Controls Systems Engineer - Sterling Industrial - Phoenix (Tempe), AZ
About The Position
Sterling Industrial LLC is seeking a Controls Systems Engineer for a complex EPC hydropower project in Phoenix, Arizona. The role provides engineering, coordination, and technical oversight of instrumentation and controls for powerhouse and balance-of-plant systems. It supports design development, interface management, constructability, construction, and commissioning for a large hydropower facility that includes an underground powerhouse, shafts, tunnels, intake and outlet works, and surface facilities. Work must align with customer requirements, applicable codes, and project engineering procedures. The engineer collaborates with design consultants, vendors, project teams, and other external stakeholders to coordinate and assure the design. The position also supports execution in underground environments, including construction planning, testing, energization, commissioning, operational readiness, and turnover. Travel may be required, including extended project- or site-based assignments.
Requirements
- At least 15 years of overall experience.
- At least 5 years of progressive experience in control systems construction for hydropower, pumped storage, or large power/infrastructure projects.
- Demonstrated experience supporting powerhouse or balance-of-plant systems on at least one medium- to large-scale EPC project.
- Strong knowledge of controls and instrumentation for pumped-storage/hydropower auxiliary and balance-of-plant systems.
- Knowledge of current computer applications for control systems construction, including CAD applications such as AutoCAD, and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Visio for managing design reviews.
- Broad knowledge of U.S. government compliance standards.
- Ability to communicate technical information orally and in writing, work effectively with individuals and teams, and present information.
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary, multicultural teams and manage challenging relationships across a range of entities.
- Self-driven ability to plan and execute work without direct supervision from senior management or peers.
- Flexibility to adapt to a demanding environment, including travel and remote work when required.
- Familiarity with EPC execution, engineering workflows, and document control systems.
- Experience supporting commissioning and handover to owner operations.
- Ability to travel for trainings and meetings and potentially work at project or site locations for extended periods.
- Ability to sit or stand for an entire shift; occasionally stoop, bend, walk, crouch, and climb; lift and carry up to 10 pounds; and talk, listen, and speak clearly.
- Ability to perform essential job functions consistent with applicable ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, meet productivity standards, and maintain regular, punctual attendance.
Nice To Haves
- BS or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or equivalent from a recognized institute (preferred).
- Professional or Chartered Engineer qualification (preferred).
Responsibilities
- Review conceptual, preliminary, and detailed designs for balance-of-plant systems.
- Work with the design subcontractor and discharge responsibilities under procedures for managing third-party engineering.
- Develop and check control systems design criteria, instrument lists, DCS designs, logic diagrams, control room layouts, specifications, data sheets, and material requisitions.
- Coordinate control systems designs with civil/geotechnical, mechanical, electrical, plant design, and constructability disciplines.
- Interface with the turbine-generator supplier and auxiliary equipment vendors to integrate control systems into powerhouse systems.
- Support construction and commissioning, including responding to RFIs and evaluating field changes.
- Support construction sequencing, installation constraints, and temporary power planning for underground works.
- Participate in testing, energization, and commissioning support, including review of test procedures and energization and turnover sequencing.
- Support operations readiness and commissioning teams.
- Review and approve control systems deliverables for compliance with technical requirements, project specifications and design criteria, and applicable ISA codes, IEEE and ASME standards.
- Participate in design and constructability reviews, safety-in-design workshops, and HAZID/HAZOP reviews, focusing on underground powerhouse risks.
- Coordinate and manage reviews of consultant-produced control systems deliverables, schedules, reports, critical issues, and risks, and provide feedback to the Engineering Manager.
- Chair discipline-specific meetings and record actions.
- Represent the client in technical meetings and value engineering analyses.
- Guide and assure the quality of detailed designs produced by independent engineering firms, including compliance with customer requirements, local guidelines and codes, and international codes and standards.
- Support constructability and execution in underground environments and contribute to safe, reliable commissioning and project turnover.
- Apply safety-in-design principles for underground pumped-storage facilities, including fire, egress, and electrical separation considerations.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
