Supervise and direct personnel working on one or more projects as needed.
Provide input to estimates, proposals, scheduling, and manpower planning.
Participate in plant start-ups and field assignments as required.
Participate in equipment inspections at vendor facilities.
Plan, organize, and supervise design engineering activities for projects of significant size and complexity, or multiple projects of moderate size and complexity, as needed.
Participate with construction personnel on constructability issues involving field conditions, sequencing, and construction scheduling.
Provide technical guidance and coordinate manpower for Control Systems Engineering staff assigned to projects.
Assist with personnel evaluation and hiring reviews.