What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Controls Software Development Engineer position at Petrotech, Inc.?
About Petrotech
At Petrotech, we engineer and deliver innovative turbomachinery and process control systems that drive critical infrastructure around the world. As industry leaders in turnkey control solutions for rotating equipment, our mission is rooted in precision, reliability, and continuous improvement.
We are growing and seeking a Senior Controls Software Engineer with deep experience in industrial automation and PLC/PAC programming to design, develop, and deploy mission-critical applications used in gas turbines, compressors, and related process systems.
Position Summary
- Design and implement PLC/PAC-based control software using IEC 61131 languages (Structured Text, Ladder Logic, Function Block).
- Configure, test, and validate control systems for rotating machinery (e.g., turbines, compressors) and process automation applications.
- Lead the development cycle from algorithm design to FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing), commissioning, and client support.
- Collaborate with electrical and mechanical teams to integrate sensors, valves, instrumentation, and HMIs.
- Support field deployments, troubleshoot issues, and continuously improve reliability and performance of deployed systems.
Job Qualifications
- B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Control Systems Engineering
- 5 years of experience designing, programming, and commissioning industrial control systems for rotating or process equipment in sectors such as:
- Upstream Oil, Associated Gas, Export Compression Applications (Gas Turbine and Electric Motor driven Compression).
- Natural Gas Liquids (NGL), Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), and Refining Applications (Gas Turbine, Steam Turbine, Expander, and Electric Motor driven Compression).
- Power Generation (Gas Turbine, Steam Turbine, and Hydro Electric driven Generation).
- Demonstrated proficiency with PLC/PAC platforms such as:
- Allen Bradley Studio 5000 Logix Designer
- Siemens SIMATIC Step 7 / TIA Portal
- Schneider Electric Unity Pro / EcoStruxure
- Triconex TriStation 1131
- Emerson PAC Machine Edition
- Strong understanding and practical use of IEC 61131-3 programming languages, including:
- Ladder Logic (LD)
- Structured Text (ST)
- Function Block Diagram (FBD)
- U.S. work authorization (visa sponsorship not available)
- Bonus Skills
- Knowledge of DCS systems, industrial safety (IEC 61508, SIL), or hazardous area applications
- Programming in C, Python, or HTML for custom interface development
- Familiarity with rotating machinery control philosophies (start-up logic, fuel control, surge protection, etc.)
Why Join Petrotech?
- At Petrotech you’re not just another engineer – you will be a key contributor with direct impact on the technical and commercial success of the projects you are assigned to.
- You will work with a team of experienced professionals eager to share their knowledge and expertise in gas turbine fuel control systems, compressor process and anti-surge control systems, and electrical generation systems.
- Small team impact global engineering exposure.
- Competitive compensation with bonus eligibility
- Collaborative and innovative work culture.
- Opportunity to own projects from concept to site commissioning.
Not a Fit if You are …
- A firmware/embedded developer without PLC controls experience
- A general software developer with no industrial automation exposure
- A systems/process engineer without hands-on control system programming
Location: Houston, TX (Preferred) | New Orleans, LA | Hybrid Available
- Job Title – Senior Controls Software Development Engineer – Turbomachinery & Process Systems
- Travel: Up to 15%
- Compensation: Base Bonus Eligibility