Controls Engineer

Merom Generating Station is a two-unit, 1,080-MW coal-fired power plant. The Controls Engineer is responsible for the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of the station's control systems. This role serves as the System Administrator for the plant's Operational Technology (OT) environment , including the Distributed Control System (DCS), associated third-party systems, and SCADA. The Controls Engineer coordinates and implements control system modifications and projects to ensure safe, compliant, cost-effective, and reliable operations . This position plays a key role in evaluating existing process control systems, identifying future needs, mitigating obsolescence risks, and applying new technologies to improve plant performance and reliability. The role provides technical expertise and support to plant and corporate stakeholders and ensures all control system changes comply with manufacturer requirements, applicable codes, and regulatory standards (including NERC and NFPA), while considering impacts to legacy and integrated systems. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Serve as the primary owner for implementation, coordination, and daily operation of Merom Station's control systems. Act as System Administrator for OT systems, including DCS, SCADA, and third-party control system integrations. Lead and support control system projects, including upgrades, enhancements, and continuous improvement initiatives. Evaluate station process control systems to identify performance gaps, reliability risks, future needs, and opportunities for technology improvements. Analyze generation system performance issues, identify root causes, anticipate downstream impacts, and develop and implement systematic solutions. Collaborate with maintenance and operations personnel; oversee and support maintenance activities impacting control systems as needed. Help establish and maintain effective processes for documentation, preventative maintenance, system integrity, and continuous improvement of control systems. Participate as a member of one of the station's Core Teams, supporting planning and execution of minor and major plant outages. Coordinate and implement control system modifications in alignment with safety requirements, manufacturer recommendations, regulatory standards (e.g., NERC, NFPA), and integration considerations. Recommend and support changes to practices, procedures, or policies that improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance safety and system integrity. Provide technical guidance and support to plant and corporate personnel related to control systems. Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline preferred . Minimum 3 years of industry experience , including 5 years of control systems experience preferred. Experience with Emerson Ovation or similar large-scale DCS platforms strongly preferred. Working knowledge of system networking concepts and industrial communications is a plus. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint) and familiarity with accounting or purchasing systems. Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills related to industrial control systems. Ability to manage multiple projects with varying scope, complexity, and timelines. Other Desirable Skills Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all organizational levels. Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and positive work ethic. Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment. Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic operational setting. Internal & External Relationships Demonstrates strong customer focus toward internal and external stakeholders. Considers downstream impacts on internal operations and external customers when making decisions. Identifies emerging industry and technology trends that may affect customer needs. Works proactively to remove barriers to service delivery and operational effectiveness. Responds with appropriate urgency and follows through to ensure stakeholder satisfaction. Physical Requirements Ability to work in an industrial power plant environment, including exposure to noise, heat, dust, and varying weather conditions. Ability to walk, climb stairs and ladders, and access control panels, equipment rooms, and plant areas as required. Ability to lift and carry equipment or tools weighing up to 30-40 pounds Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer workstation for extended periods. Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, and flame-resistant clothing. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a clean driving record, as this position requires occasional travel for company business. Candidates should be comfortable operating a vehicle as part of their job responsibilities and must meet any applicable company and insurance requirements. We offer a variety of excellent benefits. Full-time employees are offered the following: medical, dental, vision, LTD, STD, and Life insurance plans. You can even select additional "al la carte" benefits to meet all your needs. You can also enroll in our 401k, flex spending accounts for medical and childcare needs, and participate in our employee referral and tuition reimbursement programs. Qualified Applicants must be legally authorized for employment in the United States. Qualified Applicants will not require employer sponsored work authorization now or in the future for employment in the United States. We believe in transparency and providing candidates with important information to make informed decisions. The salary range for this position is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and location. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, and relevant qualifications. This range represents the base salary and does not include other forms of compensation, such as bonuses, benefits, or equity, which may be offered in addition to the base pay. The company reserves the right to modify compensation ranges at any time in accordance with business needs and market conditions.