Controls Engineer
Hydrite · Waterloo, IA · 2 mo ago
Information TechnologyFull-time
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 across assigned facilities.
Responsibilities
- Lead and support Hydrite’s safety vision, mission, and values by promoting safe work practices across all controls, instrumentation, and contractor activities.
- 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.
- 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.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’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
Qualifications
- 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
Skills
- Strong computer skills and knowledge of Power Point, Word, and Excel
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to read, write and speak English
Benefits
- Up to 10% Retirement Contribution
- $600 per Year Wellness Incentive
- Front-loaded Paid Time Off
- Medical, Dental, and Vision - Eligible first day of the month following hire date.
Pay
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.
Schedule
Hydrite offers a flexible schedule that allows for a healthy work-life balance.