Senior Hydro Controls Engineer - Hydro

Emerson is seeking an experienced Advanced Senior Controls Engineer – Hydro to join the Power and Water Solutions team. In this role, you will deliver fully engineered control system solutions for hydroelectric power plants across North America, focusing on modernizing existing facilities through turbine governor system replacements and related control equipment.

About the role

As part of the Hydro Controls Engineering team, you will lead retrofit and modernization projects, providing turnkey solutions that include project management, engineering design, system integration, testing, and on-site commissioning. Your work will support reliable, efficient, and sustainable power generation for customers across the region.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering efforts for retrofit and modernization projects within the North American hydroelectric power industry.
• Design and develop turbine governor systems and plant control solutions for hydroelectric facilities.
• Interpret customer and industry technical specifications to create mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical control system designs.
• Develop and adapt control logic using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and functional flow diagrams.
• Apply electrical and hydraulic schematics to ensure accurate, safe, and effective system integration.
• Configure and customize PLC and HMI software to meet project-specific operational requirements.
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and commission control systems at customer sites.
• Develop control narratives, functional descriptions, and hardware and software test procedures.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for hydro control systems, plant operations, and customer engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in engineering or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in controls and automation.
• Hands-on experience with design and commissioning of control systems for hydro power plants and turbine governor systems.
• Proficiency in PLC and HMI programming/configuration (Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider) and/or DCS systems.
• Knowledge of communication networks such as Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and DNP3.
• Ability to serve as the primary technical contact for customers.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically to support projects.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in controls and automation engineering.
• Ability to analyze and implement engineering designs for logic or digital circuitry, motor controls, instrumentation, or data acquisition systems.
• Experience with pumped storage station controls.
• Prior experience with Emerson Ovation controls systems.

Benefits

• Flexible, competitive benefits plans including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee resource groups and recognition programs.
• Flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), vacation, and holiday leave.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $128,700 - $167,300 annually, plus benefits.

Preferred locations: Blue Bell, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Warren, NJ; Latham, NY; Charlotte, NC; Houston, TX; Riverside, CA; Detroit, MI; Tinley Park, IL.