Sr Principal Automation Engineer

Flexicrew Technical•Houston, TX

12h

About The Position

Flexicrew Technical Services (FTS) is seeking a Sr Principal Process Automation Engineer to lead complex industrial automation projects and support business growth within the automation and digital solutions sector. This role provides technical leadership, client engagement, and full lifecycle project execution support from concept through commissioning and handover. Essential Duties: Serve as a senior technical leader for automation and control systems projects. Support business development activities including project scoping, proposal preparation, cost estimating, and execution planning. Collaborate with client offices and internal teams to build integrated, blended project teams. Coordinate interfaces with engineering partners, construction contractors, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and multidisciplinary engineering teams including process, civil, structural, piping, mechanical, and electrical. Lead projects through all phases including concept development, FEED, detailed design, procurement support, construction support, commissioning, validation, and handover. Develop control system philosophies, functional design specifications, and system architectures. Lead the development and commissioning of complex DCS, PLC, and SIS-based automation systems. Prepare and review technical deliverables including reports, specifications, and presentations for stakeholders at all levels. Maintain accountability for project quality, budget performance, schedule adherence, and client satisfaction. Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support enhancement of internal processes and methodologies. Travel as required to support client meetings, field programs, testing, and commissioning activities.

Requirements

Extensive experience configuring DCS, SIS, and PLC systems, including building points and complex control loops from P&IDs.
Experience with hardware setup, system integration, and troubleshooting for DCS/SIS/PLC platforms.
Strong HMI configuration experience including graphics development and alarm management.
Demonstrated experience leading control systems projects and supervising technical teams.
Front-end engineering experience including development of project scope, control system philosophy, systems architecture, process safety studies, SIL determination, P&ID development, and TIC estimating.
Field experience supporting construction management, FAT, SAT, installation qualification, commissioning, startup, and handover.
Experience across the full automation lifecycle from planning and development through testing, commissioning, and operations support.
Systems configuration and HMI configuration experience required; Access Control System experience preferred.
Experience in Oil & Gas (refining, upstream, offshore, LNG, chemical, petrochemical), mining, or nuclear industries preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Instrumentation, Computer Systems, or related discipline).
Must be eligible to obtain a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in Texas; P.E. license preferred.
Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills with ability to work in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments.
Ability to travel as required for project assignments.
Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs or ladders, and navigate industrial sites safely.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds when necessary.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in industrial settings.

Nice To Haves

Systems configuration and HMI configuration experience required; Access Control System experience preferred.
Experience in Oil & Gas (refining, upstream, offshore, LNG, chemical, petrochemical), mining, or nuclear industries preferred.
Must be eligible to obtain a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in Texas; P.E. license preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a senior technical leader for automation and control systems projects.
Support business development activities including project scoping, proposal preparation, cost estimating, and execution planning.
Collaborate with client offices and internal teams to build integrated, blended project teams.
Coordinate interfaces with engineering partners, construction contractors, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and multidisciplinary engineering teams including process, civil, structural, piping, mechanical, and electrical.
Lead projects through all phases including concept development, FEED, detailed design, procurement support, construction support, commissioning, validation, and handover.
Develop control system philosophies, functional design specifications, and system architectures.
Lead the development and commissioning of complex DCS, PLC, and SIS-based automation systems.
Prepare and review technical deliverables including reports, specifications, and presentations for stakeholders at all levels.
Maintain accountability for project quality, budget performance, schedule adherence, and client satisfaction.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support enhancement of internal processes and methodologies.
Travel as required to support client meetings, field programs, testing, and commissioning activities.