Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

Location: Chattanooga, TN

Experience Level: Expert

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer with a strong understanding of boiler systems to lead our controls engineering team. This role involves designing, implementing, and optimizing control systems for combustion, boiler, and burner management applications. The ideal candidate will have deep technical knowledge, project leadership experience, and a passion for improving system efficiency and safety.

Key Responsibilities

Combustion Control Systems (CCS)

• Design and tune control loops for optimal fuel/air ratio.
• Implement oxygen trim systems to enhance combustion efficiency.
• Integrate flame detection and fuel flow monitoring systems.

Boiler Control Systems (BCS)

• Develop control logic for steam pressure, drum level, and feedwater regulation.
• Configure PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems for real-time monitoring and control.
• Ensure compliance with ASME and NFPA standards.

Burner Management Systems (BMS)

• Design safety interlocks and sequencing logic for burner startup/shutdown.
• Implement flame safeguard systems and emergency shutdown protocols.
• Conduct HAZOP and SIL assessments.

Project Engineering

• Lead or support capital projects involving boiler upgrades or new installations.
• Collaborate with mechanical, process, and instrumentation engineers.
• Manage vendor coordination, commissioning, and FAT/SAT testing.

Troubleshooting & Maintenance

• Diagnose and resolve control system failures.
• Maintain and update documentation (P&IDs, wiring diagrams, control narratives).
• Train operators and maintenance staff on control system functionality.

Core Competencies

Technical Skills

• PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.)
• HMI/SCADA development (Wonderware, Ignition, etc.)
• PID tuning and control loop optimization
• Electrical schematics and panel design

Industry Knowledge

• NFPA 85 (Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code)
• ISA standards for instrumentation and control
• Boiler operation principles and thermodynamics

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Effective project management and cross-functional collaboration
• Clear technical communication and documentation

Required Skills

• PLC Programming
• Controls Engineering
• Boiler and Pressure Vessel Systems
• Troubleshooting and Design
• Allen-Bradley and HMI Systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with combustion and burner management systems
• Familiarity with ASME and NFPA standards
• Prior leadership in capital projects or system upgrades