Sr. Project Engineer - Control Systems

LSB Industries is seeking a Senior Project Engineer specializing in Control Systems to lead lifecycle automation programs across PLC, DCS, and SCADA platforms. Based onsite in Oklahoma City, you will manage modernization initiatives from feasibility through commissioning, with emphasis on safety, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration with operations and maintenance teams. This role requires hands-on leadership and the ability to translate operational needs into robust automation architectures.

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Delivery: Oversee multiple control system initiatives from initial feasibility through commissioning and handover, guiding planning, design, and execution.
• Modernization & Upgrades: Direct modernization of aging control systems, upgrading PLCs, DCS, and instrumentation to newer, more efficient technologies.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Coordinate with vendors and external suppliers to source hardware and software; supervise contractors during installation and commissioning.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with plant operators, electrical engineers, process engineers, and maintenance teams to tailor control systems to operational needs.
• Architecture & Instrumentation Design: Design control system architectures and configure instrumentation such as flow meters, pressure transmitters, and temperature sensors for new and existing processes.
• PLC/DCS/SCADA Configuration: Develop, configure, and maintain PLC and DCS platforms. Write and optimize control logic using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Function Block Diagrams.
• HMI/SCADA Integration: Ensure seamless integration of SCADA systems and HMIs to enable comprehensive plant monitoring and control.
• System Integration: Align diverse hardware, software, and field devices to ensure compatibility across the plant's automation infrastructure.
• Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS): Design and implement critical safety systems, including Emergency Shutdown Systems, in compliance with IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 standards.
• Regulatory & Hazardous Compliance: Ensure control systems meet environmental, OSHA, NFPA, ISO, and IEC regulations, with careful handling of hazardous area classifications and safety protocols.
• Cybersecurity: Apply routine software updates, patches, and network best practices to secure industrial control systems against cybersecurity threats.
• Knowledge Transfer: Provide technical training to plant operators and maintenance staff on operation, safety features, and basic troubleshooting of new control systems.
• Technical Documentation: Create and maintain up-to-date system manuals, control narratives, wiring diagrams, and engineering documentation.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience: 10+ years of direct experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or systems integration, preferably in a process plant, manufacturing, or heavy industrial environment.
• Experience: Proven track record of managing automation projects from design/feasibility through site commissioning.
• Technical Expertise: In-depth understanding of PLC, DCS, SCADA, HMI, process instrumentation, and automation workflows.
• Programming Skills: Proficiency in Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Function Block Diagrams.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage timelines, scope, and engineering deliverables across multiple projects.
• Analytical Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking skills required to troubleshoot complex automation errors rapidly and perform root cause analyses.
• Safety Consciousness: Thorough knowledge of process safety management, safety lifecycles, and hazardous area classifications.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively present system performance metrics to management and collaborate with site-wide maintenance and operations staff.
• Control Platforms: PLC, DCS, SCADA, and HMI architectures.
• Engineering & Configuration Software: AutoCAD (for electrical/control drawings), alongside major vendor software suites (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Wonderware/AVEVA, Emerson).
• Industrial Communication Protocols: Modbus, OPC, HART, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, etc.

Technologies

• PLC
• DCS
• SCADA
• HMI
• Ladder Logic
• Structured Text
• Function Block Diagrams
• AutoCAD
• Siemens
• Rockwell/Allen-Bradley
• Wonderware/AVEVA
• Emerson
• Modbus
• OPC
• HART
• Profibus
• Ethernet/IP

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Certified Functional Safety Professional/Engineer (CFSP/CFSE).
• Experience with cybersecurity protocols for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) / Operational Technology (OT).