Principal Controls Engineer
Direct Hire
50-80% Travel

The Principal Controls Engineer Defines strategy for automation architecture across projects. Mentors integration teams and advises on platform standards. Establishes standards for PCS, DCS, SCADA platforms. Supports controls reviews and audit protocols. This role is consistent with industry expectations, where principal controls/scada architect. Responsible for automation roadmap, digital twin readiness, and innovation, and plays a critical role in aligning Reliable Controls’ internal project execution standards with external benchmarks. Guides and may lead junior staff and SME’s. This role requires domestic and international travel to client sites and project locations. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversees platform decisions for PCS, DCS, SCADA systems.
  

• Supports process improvement, digital integration, and interface modeling
  

• Mentors engineering teams and supports strategic project reviews..
  

• Ensures consistency in delivery, performance, and security compliance.
  

• Supports startup and plant handover readiness.

Key Competencies:

• Commitment to Safety: Demonstrates a strong safety-first mindset, with working knowledge of applicable codes and standards (e.g., NEC, NFPA, PSM, MSHA, IEC 61131/61508, ISA).
  

• Technical Proficiency: Serving as an expert for writing, interpreting and configuring PLC/DCS logic and HMI systems, with experience in platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Modicon, DeltaV, Honeywell, or ABB.
  

• System Design & Interpretation: Expert in interpreting PFDs, P&IDs, Loop Diagrams, I/O Schematics, Control Narratives, Cause & Effects, and ISA datasheets to support system design
  

• Process Understanding: Deep understanding of control loops and instrumentation for flow, pressure, level, density, temperature, pH, and analyzers. Understanding of mineral processing and oil & gas operation. Demonstrated experience with leading optimization.
  

• Commissioning & Start-up: Strong experience and ability to lead field integration, loop checks, punch list development, and troubleshooting during plant commissioning and start-up.  Ability to support startup and plan handover readiness.
  

• Problem Solving: Demonstrates excellent troubleshooting abilities in both lab and field environments, identifying root causes and leading punch list management efforts to remediate with effective solutions.
  

• Documentation & Reporting: Prepares clear technical documentation control narratives and daily reports. 
  

• Project Collaboration: Works effectively in cross-functional project teams and with subordinates to ensure control system integration aligns with overall project goals and timelines.
  

• Professionalism & Communication: Maintains a positive, proactive, and professional demeanor. Communicates clearly and constructively, both verbally and in writing, including with clients and vendors to ensure strong relationships, mutual understanding and efficient collaboration.
  

• Adaptability & Growth: Comfortable with change and eagerness to learn; stays current with emerging technologies and best practices in industrial automation.
  

• Supervision Level: Independently leads complex engineering and technical initiatives with minimal oversight. Oversees and guides multidisciplinary teams through strategic reviews, startup planning, and handover readiness to ensure project success. Provides direct supervision, mentorship, and high-level technical direction to staff, aligning all efforts with project objectives, company standards, and industry best practices.
  

• Self-motivated, eager to learn, and displays a professional attitude in both independent and team settings.

Work ENVIRONMENT:

• Working on-site in heavy industrial environments mostly but not limited to mining and gas industries. 
  

• Extreme temperature conditions, both hot and cold; in and/or around moisture
  

• Slippery and/or uneven surfaces, in confined spaces; and at heights.
  

• Hours of operation and employee schedules vary based on each project and may require irregular or extended hours and travel for project completion.
  

• Travel, including both domestic and international.
  

• Frequent standing, occasional bending, squatting, climbing, twisting, balancing, and reaching.
  

• Exposure to noise, vibrations, well-treating chemicals, glycol, methanol, gasoline, natural gas, and liquid hydrocarbons.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, or a similar engineering field.
  

• 8-10+ years of experience in process control engineering with leadership experience
  

• Ability to possess a passport for international travel.

Travel Requirements:

• This position requires frequent travel, estimated at 50% to 80%, including both domestic and international assignments.
  

• Candidates must have the flexibility to travel on short notice and for extended durations, including weekends as needed to meet project deadlines.
  

• A valid driver’s license is required for travel to job sites.
  

• Candidates must possess, or be eligible to obtain, a passport and any required travel visas to support global operations.

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