Process Controls Engineer

Gulf Coast Authority

$103K — $133K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation and Controls Engineering, or similar.
  • 5+ years of relevant engineering experience with fieldwork.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas, or eligible to obtain licensure within 3 years.
  • Valid Class C Texas Driver's License with insurability requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Determine and specify required instrumentation and controls for systems.
  • Provide input for developing and optimizing control strategies on P&IDs.
  • Document control narratives and collaborate with outside consultants for development.
  • Configure and maintain SCADA/HMI systems for operational interfaces.
  • Coordinate development of control logic and HMI applications during projects.
  • Prepare documentation and train staff on control system operations.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve control systems and instrumentation issues.

Benefits

  • Exposure to a range of industrial environments and conditions.
  • Opportunity to work closely with multiple functional groups and consultants.
  • Involvement in the implementation of emerging technologies in process control.
  • Potential for significant professional growth in a hands-on engineering role.
Full Job Description
1.0 Job Summary

The Process Controls Engineer will provide operations, maintenance, and project team support. They will interact with various functional groups to implement new process control technology and equipment, evaluate and resolve problems with existing process control systems (using maintenance and/or third-party consultant support as needed), ensure the control systems are properly deployed to best meet operations and maintenance requirements, participate in developing cybersecurity protocol for the controls network, and aid in managing the power distribution system. Reports directly to the Technical Director.

2.0 Typical Duties and Responsibilities

2.1 Determine, select, and specify instrumentation and controls required to monitor, operate, and control mechanical, process, and electrical systems.

2.2 Provide input to develop P&IDs, specifically the development and optimization of control strategies.

2.3 Document and maintain control narratives (sequence of operations) and work with outside

consultants for logic and HMI screen development.

2.4 Configure and maintain SCADA/HMI systems for operator interface.

2.5 During projects, assist with coordinating the development of control logic, HMI applications, and system configuration between operations and control system suppliers. Participate in factory

checkout of equipment prior to delivery and witness loop checks in the field prior to final acceptance.

2.6 Prepare documentation and train operations and maintenance staff on control system operation.

2.7 Work closely with maintenance and operations to troubleshoot and resolve issues in the control system, instrumentation, PLC logic, or HMI display.

2.8 Manage and direct consultants during control-related projects or jobs.

2.9 Maintain data historian server with the help of outside consultants as needed.

2.10 Support inventory of control system assets.

2.11 Identify patching strategies for OT systems (balancing uptime, cost, and risk).

2.12 Support system monitoring for anomalies and unauthorized access.

2.13 Identify control system vulnerabilities and remediations.

2.14 Maintain awareness of emerging threats to industrial systems.

2.15 Work with outside consultants and others as designed to develop scope and design of electrical power projects.

2.16 Other related duties as assigned.

3.0 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

3.1 Practical knowledge of instrumentation and controls to be able to oversee the work of a third-party consultant in design and programming.

3.2 Ability to understand and troubleshoot ladder logic, loop diagrams, and control wiring diagrams.

3.3 Knowledge of field instrumentation including analyzers, flow meters, and control valves.

3.4 Understanding of instrument calibration principles and troubleshooting instrument failures.

3.5 Understanding signal types.

3.6 Knowledge of HMI design and usability optimization.

3.7 Knowledge of alarm management and performance tuning.

3.8 Ability to translate process requirements into control logic.

3.9 Ability to analyze trends and large datasets.

3.10 Understanding of root cause analysis and reliability improvement methods.

3.11 Strong communication skills and the ability to work with different groups including maintenance, operations, project engineering, and consultants.

3.12 Ability to assist electricians in troubleshooting electrical circuits in the field.

3.13 Other related duties as assigned.

4.0 Environmental Conditions

4.1 Work is performed indoors and outdoors with some exposure to extreme heat (100°F) and cold

(32°F).

4.2 Work may involve exposure to potential noise, mechanical, electrical, explosive, fume/odor, dust/mite, chemical, toxic waste hazards with proper precautionary procedures.

4.3 Safety requirements include the ability to wear all PPE including full face respirator and supplied air.

4.4 Must be able to work in an industrial environment on-site at GCA and customer facilities as needed.

5.0 Education, Certification, and Experience Required

5.1 Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Instrumentation and Controls Engineering, or similar.

5.2 At least 5 years of experience in related engineering experience, including work in the field.

5.3 Be a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas or be qualified to obtain and maintain a P.E. license within 3 years.

5.4 Possess and maintain a valid Class C Texas Driver's License and meet GCA automobile carrier

insurability requirements.

6.0 Physical Requirements

6.1 This is an onsite position that requires presence at the Central Office and other GCA locations.

6.2 Ability to sit while performing various job functions such as writing, operating computers, and other office activities.

6.3 Ability to walk, stand, kneel, crouch/stoop, squat, twist upper body, and climb while performing project inspection and other job functions.

6.4 Ability to grasp and manipulate with hands items such as hand tools and type on a computer keyboard.

6.5 Ability to travel overnight to facilities, project sites, or training locations.

6.6 Must be able to work extended hours, as required.

7.0 Summary

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, and physical demands required of personnel so classified. Holding people assigned to this or any job to expectations described herein does not constitute harassment in any form.

Revised 07/09/2026

Salary Range
$103,771.20 - $133,640.00

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Gulf Coast Authority

  • Process Controls Engineer
    $103K — $133K *
    Houston, TX 77084 (Harris County)
    Energy & Utilities
    In-Person
  • Process Controls Engineer
    $103K — $133K *
    Pasadena, TX 77502 (Harris County)
    Energy & Utilities
    In-Person
  • PROJECT MANAGER
    $103K — $133K *
    Pasadena, TX 77502 (Harris County)
    Energy & Utilities
    In-Person
  • PROJECT MANAGER
    $103K — $133K *
    Houston, TX 77084 (Harris County)
    Energy & Utilities
    In-Person

More Energy & Utilities Jobs

Find similar Process Controls Engineer jobs: