The Controls Engineer is an individual contributor responsible for evaluating, designing, programming, commissioning, and sustaining Hydrite’s control systems (PLC/DCS/HMI) and related instrumentation. This role executes standards, implements changes through the MOC process, maintains Maximo PM/calibration plans, and ensures reliable data collection and historian integrations to support safe and efficient operations across assigned facilities.
Primary responsibilities include:
Lead and support Hydrite’s safety vision, mission, and values by promoting safe work practices across all controls, instrumentation, and contractor activities.
Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and standards (including PSM, RMP, and MOC requirements) through collaboration with SQRA and other regulatory stakeholders.
Evaluate, design, program, install, test, commission, and sustain plant control systems (primarily Delta V but can include PLC, SCADA, HMI) and associated instrumentation.
Maintain the functional integrity and lifecycle reliability of control systems through troubleshooting, hardware/software updates, backups, calibration, and preventive maintenance execution.
Execute control system changes in accordance with the controls Management of Change (MOC) process, including audits to verify compliance.
Develop, maintain, and enforce control system standards, procedures, practices, security requirements, and engineering documentation across facilities.
Program, test, and commission control system changes, including loop tuning, control optimization, interlock testing, alarm rationalization, FAT/SAT, startup, and operational handover.
Provide controls engineering support for capital projects, including procurement support, system configuration, commissioning, and startup of new systems or equipment.
Own execution plans and technical quality for assigned controls and automation projects.
Develop, maintain, and standardize DeltaV and PLC configurations, programming practices, I/O lists, cabinet drawings, and related documentation.
Support and expand plant automation capabilities to improve process reliability, operational efficiency, and production performance.
Configure, maintain, and expand data historians and data collection systems to ensure data quality, tagging standards, accessibility, and business value.
Improve access, visualization, and presentation of control system and process data to support operations, engineering, compliance, and management decision-making.
Execute, manage, and support preventive maintenance and calibration programs within Maximo, including development of job plans aligned with SOPs.
Support small-scale and stand-alone control systems (e.g., skid-mounted PLC/HMI systems) while ensuring cybersecurity, backup, and recovery practices.
Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for control systems, instrumentation, and plant data systems.
Provide technical support, guidance, and training to operations, maintenance, and engineering personnel on control system usage and standards.
Develop and maintain training materials and conduct training for control systems, instrumentation, and data collection platforms.
Mentor technicians and junior engineers and share knowledge across sites and engineering disciplines.
Collaborate with electrical, instrumentation, IT/OT, and engineering teams to support industrial networks, servers, and control system security.
Identify and evaluate opportunities to improve plant automation, information systems, KPIs, and technology adoption and present recommendations to management.
Ensure control system documentation (P&IDs, loop diagrams, cabinet drawings, I/O lists) remains accurate and up to date.
Uphold Hydrite’s Standard of Excellence by supporting quality systems, effective communication, and continuous improvement across facilities.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
This position reports to the Engineering, Automation, and Controls Manager.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
A Bachler’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline required
Minimum of 5 years of experience with instrumentation and control systems
Minimum of 3 years of experience interfacing with contractors
Strong computer skills and knowledge of Power Point, Word, and Excel required
Must have communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to read, write and speak English
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to sit and/or stand up to 10 hours per day.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. on an occasional basis.
Ability to climb ladders and work at heights up to 40 feet on occasion.
Ability to travel overnight, ride in a car and/or plane for up to 6 hrs and travel 25% of time.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Benefits and perks include 401k and profit sharing, medical/dental/vision/life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, legal services insurance, scholarship awards for children of employees, summer picnic, community giving events, free family wellness coaching including nutritionist and fitness coach.
