Lead Controls Engineer - Energy & Central Utility Systems

Lead Controls Engineer - Energy & Central Utility Systems

Location: East Windsor, NJ | Pennsylvania | New York or Remote with Travel
Term: Direct Hire | Full Time
Compensation: $120,000 - $170,000 Annual Salary + Bonus Eligibility
Travel: Up to 50% as needed

Who We Are

Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner delivering premier class automation solutions across the Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets.

Guided by The Thermo Way, we are unified, dynamic, and committed to delivering excellence. Our culture is grounded in three core principles:

• Employee Success – investing in our people and their growth
• Customer Success – delivering reliable, high-quality solutions
• Financial Strength – operating with discipline and long-term focus

We believe strong teams, trusted partnerships, and technical excellence drive sustainable success.

The Opportunity

The Lead Controls Engineer works on a variety of energy-focused control system projects, particularly within thermal and electrical energy plants. This role requires deep expertise in systems such as chillers, heat pump chillers, cooling towers, thermal energy storage, geo-exchange, boilers, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), electrical generators, switchgear, and related balance-of-plant equipment.

This individual serves as a recognized technical expert, leading multiple engineering efforts while collaborating closely with project leadership and company stakeholders.

What You’ll Do

• Lead complex control system design, including system architecture, I/O design, instrumentation, sequences of operation, PLC/HMI/SCADA integration, and engineering documentation.
• Provide technical leadership throughout design, FAT/SAT, startup, commissioning, and system troubleshooting.
• Review technical deliverables for accuracy, consistency, compliance, and engineering quality.
• Serve as a technical authority on complex thermal, electrical, and balance-of-plant control systems.
• Apply and reinforce engineering standards, documentation requirements, and quality processes through the company’s Quality Management System (QMS).
• Identify opportunities to improve system design, technical standards, and engineering processes.

• Lead engineering efforts across multiple projects and provide technical direction to other controls engineers.
• Lead full project lifecycles or major technical workstreams from design through commissioning.
• Collaborate with project managers to manage scope, schedule, budget, risk, and technical execution.
• Delegate work effectively and support the development of less-experienced engineers.
• Identify scope changes, technical risks, and potential business opportunities.
• Support technical proposals, estimates, and presentations as needed.

• Serve as a trusted technical resource and primary engineering contact for customers when assigned.
• Communicate complex technical information clearly and professionally.
• Understand and follow customer-specific standards, procedures, and project requirements.
• Provide responsive problem-solving support and follow through on commitments.

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 10+ years of progressive controls engineering experience.
• 3+ years operating at a senior or Control Engineer III-equivalent level.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license and/or relevant industry certifications preferred.

• Significant controls experience within thermal energy, central utility, power generation, or comparable complex process environments.
• Hands-on experience with equipment such as chillers, cooling towers, boilers, heat recovery systems, thermal energy storage, heat pumps, generators, switchgear, and associated balance-of-plant systems.
• Advanced experience with control system architecture, I/O design, instrumentation, PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, FAT/SAT, startup, and commissioning.
• Strong understanding of engineering standards, quality processes, technical documentation, and QMS requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical decisions and provide engineering direction to others.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to mentor engineers, collaborate across teams, and remain effective in complex or high-pressure project environments.

Travel & Work Requirements

• Up to 50% overnight travel may be required
• Participation in on-call rotation as needed
• Valid driver’s license required
• Must be fit for duty at all times
• Authorization to work in the country of employment required

What You’ll Get

• Competitive compensation with annual bonus opportunity
• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low-cost options
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Tuition reimbursement and professional credential support
• In-house and external technical training opportunities
• Exposure to complex, high-impact automation projects
• A collaborative culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork

Learn more at www.thermosystems.com

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected status.

Disclaimer
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.