What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Controls Engineer – Power & Energy Systems position at Interstates?
Take Charge of Your Career at Interstates
At Interstates, we don't just show up to work, we show up for each other. From our headquarters in Iowa to job sites across the country, we're doing award-winning electrical, controls, automation, and OT work that powers industrial facilities for clients here in the U.S. and around the world. Whether you're bending conduit, wiring panels, writing code, supporting projects, or helping things run behind the scenes, you'll be part of a crew that works hard, shares laughs, and takes pride in doing quality work. We believe in building strong teams, doing the right thing, and making a difference in the communities where we live. If you want to grow and do meaningful work, you'll feel at home here.
If you love turning complex power systems into smart, scalable, real-world solutions, this is your playground. The Senior Controls Engineer – Power & Energy Systems is the technical force behind advanced control and software systems that connect power generation, energy storage, and behind-the-meter technologies so they actually work together in the real world.
You'll sit at the intersection of controls, software, and energy systems, building solutions that don't just run equipment but optimize it. Think PLCs, SCADA, OEM integration, and real-time data all working together across industrial and energy environments.
This role is for someone who enjoys building the brains behind complex systems and making them work in the field where it matters most. You'll translate complex requirements into clean, reliable, high-performing solutions across power generation, storage, and industrial automation.
If your mindset is "make it smarter, faster, more reliable, and actually connected," you'll fit right in.
Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, test, and implement PLC and SCADA-based control solutions for complex industrial and power systems, including generation assets, distributed energy resources, and OEM integrations across platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, Ignition, and AVEVA
- Develop and configure HMI applications that provide intuitive, real-time monitoring and control across industrial and energy environments
- Translate project requirements into scalable control system architectures while integrating field devices such as generators, switchgear, and energy storage systems using industrial communication protocols and enterprise platforms
- Partner with clients, engineers, OEMs, and IT/OT teams to deliver fully integrated automation solutions that align with operational, safety, and performance requirements
- Lead on-site commissioning and startup activities including FAT/SAT support, troubleshooting, system optimization, and operator training to ensure successful system performance in the field
- Create and maintain detailed project documentation including control narratives, system descriptions, operator manuals, commissioning records, and change logs
- Serve as a technical resource to clients and internal teams by solving complex problems, supporting system improvements, and ensuring reliable long-term operation of deployed systems
- Stay current with advancements in industrial automation, cybersecurity for OT systems, and energy applications such as DERs, microgrids, and demand response participation
- Contribute to internal standards, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement while adapting to evolving project and business needs
Preferred Skills or Industry Knowledge:
- Experience in energy-intensive or continuous process industries such as ethanol, seed oil, pet food, food & beverage, or similar
- Experience with distributed energy resources (DER), microgrids, energy storage systems, or hybrid generation
- Familiarity with energy market participation (demand response, peak shaving, ancillary services, ISO/RTO operations)
- Exposure to cloud platforms, IIoT systems, data analytics, or historian integration
- Knowledge of OT cybersecurity frameworks and secure system architecture practices
- Experience integrating OEM equipment into SCADA/PLC environments and unified control systems
Knowledge and Expertise for this Role:
- Bachelor's degree (B.A., B.S.) in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- Associate's degree (A.A., A.S.) in Instrumentation & Controls or related technical field preferred
- Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience accepted
- Strong experience in industrial automation programming and startup/commissioning environments
- Experience working directly with customers on system requirements and technical solution design
- Hands-on experience with object-oriented programming, UI development, database systems, and system integration across industrial environments
Location: This position and individual will be based near an Interstates office location.
Travel: The amount of travel will vary according to business requirements (may be up to 35%).
Benefits You Can Depend On:
In addition to highly competitive pay and quality benefits, Interstates strives to offer opportunities for education and career development, empowering you to have a career that's built to last. Some of our benefits include:
- Competitive pay
- Bonus incentives
- 401(k)
- Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- PTO and Holiday Pay
- Disability and Life Insurance
- Parental Leave
- Advancement Opportunities
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What You Should Know Before You Apply
Interstates may collect personal information as part of your job application, such as your contact details, work history, education, and any information you provide. This information is used only for recruitment, to evaluate your candidacy, and to meet legal requirements. For details about our privacy practices and your rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), please see our Privacy Policy. By applying, you acknowledge that you have reviewed this notice.
Interstates is an EEO provider and offers a drug-free workplace. Employment at Interstates is at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without notice or cause, except as otherwise provided by law.
Benefits:
Health Insurance, 401K Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off