Controls Engineer

Kern Energy is seeking a Controls Engineer to support and enhance the refinery’s process control and automation systems. This role is responsible for the design, programming, configuration, troubleshooting, and documentation of DCS, PLC, and advanced process control systems to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant refinery operations. This position works cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, process engineering, and IT to maintain and optimize control strategies, support new project initiatives, and drive continuous improvement in system performance and reliability. The successful candidate will exhibit Kern’s core values of Teamwork, Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Connection.

Job Function

• Program and configure Distributed Control Systems (DCS) including Foxboro IA and Triconex SIS platforms. Build and modify graphic displays, control strategies, interlocks, and alarm logic.
• Perform control configuration changes, develop new control schemes, and tune loops to improve refinery unit performance and reliability.
• Provide support for Advanced Process Controls (APC) including multivariable control and model predictive control applications (e.g., DMC or equivalent).
• Identify and implement new process control technologies and optimization strategies to enhance unit profitability and reduce variability.
• Support PLC programming, configuration, and troubleshooting where required.
• Perform system maintenance, including diagnostics, preventive maintenance, upgrades, and unscheduled repairs.
• Lead or support field installation, loop checks, construction, commissioning, and system testing activities for capital and expense projects.
• Develop and execute safety shutdown system test procedures in compliance with refinery safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Educate and support operations personnel on the function and benefits of unit process controls.
• Monitor control loop performance and proactively tune or adjust loops as necessary to maintain optimal performance.
• Participate in on-call rotation and support emergency DCS troubleshooting on a 24/7 basis as needed.
• Ensure that all control system work complies with Process Safety Management (PSM) procedures and follows all refinery safe work practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including operations, process engineering, maintenance, and IT—to support plant operations and project implementation.
• Perform alarm rationalization and support abnormal situation management practices.
• Maintain and update technical documentation such as P&IDs, loop drawings, control narratives, and I/O lists.
• Maintain high standards of professional growth, personal performance, and attendance. Actively contribute to team goals and uphold company values.
• Foster effective, trust-based relationships with peers and other departments to drive a collaborative work environment.

Knowledge Skills

• Strong knowledge of Foxboro IA DCS system and Triconex SIS is preferred.
• Familiarity with foreign device interfaces, instrumentation, field wiring practices, and troubleshooting of control systems.
• Working knowledge of foreign device interfaces, PLCs, instrumentation, field wiring practices and troubleshooting preferred or required

Education/ Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience with DCS and/or PLC programming in an industrial process environment (refinery or chemical plant preferred).
• Experience with Advanced Process Control systems (preferably DMC) highly desirable.
• Experience with alarm management tools, control loop tuning, and abnormal situation management.
• Proficient in interpreting P&IDs, instrument loop diagrams, and developing DCS graphic displays.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License with the ability to be insured under Kern’s vehicle insurance policy.