Controls Engineer

About the Role

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.

Reporting Structure

This position reports to the Maintenance Manager.

Primary Responsibilities

• 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, HMI) and associated instrumentation.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize control systems and associated instrumentation to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.
• 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.
• 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, plant data systems, electrical hardware, providing technical support and driving reliability improvements for motors, drives, transmitters, sensors, and related equipment.
• 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.

Preferred Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline or equivalent.
• 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 PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and AutoCAD required; Maximo experience preferred.
• Must have communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to read, write and speak English.

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand for up to 12 hours per day.
• Able to climb ladders and work at heights up to 50 feet on occasion.
• Able to perform manual dexterity tasks.
• Due to safety concerns, the wearing of contact lenses is prohibited.
• Ability to wear a respirator for up to 4 hours a day without restrictions. Please refer to the SOP for facial hair guidelines.
• Ability to meet DOT vision requirements.

Benefits

• Up to 10% Retirement Contribution
• $600 per Year Wellness Incentive
• Two Weeks Starting Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental, and Vision - Eligible first day of the month following hire date.
• 401k and profit sharing
• Life insurance
• 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