DCS Start-Up Engineer

Company introduction

A leading energy generation organization with a Project Management and Construction division focused on delivering major generation projects.

Role summary / purpose

The DCS Start-Up Engineer will provide technical leadership and hands-on field engineering support for Distributed Control System installation, checkout, commissioning, start-up, and turnover on major generation projects. This role serves as a key interface among project engineering, construction, vendors, commissioning teams, operations, cybersecurity, and other stakeholders to ensure control system scope is delivered safely, efficiently, and in alignment with project requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead or support DCS field start-up activities, including hardware checkout, controller and cabinet inspections, network verification, power-up support, system readiness reviews and system walk-downs.
• Coordinate with vendors, EPC contractors, construction teams, commissioning personnel, operations, and engineering stakeholders to plan and execute DCS commissioning activities.
• Support control system configuration, logic checkout, graphics verification, alarm validation, historian and interface checks, and controller-to-field device integration.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in loop checks, functional testing, cause-and-effect testing, interlock validation, permissive testing, sequence testing, and control tuning, as applicable.
• Troubleshoot DCS hardware, software, communications, field instrumentation interfaces, I/O, networks, and related control system components.
• Review DCS drawings, logic diagrams, control narratives, I/O lists, network architecture drawings, cabinet layouts, test procedures, and vendor documentation for constructability, accuracy, and readiness.
• Support factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, commissioning test procedure development, deficiency tracking, and resolution of punch list items.
• Ensure DCS start-up activities are performed in accordance with project requirements, contracts, design criteria, safety expectations, cybersecurity requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Provide field engineering support during energization, first fire, synchronization, performance testing, turnover milestones, and initial operation of new generation assets, as applicable.
• Prepare and maintain start-up documentation, test records, turnover packages, marked-up drawings, issue logs, lessons learned, and technical correspondence.
• Monitor controls-related scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and readiness concerns; communicate issues and recommended actions to project leadership.
• Manage the control change management procedure throughout the commissioning of the site. Daily coordination with EPC startup team and PMC engineering team.
• Support project closeout, warranty resolution, and transfer of control system knowledge to operations and maintenance personnel.

Requirements - education & experience

• Minimum of 8 years of engineering experience, including experience with control systems, commissioning, start-up, power generation, industrial controls, or related technical project execution.
• Strong working knowledge of Distributed Control Systems and related control system hardware, software, networks, and integration.
• Ability to support field engineering activities in active construction and commissioning environments.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment, including hard-hat, safety glasses, safety clothing, hearing protection, fall protection, and other PPE based on site conditions.
• Must be able to work safely in active industrial, construction, and commissioning environments.
• Must be able to support extended onsite assignments, changing project schedules, and critical commissioning milestones.

Required skills

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, documentation, and coordination skills.

Nice-to-have / preferred skills

• Experience with Emerson Ovation or similar Distributed Control System platforms.
• Experience supporting hardware checkout, software validation, logic testing, graphics verification, and commissioning activities.
• Experience with power generation facilities, combustion turbines combined cycle facilities, and balance-of-plant systems.
• Familiarity with PLCs, field instrumentation, process controls, electrical interfaces, industrial networks, cybersecurity requirements, and control system integration.
• Working knowledge of applicable industry standards and requirements, including ISA, IEEE, NFPA, NERC CIP, and company cybersecurity and compliance procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in high-pressure start-up and commissioning environments.

Employment details - type, location, hours

• Hybrid work arrangement when project demands allow.
• Significant onsite support is required during construction, commissioning, start-up, and turnover periods.
• Onsite assignments may include extended periods at project locations, including active construction and commissioning environments.
• Travel requirement is typically 25-50%, with higher travel possible during critical start-up and commissioning phases.

Impellam Group and its brands are equal-opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application, interview process, pre-employment activity, and the performance of crucial job functions.

If you require additional disability considerations, modifications, or adjustments please let us know by contacting View email address on aplitrak.com or fill out this form to request accommodations.