Controls Engineer – Turbine SCADA/Automation

The Mid-Level Controls Engineer – Turbine SCADA/Automation is responsible for the design, configuration, and maintenance of control and automation systems that govern turbine operations, including steam, gas, and hydro turbines. This role includes hands-on SCADA/HMI programming, PLC/DCS logic development, and data acquisition system optimization. The engineer ensures system reliability, safety, and efficiency while supporting plant automation initiatives and real-time turbine performance monitoring.

Key Responsibilities:

Automation System Development

• Design and configure control logic for turbine systems using PLCs, DCS, and SCADA platforms (e.g., Siemens, ABB, GE, Rockwell).

• Develop and update HMI graphics, trending dashboards, and alarm systems for real-time turbine monitoring.

System Integration & Commissioning

• Integrate turbine control systems with plant-wide automation and SCADA networks.

• Lead FAT/SAT testing, commissioning, and start-up activities for new turbine installations or upgrades.

Operational Support & Troubleshooting

• Provide ongoing support for turbine automation systems including fault diagnostics, alarm resolution, and system tuning.

• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams to resolve system-wide performance issues.

Maintenance & Upgrades

• Plan and implement control system maintenance strategies including firmware updates, backups, and cyber hardening.

• Evaluate and implement upgrades for legacy control equipment, communication protocols, and control panels.

Performance Analysis

• Analyze operational data (vibration, speed, pressure, temperature) to identify optimization opportunities and control system improvements.

• Contribute to predictive maintenance strategies through integration of condition monitoring tools.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain detailed documentation including control loop diagrams, logic sequences, I/O lists, and system architecture drawings.

• Ensure adherence to industry standards (ISA, IEC 61131, NFPA 70E, NERC-CIP) and cybersecurity policies.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Turbine Control System Design and PLC/DCS Logic Development

2. SCADA/HMI Configuration and Real-Time Data Visualization

3. System Integration with Sensors, Drives, and Plant Networks

4. Commissioning, FAT/SAT, and Control Loop Testing

5. Automation Support for Predictive Maintenance and Condition Monitoring

6. Control System Cybersecurity and Regulatory Compliance

7. Turbine Performance Optimization through Control Tuning

8. Documentation, Change Management, and Root Cause Troubleshooting

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Instrumentation, Automation, or Controls Engineering

• 3–7 years of hands-on experience with automation systems in turbine or rotating equipment environments

• Proficient in PLC (Siemens, Rockwell, ABB), HMI/SCADA platforms (WinCC, Wonderware, iFIX, GE Cimplicity)

• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Modbus, OPC, Profibus, Ethernet/IP)

• Experience in turbine-based systems (steam, gas, or hydro) is highly preferred

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills in industrial control systems

• In-depth understanding of turbine dynamics, PID tuning, and safety interlocks

• Ability to interpret P&IDs, control wiring diagrams, and loop sheets

• Effective project management and technical communication skills

• Commitment to safety, system reliability, and continuous improvement