Principal Control Systems Engineer

Job title - Principal Control Systems Engineer

Locations - Austin, TX | Chicago, IL | Denver, CO (Centennial) | Des Moines, IA | Minneapolis, MN | or Muscatine, IA

Job type - Hybrid

Requisition ID - 11374

Stanley Consultants is seeking a Principal Control Systems Engineer to serve as a technical specialist and leader with deep expertise in process instrumentation and control systems. This role requires comprehensive understanding of advanced control theories, concepts, and principles to lead complex projects and solve unique technical challenges. The Principal Engineer will provide strategic direction for control systems design across power plants, microgrid control systems, municipal water/wastewater systems, industrial automation systems, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems for utilities, universities, campuses, and industrial facilities.

What You Will Be Doing:

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Design:

• Interpret, organize, execute, and coordinate complex control systems engineering assignments, often dealing with unique problems that have significant project impact
• Lead technical responsibility for evaluation of existing systems and design of plant control and instrumentation systems for diverse industrial applications including Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
• Develop innovative concepts and approaches for control system architectures and recommend significant design changes to enhance project outcomes and efficiency
• Determine client requirements and develop comprehensive technical documents including reports, specifications, drawings, instructions, P&IDs, I/O lists, instrument data sheets, cable schedules, procurement specifications, logic and SAMA diagrams
• Evaluate the need for control system design changes and make appropriate recommendations based on technical analysis and project requirements
• Sign and seal control systems engineering plans, documents, and reports in accordance with professional standards and regulatory requirements
• Maintain adherence to Stanley Consultants quality assurance and quality control standards

Client Relations & Project Management:

• Serve as primary technical controls liaison with clients on projects, ensuring clear communication and coordination of control systems efforts to meet project objectives and client expectations
• Plan, organize, and recommend programs and resources to meet objectives of the control systems technical organization
• Participate in bid evaluation, construction support, and work closely with site engineering groups during installation and commissioning of designed control systems
• Consult with construction personnel to discuss design constructability related to field conditions, sequencing, and scheduling of construction activities
• Lead client communications and attend both onsite and offsite meetings to discuss project specifics, technical requirements, and system performance

Business Development & Strategic Planning:

• Assist in pricing, estimating, and scoping for proposed control systems projects to ensure competitive positioning aligned with market demands and company capabilities
• Development of comprehensive proposal documents for new projects including detailed scope of work and accurate fee estimating
• Identify opportunities for enhanced control system solutions that provide value to clients and expand business opportunities

Required Qualifications:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from an ABET accredited university
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) required
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in control systems engineering
• Extensive experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) design, implementation, and commissioning
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading complex control systems projects from concept through commissioning
• Experience with municipal, industrial, and power generation control systems applications

Technical Competencies:

• Deep understanding of process instrumentation, control theory, and automation principles
• Proficiency with control system design software, PLC/DCS programming platforms, and HMI/SCADA systems
• Comprehensive knowledge of industry standards including ISA, IEC, NFPA, and NEC as applicable to control systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for addressing unique technical challenges
• Demonstrated understanding of Stanley Consultants project management procedures

Professional Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams
• Proven ability to build and maintain client relationships
• Effective at working collaboratively in team environments while also providing independent technical leadership
• Strong business acumen including proposal development, cost estimating, and strategic planning