Controls Engineer – Turbine SCADA/Automation

The Senior Controls Engineer – Turbine SCADA/Automation is responsible for leading the design, implementation, optimization, and lifecycle management of automation and control systems governing turbine operations. This role provides deep technical expertise in SCADA/HMI systems, PLC/DCS programming, cybersecurity compliance, and performance optimization for gas, steam, hydro, and pump-turbine units. The Senior Engineer plays a critical role in project execution, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of turbine-driven processes.

Key Responsibilities:

System Design & Development

• Lead the design and architecture of turbine SCADA, HMI, and PLC/DCS systems across multiple sites.

• Develop advanced control logic, alarm strategies, and interlock systems for complex turbine configurations.

Project Execution

• Manage automation scope in turbine upgrade, retrofit, and commissioning projects.

• Oversee FAT, SAT, and system validation procedures to ensure robust and compliant control installations.

Performance Optimization & Tuning

• Analyze operational data to fine-tune control loops (PID, feedforward) and enhance turbine response under varying loads.

• Implement data acquisition tools and integrate turbine analytics into SCADA dashboards.

Reliability & Troubleshooting

• Lead root cause analysis and rapid resolution of control system faults affecting turbine operation.

• Establish preventive and predictive maintenance routines for automation infrastructure.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Ensure SCADA and control systems comply with cybersecurity policies (NIST, IEC 62443, NERC-CIP) and industrial safety standards (ISA, NFPA 70E).

• Maintain system hardening, backups, version control, and audit documentation.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in control system design, programming, and turbine-specific automation practices.

• Collaborate across departments to deliver cross-disciplinary project outcomes involving electrical, mechanical, and IT teams.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Advanced Turbine Control System Design & Integration

2. SCADA/HMI Architecture, Development, and Alarm Management

3. Turbine Automation Performance Optimization & Loop Tuning

4. Project Leadership: Retrofits, Upgrades, Commissioning

5. Cybersecurity Compliance and System Hardening

6. System Diagnostics, Root Cause Analysis & Technical Resolution

7. Mentorship and Technical Leadership of Junior Engineers

8. Data-Driven Control Enhancements and Predictive Analytics

Qualifications & Experience:

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

• 8+ years of hands-on experience in control systems for turbines (steam, gas, hydro, or pump-turbines)

• Expert-level experience with PLC/DCS platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, ABB, GE Mark VIe) and SCADA systems (e.g., WinCC, iFIX, Wonderware, Cimplicity)

• Strong background in industrial communication protocols (OPC, Modbus TCP/IP, Profibus, EtherNet/IP)

• Demonstrated success leading control system commissioning and turbine start-up projects

• Knowledge of SIL-rated safety systems, control philosophies, and risk assessments

Skills & Competencies:

• Advanced knowledge of turbine dynamics, control loops, and energy recovery systems

• Strong diagnostic, analytical, and leadership skills in high-pressure environments

• Familiarity with condition monitoring and integration of IIoT technologies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documentation, reporting, and cross-functional coordination

• Commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement