Lead Control Systems Engineer Jobs
Lead Control Systems Engineer jobs are open across oil and gas, manufacturing, utilities, and defense, at every level from senior controls engineer to principal and staff, with specializations in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and distributed control systems. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 519+ Lead Control Systems Engineer jobs
Control Systems Technicians are responsible for remotely supporting Control Logic on all aspects of the Integrated Rig Control Cabin, Power House, HMI's, PLC software and associated electrical systems. These technicians will also heavily interact with field service technicians and third parties to provide OEM support. Highly technical and analytical individuals will excel in this position. Advanced troubleshooting skills are required. The technician is expected to resolve routine issues and log all cases into a tracking system. Technicians will manage the issue from beginning to end, working with other departments, until resolution. This is a rotational 12-hour shift position in the support center, 7 days on/7 days off.
- 1- 2 years electrical experience
- Proven ability to work safely Interpersonal skills, ability to work with customers
- Excellent documentation skills
- Advanced understanding of electrical systems and wiring
- Ability to read electrical schematics and ladder diagrams
- Experience viewing and editing PLC programs
- Basic understanding of VFDs and SCRs
- Basic understanding of generator controls
- Familiarity with popular HMI systems
- Ability to use diagnostic equipment such as: digital multimeter, ammeter, megger, circuit tracer, and oscilloscopes.
- Must be able to travel
- Must be able to work rotational shifts
- Advanced understanding of generator controls
- Prior upstream O&G experience, especially with mud pumps and draw works
- Experience with HVAC systems
- Experience with configuration and imaging of severs or virtual machines
- Familiarity with popular fieldbus standards, especially Modbus and Profibus
- Familiarity with EtherNet/IP, OPC, or other process control communications protocols
- Experience troubleshooting fiber-optic communications
- Experience troubleshooting AB Centerline or Eaton Cutler Hammer MCC Lineups
- Experience with AB/Siemens/Omron technology Rockwell Logix Maintainer
- Certified Comp TIA A+ or Network+
- Certification CCENT
- Certified Position may require occasional travel
- Position requires working in field for training
- Position is operations oriented, and may require being on-call Position may require working overnights and holidays
Remotely install, service and repair control systems and integrated components. Train customers and other employees on use and functions of control systems Perform detailed inspections and provide repair recommendations Document and report any changes to technical functionality or specifications Work directly with engineering to develop new products and resolve existing engineering issues Rotational on-call point of escalation Follow and enforce established management of change processes
Rigline 24/7 is comprised of highly skilled and technically trained personnel who understand our products and services. We support our capital rig equipment, technology solutions, and services. The team operates around the clock and supports our global customer base from Houston, Texas.
- Assist internal and external customers with troubleshooting of Rig Equipment control systems.
- Expeditiously work to troubleshoot and resolve downtime and major events, acting as liaison between the field and internal departments until event resolution is achieved.
- Understand rig network protocols and remote access rig systems to troubleshoot, diagnose and resolve issues.
- Work to achieve remote resolution to minimize impact of failures and reduce customer downtime.
- Gather and collect critical relative information pertaining to Rig Equipment control system failures to help improve operation/maintenance processes and procedures.
- Create cases in the case tracking system for all Rig Equipment control system issues.
- Resolve problems by clarifying issues through researching and exploring solutions and escalating unresolved problems while providing superior customer service.
- Perform monthly health checks and fix issues with the Historian system.
- Pull and review alarm history for troubleshooting.
- Troubleshoot PLC code, control system, and network communication issues.
- Support and troubleshoot control system servers (HMI, VMs, SQL, Historian, VantagePoint, ViewSE)
- Fix equipment issues and data flow problems between PLCs and devices.
- Install control system code patches and updates.
- Configure rig network devices (e.g., ETAP, D77D)
- Assist Engineering with technical tasks as needed.
- Support and troubleshoot SmartROS system.
- Work with field technicians on server, HMI, IPC imaging, and network setup.
- Help implement new systems and technologies.
- Handle escalations related to rig equipment, RigCLOUD, and performance tools.
Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.
Control Systems Technicians are responsible for remotely supporting Control Logic on all aspects of the Integrated Rig Control Cabin, Power House, HMI's, PLC software and associated electrical systems. These technicians will also heavily interact with field service technicians and third parties to provide OEM support. Highly technical and analytical individuals will excel in this position. Advanced troubleshooting skills are required. The technician is expected to resolve routine issues and log all cases into a tracking system. Technicians will manage the issue from beginning to end, working with other departments, until resolution. This is a rotational 12-hour shift position in the support center, 7 days on/7 days off.
- 1- 2 years electrical experience
- Proven ability to work safely Interpersonal skills, ability to work with customers
- Excellent documentation skills
- Advanced understanding of electrical systems and wiring
- Ability to read electrical schematics and ladder diagrams
- Experience viewing and editing PLC programs
- Basic understanding of VFDs and SCRs
- Basic understanding of generator controls
- Familiarity with popular HMI systems
- Ability to use diagnostic equipment such as: digital multimeter, ammeter, megger, circuit tracer, and oscilloscopes.
- Must be able to travel
- Must be able to work rotational shifts
- Advanced understanding of generator controls
- Prior upstream O&G experience, especially with mud pumps and draw works
- Experience with HVAC systems
- Experience with configuration and imaging of severs or virtual machines
- Familiarity with popular fieldbus standards, especially Modbus and Profibus
- Familiarity with EtherNet/IP, OPC, or other process control communications protocols
- Experience troubleshooting fiber-optic communications
- Experience troubleshooting AB Centerline or Eaton Cutler Hammer MCC Lineups
- Experience with AB/Siemens/Omron technology Rockwell Logix Maintainer
- Certified Comp TIA A+ or Network+
- Certification CCENT
- Certified Position may require occasional travel
- Position requires working in field for training
- Position is operations oriented, and may require being on-call Position may require working overnights and holidays
Remotely install, service and repair control systems and integrated components. Train customers and other employees on use and functions of control systems Perform detailed inspections and provide repair recommendations Document and report any changes to technical functionality or specifications Work directly with engineering to develop new products and resolve existing engineering issues Rotational on-call point of escalation Follow and enforce established management of change processes
Rigline 24/7 is comprised of highly skilled and technically trained personnel who understand our products and services. We support our capital rig equipment, technology solutions, and services. The team operates around the clock and supports our global customer base from Houston, Texas.
- Assist internal and external customers with troubleshooting of Rig Equipment control systems.
- Expeditiously work to troubleshoot and resolve downtime and major events, acting as liaison between the field and internal departments until event resolution is achieved.
- Understand rig network protocols and remote access rig systems to troubleshoot, diagnose and resolve issues.
- Work to achieve remote resolution to minimize impact of failures and reduce customer downtime.
- Gather and collect critical relative information pertaining to Rig Equipment control system failures to help improve operation/maintenance processes and procedures.
- Create cases in the case tracking system for all Rig Equipment control system issues.
- Resolve problems by clarifying issues through researching and exploring solutions and escalating unresolved problems while providing superior customer service.
- Perform monthly health checks and fix issues with the Historian system.
- Pull and review alarm history for troubleshooting.
- Troubleshoot PLC code, control system, and network communication issues.
- Support and troubleshoot control system servers (HMI, VMs, SQL, Historian, VantagePoint, ViewSE)
- Fix equipment issues and data flow problems between PLCs and devices.
- Install control system code patches and updates.
- Configure rig network devices (e.g., ETAP, D77D)
- Assist Engineering with technical tasks as needed.
- Support and troubleshoot SmartROS system.
- Work with field technicians on server, HMI, IPC imaging, and network setup.
- Help implement new systems and technologies.
- Handle escalations related to rig equipment, RigCLOUD, and performance tools.
Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.
Lead Control Systems Engineer Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsLead Control Systems Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Thermo Systems27
- Sargent & Lundy25
- Graymatter20
- RoviSys Building Technologies14
- RoviSys13
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing23
- Technology & Software23
- Consulting & Professional Services20
- Construction & Real Estate8
- Energy6
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lead control systems engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, controls, or systems engineering with 7+ years of experience
- Proficiency with Rockwell Automation, Siemens, or ABB PLC and DCS platforms
- Experience designing and commissioning SCADA systems in regulated industrial environments
- Knowledge of IEC 61511 or ISA-84 functional safety standards for SIS design
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and manage control system projects end to end
- Familiarity with Modbus, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP, and other industrial communication protocols
Tips for Your Lead Control Systems Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to control platforms
Hiring managers scan for specific platforms before reading anything else. List every PLC family, DCS platform, and SCADA package you've used by vendor name, not just generic terms like 'industrial automation' or 'process control.'
Highlight functional safety credentials prominently
Many lead-level postings require or strongly prefer a TÃœV Functional Safety Engineer certificate or IEC 61511 experience. Put those credentials in a dedicated section near the top, not buried in a skills list at the bottom.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists lead control systems engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Align your project scope to the job level
Lead roles are evaluated heavily on project ownership. Quantify the scope of systems you've designed or commissioned, naming the number of I/O points, loop counts, or site capacity, so reviewers can gauge whether your experience matches the complexity they need.
Prepare for a technical panel, not just an interview
Expect a multi-round process that includes a live programming exercise or a whiteboard session on control logic and loop tuning. Practice explaining a PID loop failure you diagnosed and corrected, because scenario-based questions are standard for lead-level candidates in this field.
Negotiate relocation terms before accepting remote limits
Many lead control systems engineer roles require on-site commissioning travel even when posted as hybrid. Ask HR whether travel is baked into the salary or reimbursed separately before you evaluate the offer against fully remote alternatives.
Lead Control Systems Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most lead control systems engineers?
Thermo Systems, Sargent & Lundy, and Graymatter are hiring the most lead control systems engineers right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, California, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is especially consistent from energy and industrial automation firms with large capital project pipelines.
How many lead control systems engineer jobs are remote?
About 52% of lead control systems engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though true fully remote positions are less common than hybrid arrangements. Software-focused work such as HMI development, control narrative writing, and SCADA configuration tends to be the most amenable to remote schedules, while commissioning and site acceptance testing almost always require physical presence.
How do you become a lead control systems engineer?
Start with a bachelor's degree in electrical, controls, or systems engineering, then build hands-on experience with PLC programming and loop commissioning in an industrial setting. Progress through senior engineer roles, taking ownership of full project life cycles from design through startup. Earning a functional safety certificate such as a TÃœV FSEng credential and demonstrating the ability to lead cross-functional teams are the two steps that most reliably accelerate the move to a lead title.
Can I get a lead control systems engineer job with limited experience?
Moving directly into a lead role with limited experience is difficult because the title carries accountability for project delivery and team direction that hiring managers typically require years of demonstrated performance to verify. The most practical path is to target a senior controls engineer role first, then seek out project lead assignments within that position to build a portfolio of end-to-end ownership before applying for formal lead titles.
What does the lead control systems engineer interview process look like?
The process typically runs three to four rounds. An initial screening with a recruiter or HR contact is followed by a technical interview where you'll walk through past projects in detail, covering design decisions and troubleshooting scenarios. A panel interview with engineering leads or project managers usually comes next, often including a whiteboard exercise on control logic or a discussion of a failure mode analysis. Some employers add a final conversation with a hiring manager focused on leadership style and team management experience.
Where can I find and apply to lead control systems engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to lead control systems engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your platform experience and project scope, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background and location preferences.
See All 519+ Lead Control Systems Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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