Controls Systems Engineer I to III

Thank you for your interest in the BWL. We think you'll find it a rewarding and nurturing place to grow your career.

Starting Salary Range: $96,400.00 - $117,600.00

Controls Systems Engineer I, II & III – Operations Technology

Position Summary

The Controls Systems Engineer is responsible for supporting and advancing the design, implementation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management of BWL Operations Technology (OT) control systems supporting electric, water, steam, and chilled water production facilities. The position works with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), industrial networks, instrumentation, and associated communication systems.

Depending on the level, the Controls Systems Engineer will work under supervision, independently, or in a technical leadership capacity to support safe, reliable, efficient, and secure plant operations. The position collaborates with plant operations, maintenance, engineering, IT/OT, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders to resolve operational issues, execute projects, maintain system reliability, and drive continuous improvement.

The Controls Systems Engineer may be hired at Level I, II, or III based on the candidate's education, experience, technical proficiency, and demonstrated ability to perform the responsibilities associated with each level.

Responsibilities Common to All Levels

• Supports or performs the design, programming, implementation, modification, maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrade of control systems, including DCS, PLCs, SCADA, instrumentation, and associated industrial communication and networking systems.
• Supports the safe, reliable, efficient, and secure operation of control systems serving electric, water, steam, and chilled water production facilities.
• Troubleshoots and debugs existing control systems and assists with identifying and resolving system performance, reliability, and operational issues.
• Performs or supports engineering studies, data collection, operational analysis, and root cause investigations to identify opportunities for improved system performance and reliability.
• Develops or supports control strategies and software changes that improve plant reliability, efficiency, maintainability, and operational performance.
• Participates in or leads commissioning, startup, loop checks, functional testing, system testing, and validation activities, as appropriate to the position level.
• Develops, reviews, updates, and maintains control system documentation, drawings, control narratives, procedures, standards, and technical records.
• Supports the development of equipment, material, construction, and technical specifications related to control systems and associated equipment.
• Supports or leads control system projects, including scope development, budgeting, design, procurement, implementation, commissioning, and project closeout, as appropriate to the position level.
• Interfaces with plant operators, maintenance personnel, engineers, plant leadership, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders to resolve control system issues and accomplish project and operational objectives.
• Supports control system lifecycle management, including maintenance planning, system upgrades, obsolescence management, and evaluation of system reliability and supportability.
• Supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of control system standards, procedures, engineering practices, and operational best practices.
• Supports Operations Technology cybersecurity and applicable regulatory compliance activities, including NERC CIP requirements, as appropriate to assigned responsibilities.
• Creates, reviews, or executes test procedures to verify proper operational functionality of control systems and modifications.
• Analyzes operational data and performance indicators to identify trends, opportunities for optimization, and potential reliability improvements.
• Participates in training and professional development activities to remain current with control systems, industrial automation, cybersecurity, utility operations, and emerging technologies.
• Supports a culture of safety, reliability, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Adheres to all BWL policies, safety procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Attends safety training and other required training as directed by the supervisor, BWL, or governmental agencies such as MIOSHA.
• Must be able to provide continuous support and perform a primary assignment in support of an emergency response to operational-impacting events.
• Maintains predictable and reliable attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Controls Systems Engineer I       Starting Pay Range: $70,300. - $83,600.

Level I Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities listed above, the Controls Systems Engineer I will:

• Support control system design, programming, configuration, testing, and implementation under the direction of experienced engineering staff.
• Assist with engineering studies, data collection, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis of control system issues.
• Assist with developing and implementing control strategies and software changes.
• Participate in plant commissioning, loop checks, system testing, and startup activities.
• Assist with updating drawings, control narratives, procedures, standards, and other technical documentation.
• Support control system projects by completing assigned engineering tasks within established schedules and budgets.
• Develop working knowledge of BWL plant operations, control system architecture, industrial networking, instrumentation, and OT cybersecurity.
• Work with operators, maintenance personnel, and other engineers to identify and resolve control system issues.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Basic understanding of computer networking.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to emergency situations.

Preferred

• Coursework or project experience with DCS, PLCs, process control, instrumentation, or industrial automation.
• Basic understanding of OT cybersecurity.
• Basic knowledge of utility operations.

Controls Systems Engineer II     Starting Pay Range: $86,900. - $105,000.

Level II Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities listed above, Controls Systems Engineer II will:

• Independently design and implement DCS and ancillary control system modifications to improve plant performance and reliability.
• Perform control system troubleshooting and root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Lead scope development, project budgeting, technical specifications, and commissioning for assigned projects.
• Serve as project lead for assigned control system capital projects.
• Interface directly with vendors and contractors for control system upgrades, modifications, and equipment replacements.
• Review and approve drawings, control logic, specifications, and technical documents within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Analyze operational data and KPIs to identify and recommend control optimization opportunities.
• Perform lifecycle planning and maintenance activities to ensure long-term control system reliability and supportability.
• Support NERC CIP compliance and OT cybersecurity assessments related to control systems.
• Develop test procedures and coordinate testing to verify proper system functionality.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Controls Systems Engineer I and cross-functional team members.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of control system standards, procedures, and best practices.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant control systems engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering projects from conception through execution.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Basic knowledge of industrial cybersecurity practices.
• Effective technical communication and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred

• 5 years of control systems engineering experience.
• Vendor management experience.
• Basic knowledge of utility operations.

Controls Systems Engineer III    Starting Pay Range: $96,400. - $117,600.

Level III Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities listed above, the Controls Systems Engineer III will:

• Serve as a senior technical resource and demonstrate proficiency in the key responsibilities of Controls Systems Engineer II.
• Lead complex control system designs and modifications that improve plant performance, reliability, efficiency, and maintainability.
• Lead complex root cause investigations and implement high-impact improvements across the utility.
• Provide technical leadership during commissioning and startup of new plant process equipment.
• Lead major control system projects from scope development through execution and commissioning.
• Serve as project lead for complex control system capital projects.
• Provide technical leadership in vendor and contractor relationships involving major system upgrades and replacements.
• Lead lifecycle strategies for control systems, including reliability, supportability, technology modernization, and obsolescence planning.
• Provide technical leadership for NERC CIP compliance and industrial cybersecurity assessments related to control systems.
• Review and approve complex control system designs, logic, drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Mentor and coach lower-level engineers, plant personnel, and cross-functional teams.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert and technical advisor to plant leadership and other stakeholders.
• Identify and lead strategic continuous improvement initiatives across the utility.
• Evaluate emerging control systems and automation technologies and recommend solutions supporting BWL's operational and strategic objectives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant control systems engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering projects from conception through execution.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity practices.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and ability to communicate complex technical information effectively.

Preferred

• Familiarity with major enterprise DCS platforms.
• Project management experience.
• Vendor management experience.
• Familiarity with NERC CIP low-impact compliance standards.
• Advanced knowledge of utility operations.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for the majority of the working day. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office environment including the use of stairs. Constantly operates a computer, and other office equipment. Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen. Must communicate frequently with other departments and employees both verbally and in writing. May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/below knee level or reach overhead. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about in industrial environments, and uneven terrain. May be required to recognize small numbers, letters, symbols, colors on prints, and/or operate field instruments/equipment.

Works in temperature-controlled office environment, with occasional work in outdoor weather conditions, and in industrial environments.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills that may be required of the employee. Management reserves the right to add, remove, or otherwise alter these duties, responsibilities, and skills at any time.

Why Should You Apply?

Competitive wages, employee development, and opportunity for professional growth.
 
Robust time off benefits including vacation, free choice, sick leave, parental leave and 11 paid holidays.
 
Comprehensive benefits package offered including medical, prescription, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, employee assistance program.
 
Voluntary benefits including vision, supplemental and dependent life insurance, flexible spending, AFLAC options, LifeLock anti-theft, long term care, tuition reimbursement, and BWL's  Home Purchase Plan – Forgivable $5,000 loan for purchase of a home in Lansing.
 
Retirement programs including 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan (DC) (100% company paid up to 9.5 % of base salary for BU positions and up to 13% of base salary for NBU positions), 457 Deferred Compensation matches up to $2,500 per year. 
 
Post retirement benefits offered at the respective level of coverage, co-pays and health care premium, at the same level as active employees.
 
Two fitness centers located on site open 24/7, work life balance program, employee assistance program, free parking and much more! 
 
About BWL:
The Board of Water & Light serves Lansing, Michigan, and surrounding areas with electricity, water, and steam. Lansing's city charter vests the BWL with full and exclusive management of water, steam, and electric services for or the city. The American Public Power Association has honored the Lansing Board of Water & Light as one of the country's best publicly-owned utilities.
 
The Location:
Lansing lies at the heart of the Great Lakes State and offers all the beauty and splendor of the four seasons. A haven for swimming, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, golf, and hunting, mid-Michigan is also just a couple hours from premier skiing and one of the most beautiful freshwater lakeshores in the world on our Lake Michigan Coast. Lansing itself is only minutes and miles away from two of the nation’s premier universities, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, and boasts miles of walking, running, biking trails, Potter Park Zoo, professional sports, the arts, and fine dining.
 
 

THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER