Controls Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer to support the automation, daily operations, and control systems maintenance across our air separation plants. In this role, you will diagnose technical issues, optimize system uptime, and implement safe, compliant logic modifications within a continuous-process manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate blends solid technical proficiency in PLC/SCADA troubleshooting with a proactive approach to maintaining system stability and operational safety. This role is based out of the Irving, TX office.

Essential Functions:

• Support 24/7/365 continuous plant operations by providing timely technical assistance for control system needs, rapidly troubleshooting logic/hardware anomalies to minimize production downtime.
• Execute day-to-day plant PLC/SCADA programming updates and logic modifications in strict adherence to company-wide coding standards and documentation practices.
• Effectively interpret and modify PLC wiring diagrams, P&IDs, control narratives, and logic diagrams to support the safe automation of plant operations.
• Follow strict Management of Change (MOC) protocols for all local control system modifications, completing detailed risk assessments and documentation prior to deployment.
• Help maintain the validated state of plant control systems by executing standard test plans and ensuring all logic changes comply with medical product manufacturing regulations.
• Lead local root-cause investigations into control system failures or operational anomalies, implementing approved corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Monitor local plant Operational Technology (OT) assets, ensuring high availability of SCADA terminals, reliable data historization, and adherence to basic cybersecurity procedures.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with plant operations, safety, quality, and corporate engineering teams to resolve operational issues and sustain smooth production.

Qualifications:

• 5 years-experience with a degree and 10 years without a degree is required. Experience in control systems programming, industrial automation, or operational technology within a continuous-process manufacturing environment is required.
• 1+ years hands-on experience working with air separation units (ASUs) or similar highly continuous cryogenic/chemical processes including compressors and distillation columns is preferred.
• 1+ years working within strictly regulated manufacturing environments utilizing formal Management of Change (MOC) or validated control protocols (FDA/medical-grade) is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience developing PLC logic in multiple languages, including ladder logic, structured text, and VBScript.
• Solid understanding of multiple HMI/visualization platforms including Inductive Automation/Ignition, Siemens WinCC, and SIMATIC HMI.
• Familiarity with networking and communication protocols including OPC UA, MODBUS RTU/TCP, PROFINET, and others.
• Practical knowledge of Management of Change (MOC) processes and rigid change-control frameworks within strictly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Basic understanding of control system validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) required to maintain a validated state for software, hardware, and logic modifications.
• Familiarity with ASU-specific equipment like turbo-expanders, cryogenic pumps, and adsorption pretreatment units.
• Strong technical and analytical proficiency with the ability to multi-task effectively, communicate clearly, and thrive in a team environment.