Controls Engineer

Integra • Houston, TX

4d

About The Position

The Controls Engineer is a senior technical expert responsible for designing, developing, integrating, and optimizing advanced control systems for mission-critical manufacturing operations and modular infrastructure. The role provides technical leadership across PLC, BMS, SCADA, and HMI systems to support reliable, safe, and efficient automated equipment and production processes. This senior contributor leads complex automation initiatives, develops engineering standards, supports cross-functional teams, and mentors controls and automation personnel, helping improve reliability, operational efficiency, and scalability across manufacturing and deployment environments.

The position leads controls-focused projects from concept through deployment, including technical coordination, testing, commissioning support, and collaboration with mechanical, electrical, IT, and production teams. It also provides expert troubleshooting, supports compliance and cybersecurity considerations, maintains system documentation, and trains manufacturing, maintenance, and operations personnel. The role is based in Houston, Texas, and may require travel up to 25%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field is listed as preferred.
• At least 8 years of progressive controls or automation engineering experience is required.
• At least 5 years of hands-on PLC, SCADA, and HMI development in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Expert-level knowledge of control systems, industrial automation, and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with PLC programming software such as Niagara 4, ComAp, Distech, Ignition, or equivalent.
• Proficiency with configuration files for products such as Woodward ATS, SEL 751 relays, and Qualitrol power meters.
• In-depth understanding of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, and BACnet.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to independently manage complex technical challenges and priorities.
• Experience leading controls projects or serving as a technical lead is required.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% as required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting mission-critical manufacturing, modular infrastructure, or high-reliability environments.
• Advanced degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Controls or automation certifications, such as Niagara 4, ComAp, Distech, Ignition, or equivalent.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Knowledge of networking, LAN, and VLAN applications.
• Functional safety or cybersecurity certifications.
• Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) credential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of complex PLC, SCADA, and HMI control systems for manufacturing and mission-critical infrastructure.
• Develop control system architectures, logic, and configurations that support reliability, redundancy, and safe operation.
• Design, program, test, and validate PLC applications using ladder logic, structured text, or function block programming.
• Optimize automation solutions to improve throughput, reduce downtime, and enhance system performance.
• Serve as a technical authority for integrating controls with manufacturing equipment, power systems, and enterprise platforms such as MES and data historians.
• Lead integration work with mechanical, electrical, IT, and production teams to ensure system interoperability.
• Review and approve control system designs, logic, and documentation produced by other engineers or integrators.
• Troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues and perform root cause analysis.
• Lead controls projects from concept through deployment, including scope definition, scheduling, technical coordination, and commissioning support.
• Support budgeting, vendor coordination, and equipment selection for automation and controls systems.
• Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and commissioning activities.
• Ensure control systems comply with applicable safety standards, industry codes, and company policies.
• Support the development and enforcement of controls engineering standards, best practices, and documentation requirements.
• Promote functional safety, reliability, and cybersecurity considerations in control system designs.
• Develop and maintain control narratives, wiring diagrams, I/O lists, network architecture, and operating procedures.
• Provide training and technical support to manufacturing, maintenance, and operations personnel.
• Identify opportunities to improve automation workflows, system performance, and engineering efficiency.
• Perform other related duties as required to support mission-critical operations and business objectives.
• Travel up to 25% as required.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with incentive opportunities.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and disability insurance programs.
• Voluntary benefits options.
• Generous paid time off.
• Education assistance and tuition support.
• Retirement and savings programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior