DCS Commissioning Engineer

Job Title : DCS Commissioning Engineer

Location : Columbus, OH (Ohio State University)

Duration : 7+ months

Rate : $70 - $80 / hour - 1.5X OT

Per Diem : $186 / day

Hours : 60 hours per week.

Project Overview

A high efficiency combined heat and power (CHP), and district heating / cooling (DHC) facility is under construction, designed to provide approximately 100 MW of net electrical output along with heating and cooling for a large campus. The two-on-one combined cycle plant incorporates two 32 MW gas-fired combustion turbine generators, two heat recovery steam generators with SCR and duct burner systems, and a 43 MW extraction-condensing steam turbine generator. All major equipment, as well as the district energy plant systems, is housed within a central facility. A 15kV interconnection links the plant to the campus distribution network. Construction is about 90% complete, major equipment is on-site, and cold commissioning is underway.

Position Summary

The Distributed Control System (DCS) Engineer will oversee implementation, optimization, and maintenance of plant control systems, ensuring reliable operation and integration with campus and utility networks. This role involves reviewing contractor deliverables, validating work quality and progress, and supporting project execution to meet schedule, cost, safety, and performance requirements. The position requires collaboration with contractors, internal stakeholders, and external partners to ensure systems function as designed and contractual obligations are met.

Key Responsibilities

Support the Construction Site Manager in day-to-day oversight of site activities.

Diagnose and resolve issues in DCS hardware, software, and communication networks.

Integrate third-party systems and confirm compatibility with plant operations.

Participate in safety oversight activities, including meetings and site walk-downs.

Review and validate contractor deliverables, installation methods, and commissioning work.

Assess and verify contractor progress against schedule and contractual claims.

Analyze process data and control loops to improve plant performance and stability.

Update commissioning procedures for control and instrumentation systems.

Maintain accurate documentation of system configurations, changes, and project records.

Provide technical input on communication platforms and protocols between the CHP plant, substation, campus power plants, and external grid operators.

Support claim and variation management, ensuring proper reporting and documentation.

Identify risks related to safety, quality, cost, and schedule, and recommend mitigation actions.

Ensure adherence to engineering design standards, project methodologies, and best practices.

Communicate project information clearly to management and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Instrumentation, or related discipline.

Minimum of 7 years of experience with control and automation systems in power generation or utility facilities.

Proven success representing owners on projects of similar scale and complexity.

Expertise in installation methods for field instrumentation and integration with major equipment such as HRSGs, gas turbines, and steam turbines.

Familiarity with major DCS platforms (Honeywell, Siemens, ABB, etc.).

Strong knowledge of plant control networks, DCS / PLC communications, and system integration.

Solid understanding of construction safety processes and performance indicators.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Project, Word, PowerPoint).

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to pass background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

At least 7 years of power project experience including construction and commissioning.

Experience with projects exceeding $100M in value.

Multi-disciplinary engineering and construction exposure.

Strong scheduling, execution, and contract administration knowledge.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.

Commercial awareness and ability to balance technical and business priorities.

Collaborative approach with experience working in multi-cultural, matrix environments.

FootBridge is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected. We make employment decisions based on qualifications and business needs, without discrimination on any basis, and we welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.