The Senior Controls Engineer – HVAC Automation/SCADA leads the design, programming, integration, and lifecycle support of HVAC automation systems within water and wastewater treatment facilities. This role ensures advanced control performance, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance by leveraging SCADA/BAS technologies, modern control strategies, and strong collaboration across engineering, operations, and IT teams.
Lead the design of HVAC control systems including control panels, PLC/HMI architecture, communication protocols, and network security for SCADA integration.
Oversee HVAC sequences of operation, BAS logic, and control narratives for large-scale or complex utility environments.
Develop and optimize PLC and HMI code (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Ignition) for HVAC systems such as chillers, boilers, VAVs, and AHUs.
Integrate HVAC systems with SCADA and BAS platforms, ensuring seamless data flow, alarming, and reporting.
Analyze HVAC system performance data to identify inefficiencies and recommend control strategy improvements.
Implement and fine-tune control loops (PID, VFD logic) for process stability and energy reduction.
Serve as technical lead for HVAC automation scopes in capital projects, plant upgrades, and SCADA modernization initiatives.
Review contractor submittals and support commissioning and FAT/SAT testing.
Ensure adherence to ASHRAE standards, cybersecurity guidelines (ISA/IEC 62443), and safety requirements.
Maintain and review control drawings, panel layouts, network diagrams, and control philosophies.
Mentor junior and mid-level controls engineers.
Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and operations teams to align automation strategies with operational goals.
Advanced PLC/HMI/SCADA system integration for HVAC
Automation architecture, control panel design, and networking
Optimization of HVAC energy use and system responsiveness
Capital project leadership and commissioning support
Documentation, compliance, and cross-functional collaboration
Education:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Systems Engineering
Certifications (Preferred):
Certified Automation Professional (ISA CAP), Professional Engineer (PE) license
SCADA/BAS vendor certifications (Ignition, Rockwell, Siemens, Tridium, etc.)
HVAC-related credentials (ASHRAE CPMP, LEED AP, etc.)
Experience:
7+ years of hands-on experience in controls engineering, specifically for HVAC systems in utility or industrial settings
Demonstrated expertise in PLC logic, SCADA configuration, and network integration
Proven leadership in managing controls scopes in capital projects or plant upgrades
Skills:
Deep knowledge of HVAC systems, instrumentation, and energy management strategies
Proficiency in automation documentation (P&IDs, I/O lists, panel layouts)
Strong project management, communication, and stakeholder coordination skills