Controls Engineer, Distributed Control System (DCS), Entry Level

NAES•McKittrick, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Entry-Level Controls Engineer, Distributed Control System (DCS), supports the maintenance, reliability, and continuous improvement of the control and automation systems that support the safe and efficient operation of La Paloma Power Facility. This includes the plant's DCS, turbine control systems, PLCs, industrial networks, CEMS, and related automation infrastructure. Working under the guidance of the Maintenance Manager, this position supports control system maintenance, troubleshooting, software modifications, and system upgrades. The Controls Engineer works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and contractors to support safe, reliable plant operation while developing expertise in power plant controls and automation systems.

Requirements

Associate's degree, technical diploma, or equivalent military training in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology, Instrumentation & Controls, Automation Technology, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline is required.
One (1) to two (2) years of experience supporting Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), SCADA systems, industrial automation systems, or related technologies through employment, internships, co-op assignments, military service, or academic projects.
Basic knowledge of DCS platforms, PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and communication protocols such as Modbus, Ethernet/IP, OPC, or similar technologies.
Familiarity with troubleshooting control systems, instrumentation, communications, hardware, software, and automation-related issues in an industrial or technical environment.
Exposure to control logic development, software configuration, system testing, commissioning activities, or automation projects through academic, internship, or professional experience.
Basic understanding of industrial networking, cybersecurity concepts, system backups, and network troubleshooting principles.
Ability to analyze technical data, interpret engineering drawings and control narratives, and develop practical solutions under the guidance of senior engineering personnel.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to learn quickly, manage priorities, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor's degree in Engineering is preferred.
Experience with ABB Advant systems is a plus.
Knowledge of power generation, industrial processes, instrumentation, or control systems, with combined cycle power plant experience considered an advantage.

Responsibilities

Assist in the maintenance, troubleshooting, programming, and optimization of the plant's DCS, turbine control systems, SCADA systems, PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, field instrumentation, and automation infrastructure.
Support the investigation and resolution of control system, instrumentation, communications, and hardware/software issues under the guidance of senior engineering staff.
Assist with the development, configuration, testing, and commissioning of control logic modifications, software enhancements, and automation improvements.
Support the maintenance and testing of interfaces between plant control systems, turbine controls, PLCs, historians, environmental systems, and third-party applications.
Assist with the operation, maintenance, and compliance activities associated with Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) and related reporting systems.
Support the maintenance and enhancement of operator graphics, alarm management systems, plant historians, data archiving systems, and performance monitoring tools.
Provide day-to-day technical support to Operations and Maintenance personnel regarding control system functionality and troubleshooting activities.
Participate in control system upgrades, software migrations, lifecycle replacement projects, and automation improvement initiatives.
Analyze plant and control system data to identify equipment issues, performance trends, and opportunities for operational improvement.
Assist with industrial control system cybersecurity activities, including backups, user access management, disaster recovery planning, and network maintenance.
Support the review, testing, and implementation of OEM software updates, firmware revisions, technical bulletins, and control system modifications.
Participate in planned and forced outage activities, including testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, startup support, and system validation.
Assist with Root Cause Analyses (RCA), event investigations, and reliability improvement initiatives related to control and automation systems.
Maintain control system documentation, configuration records, network drawings, operating procedures, and technical specifications while supporting coordination with OEMs, contractors, and service providers.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the facility.