[Hiring] Lead Controls Engineer @Thermo Systems

Role Description

The Lead Controls Engineer works on a variety of energy-focused control system projects, particularly within thermal and electrical energy plants. This role requires deep expertise in systems such as chillers, heat pump chillers, cooling towers, thermal energy storage, geo-exchange, boilers, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), electrical generators, switchgear, and related balance-of-plant equipment. This individual serves as a recognized technical expert, leading multiple engineering efforts while collaborating closely with project leadership and company stakeholders.

What You’ll Do

• Technical & Engineering:
  • Lead complex control system design, including system architecture, I/O design, instrumentation, sequences of operation, PLC/HMI/SCADA integration, and engineering documentation.
  • Provide technical leadership throughout design, FAT/SAT, startup, commissioning, and system troubleshooting.
  • Review technical deliverables for accuracy, consistency, compliance, and engineering quality.
  • Serve as a technical authority on complex thermal, electrical, and balance-of-plant control systems.
  • Apply and reinforce engineering standards, documentation requirements, and quality processes through the company’s Quality Management System (QMS).
  • Identify opportunities to improve system design, technical standards, and engineering processes.
• Project & Team Leadership:
  • Lead engineering efforts across multiple projects and provide technical direction to other controls engineers.
  • Lead full project lifecycles or major technical workstreams from design through commissioning.
  • Collaborate with project managers to manage scope, schedule, budget, risk, and technical execution.
  • Delegate work effectively and support the development of less-experienced engineers.
  • Identify scope changes, technical risks, and potential business opportunities.
  • Support technical proposals, estimates, and presentations as needed.
• Customer Engagement:
  • Serve as a trusted technical resource and primary engineering contact for customers when assigned.
  • Communicate complex technical information clearly and professionally.
  • Understand and follow customer-specific standards, procedures, and project requirements.
  • Provide responsive problem-solving support and follow through on commitments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 10+ years of progressive controls engineering experience.
• 3+ years operating at a senior or Control Engineer III-equivalent level.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license and/or relevant industry certifications preferred.

Requirements

• Significant controls experience within thermal energy, central utility, power generation, or comparable complex process environments.
• Hands-on experience with equipment such as chillers, cooling towers, boilers, heat recovery systems, thermal energy storage, heat pumps, generators, switchgear, and associated balance-of-plant systems.
• Advanced experience with control system architecture, I/O design, instrumentation, PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, FAT/SAT, startup, and commissioning.
• Strong understanding of engineering standards, quality processes, technical documentation, and QMS requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical decisions and provide engineering direction to others.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to mentor engineers, collaborate across teams, and remain effective in complex or high-pressure project environments.

Travel & Work Requirements

• Up to 50% overnight travel may be required.
• Participation in on-call rotation as needed.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must be fit for duty at all times.
• Authorization to work in the country of employment required.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with annual bonus opportunity.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low-cost options.
• Paid time off and sick leave.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional credential support.
• In-house and external technical training opportunities.
• Exposure to complex, high-impact automation projects.
• A collaborative culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork.