Controls Engineer

HoSt Bio-energy Systems•Vancouver, WA

29d•Hybrid

About The Position

HoSt Bio-Energy Systems is seeking a detail-oriented Controls Engineer to support our mission of delivering cutting-edge sustainable energy solutions. Join us in driving a cleaner, greener future while ensuring exceptional service operations for our clients. As Controls Engineer, you'll own the controls scope of assigned biogas and RNG projects — from PLC/HMI programming and testing through on-site startup and commissioning. You'll work closely with mechanical, electrical, process, and project engineering counterparts to deliver integrated, reliable systems, with real independence to solve practical automation challenges and room to grow into greater project ownership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Controls/Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
3+ years of experience in controls, automation, or industrial systems integration, including hands-on PLC/HMI programming and on-site commissioning.
Working knowledge of PLC programming (Siemens preferred), HMI/SCADA development, industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, or similar), control panel I/O and wiring diagrams, and machine safety fundamentals.
Strong Microsoft Office skills.
Comfortable traveling to project sites for testing, startup, and commissioning support.
Valid passport, with ability to travel internationally on occasion.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license in the state of residence; position is subject to annual DMV record screening in accordance with insurance and client requirements.
Ability to pass a background check.

Nice To Haves

5+ years of controls/automation experience, including experience within biogas/RNG or another process industry (water/wastewater, pulp & paper, oil & gas, food & beverage, etc.).
Experience with process troubleshooting and SCADA historian/reporting tools.
Familiarity with process equipment and systems such as anaerobic digestion, biogas conditioning/upgrading, or gas handling systems.

Responsibilities

Design, program, and test PLC and HMI applications for biogas/RNG process control, including logic development, alarming, and operator interface design, along with data historian services for process monitoring and reporting.
Work with process engineering to develop functional descriptions, control narratives, and cause-and-effect matrices, and develop and maintain I/O, alarm, and interlock lists.
Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks and communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profinet) between PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and third-party equipment, and collaborate with our 3rd-party controls architect on periodic architecture updates.
Lead factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT), perform on-site startup and commissioning, and provide remote support to field teams during commissioning.
Work with mechanical, electrical, process, and project engineering, and with equipment vendors and subcontractors, to resolve controls-related issues.
Keep as-built program documentation current and help improve controls programming standards, templates, and testing procedures.