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.
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!
