Automation & Controls Engineering Manager

About the role

Audubon is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineering Manager to join our team in our Houston, TX office. The Automation & Controls Engineering Manager will lead a team responsible for the development, design, specification, implementation, and execution of industrial automation and control system projects, with a primary emphasis on Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS).

Responsibilities

• Lead a team responsible for the development, design, specification, implementation, and execution of industrial automation and control system projects
• Provide technical leadership for process control, safety systems, system architecture, control narratives, cause-and-effect documentation, logic development, integration, testing, commissioning support, and related control system equipment
• Interact and communicate effectively with direct reports, team members, clients, subcontractors, vendors and other consultants
• Set realistic expectations and ensure assigned projects are completed according to schedule and within budget
• Adhere to and ensure that all team members are in adherence to company quality standards and follow engineering checking and approval procedures
• Perform checking, or assign the appropriate checker, of engineering drawings and mathematical calculations produced by direct reports
• Promote and enforce standards, methods, and procedures to be used in the development and implementation of control system design, PLC/DCS programs, HMI configuration, server system design, and industrial I.T.
• Oversee adherence to safe design practices, while focusing on identifying cost saving opportunities
• Assist in and coordinate the development of internal design guidelines, specifications, and design control procedures
• Create/assist in the development of client proposals, including scope development and man-hour estimates
• Assess feasibility of projects by assessing materials, costs and time requirements, applying knowledge and techniques of engineering and advanced mathematics
• Utilize complex and repetitive calculations
• Prepare or direct the preparation and modification of reports, specifications, plans, and/or construction schedules for projects
• Analyze and examine different strategies, equations and applications to ensure appropriate procedures are applied and/or utilized
• Resolve design and development issues
• Manage client relationships and develop repeat business opportunities
• Compile discipline-specific man-hour estimates and Total Installed Cost estimates based on client provided project scope
• Manage and forecast man-hour requirements and schedules associated with discipline-specific project scope
• Assess challenges and potential risks of planned projects, including construction costs, government regulations, potential environmental hazards and other factors
• Undertake initiatives for risk management and appropriate steps to address it
• Responsible for hiring staff, performance evaluations, salary decisions, resolving grievances and complaints and initiating disciplinary actions
• Approve time entry and expense reports pursuant to company/client policies and procedures
• Provide advice and assistance on work techniques, best practices, and subject matter expertise to co-workers and subordinates as required to resolve the most difficult issues facing the group or project
• Set objectives and make significant decisions regarding the purpose, function and roles within a group or project; may set priorities and allocate resources within a group or project; oversee distribution of workload and establishment of work deadlines; set work quality expectations
• Comply with all company and client health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE) standards as well as federal and local HSSE regulations

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering required
• Bachelor’s Degree from ABET Accredited Institution preferred
• PE License preferred
• Field experience required
• Industry experience required
• 12+ years’ experience in Industrial Automation and/or Control Systems
• Strong hands-on and leadership experience with DCS and SIS platforms in heavy industrial or process industry environments
• Demonstrated experience with control system design, SIS design, logic development, cause-and-effect diagrams, control narratives, system architecture, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and startup support
• Familiarity with applicable industry standards and practices, including ISA, IEC 61511/ISA 84, NEC, API, and related process safety requirements
• Experience with HMI, PLC, and SCADA systems
• Functional safety experience, including SIL verification, SIF design, safety lifecycle documentation, or similar SIS- related responsibilities

Skills

• Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal
• Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work related problems
• Ability to comprehend instructions and request clarification as necessary
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with others verbally and in writing
• Ability to organize and direct a project to completion

Qualifications

• Large multi-discipline project lead experience preferred
• Prior supervisory/managerial experience within an engineering environment preferred
• Working knowledge of the design of instrumented control and safety systems preferred
• Working knowledge of control systems and electrical design codes (ISA, NEC, API, etc.) preferred