Lead Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Location : Fort Washington, PA or Arlington, TX | Remote with Travel

Term : Direct Hire | Full Time

Compensation : $120,000 - $170,000 Annual Salary + Bonus Eligibility

Travel : Up to 50% as needed

Who We Are

Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner delivering premier class automation solutions across the Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets.

Guided by The Thermo Way , we are unified, dynamic, and committed to delivering excellence. Our culture is grounded in three core principles:

• Employee Success – investing in our people and their growth
• Customer Success – delivering reliable, high-quality solutions
• Financial Strength – operating with discipline and long-term focus

We believe strong teams, trusted partnerships, and technical excellence drive sustainable success.

The Opportunity

The Senior Control Systems Engineer works on a variety of energy-focused control system projects, particularly within thermal and electrical energy plants. This role requires deep expertise in systems such as chillers, heat pump chillers, cooling towers, thermal energy storage, geo-exchange, boilers, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), electrical generators, switchgear, and related balance-of-plant equipment.

This individual serves as a recognized technical expert, leading multiple engineering efforts while collaborating closely with project leadership and company stakeholders.

What You’ll Do

Technical Leadership

• Lead complex system design, including I/O design, architecture, submittals, and testing documentation
• Maintain and expand expertise through training, publications, and industry engagement
• Provide technical direction across multiple projects and teams
• Support business development through technical proposals and presentations
• Collaborate with project managers to ensure timely, accurate, and cost-effective delivery
• Mentor engineers and provide expert guidance across technical, financial, and operational domains
• Drive company design standards and quality through the QMS

Customer Engagement

• Communicate proactively and professionally with customers
• Adhere to client-specific standards and procedures
• Deliver exceptional service and follow through on commitments
• Provide responsive problem-solving support

Project Leadership

• Execute and oversee project tasks on schedule and within budget
• Lead full project lifecycles when assigned
• Serve as primary customer contact for assigned projects
• Identify scope changes and new business opportunities
• Delegate tasks effectively and ensure team accountability
• Accurately estimate timelines and manage project risks
• Foster a collaborative and positive team culture

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct and support junior staff in construction, operations, and maintenance activities as applicable

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with relevant experience
• 10+ years of total experience
• 3+ years as a Control Systems Project Engineer II (or equivalent)
• Professional Engineering (PE) license and/or relevant industry certifications preferred

Required Skills & Abilities

• Advanced leadership and decision-making capabilities
• Ability to remain effective under pressure
• Strong innovation and process improvement mindset
• Proven ability to motivate and mentor engineers
• Strong relationship-building skills within the industry
• Commitment to continuous professional development
• Active participation in industry organizations

Travel & Work Requirements

• Up to 50% overnight travel may be required
• Participation in on-call rotation as needed
• Valid driver’s license required
• Must be fit for duty at all times
• Authorization to work in the country of employment required

What You’ll Get

• Competitive compensation with annual bonus opportunity
• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low-cost options
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Tuition reimbursement and professional credential support
• In-house and external technical training opportunities
• Exposure to complex, high-impact automation projects
• A collaborative culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork

Learn more at

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected status.

Disclaimer
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.