Sr. Process Automation and Controls Engineer

Vectaur invites a senior automation professional to an onsite role in Houston, TX. This position leads process automation and controls initiatives across the full lifecycle, including PLC and DCS programming, field execution, and proposal development. You will collaborate with a blended execution team spanning multiple offices and work closely with engineering partners, construction contractors, equipment manufacturers, and system integrators. Expect travel to field programs up to 25–50 percent, depending on project phase, as you drive major projects from concept through commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate across several offices to share work and integrate staff on projects as part of a blended execution team.
• Coordinate interfaces with engineering partners, construction contractors, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, project management, and other technical disciplines including process, civil, structural, piping, mechanical, and electrical.
• Be adaptable to client needs and expand the role accordingly.
• Assist, and later lead, the preparation of proposals, execution plans, and budgets.
• Contribute across all engineering phases from concept through detailed design and engineering.
• Provide field support during construction, FAT and SAT, installation qualifications, commissioning/validation, and handover to operations.
• Program and configure PLC and DCS platforms while guiding a project implementation team.
• Produce deliverables such as control narratives, cause and effect drawings, Boolean logic diagrams, DCS/SIS/PLC functional specifications and procurement packages, system cabinet drawings, wiring diagrams, and system card layout and loading.
• Deliver basic I&C artifacts including instrument datasheets, instrument index, IO lists, wiring diagrams, and system architecture.
• Engineer and commission complex automation projects with field-based construction management support.
• Develop and execute FAT and SAT protocols, installation qualification, commissioning, and handover procedures.
• Own project outcomes by ensuring target quality, controlling costs, and achieving customer satisfaction.
• Build a knowledge base of tools and methodologies to drive productivity and growth.
• Collaborate effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Travel for field programs as required, up to 25–50 percent depending on project phase.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Instrumentation, Computer Systems, or Chemical).
• P.E. license a plus.
• 10–12+ years of experience leading control systems projects in the industry and managing a team.
• Programming and configuring PLC and DCS platforms, with preference for Rockwell, Honeywell, and/or Triconex; hands-on experience guiding teams in system integration including DCS and PLC software migrations.
• Strong self-starter and entrepreneurial mindset with excellent communication skills and the ability to present complex ideas clearly to all levels.
• EPC experience is an asset.
• Experience spanning the full lifecycle of automation development from planning through operations and commissioning.
• Experience in sectors such as mining, LNG, petrochemical, oil and gas, or nuclear is a plus.
• Front end engineering experience developing project scope, control system philosophy, system architecture, process safety studies (CHAZOP/HAZOP/LOPA), SIL determination, P&ID development, and TIC estimates is required.
• Experience developing TIC estimates for capital projects, including material takeoffs and using estimating software tools (Cleopatra preferred).