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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Control System Principal Engineer - **Company:** Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Inc. - **Location:** Houston, TX, United States - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** 3d Models, Computer-Aided Design, Software Applications, Spreadsheets, Communications Protocols, Databases, Digital Technology, Text Processing, Human-Computer Interaction, Network Configuration and Change Management, Presentation Programs, Software Tools, Network Switches, Smartplant - **Published:** May 19, 2026 - **Apply:** https://careers-orau.icims.com/jobs/2758/control-system-principal-engineer/job?in_iframe=1 ## About the Role * Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen * Satisfactory results of a pre-employment screening, which includes a drug and breath alcohol test, along with a Motor Vehicle Record check * Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Security Clearance * Working knowledge of applicable federal (including Department of Energy orders), state, and local codes and standards * Ability to communicate effectively with audiences that include but are not limited to project management, coworkers, clients, vendors, and subcontractors * Job related technical knowledge necessary to complete the job * Advanced knowledge of discipline codes and standards * Ability to perform work in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal codes, statutes and guidelines * Ability to attend to detail and work in a time-conscious and time-effective manner * Intermediate computer and software skills to include proficiency in the use of word processing, e-mail, spreadsheet and electronic presentation programs * Significant experience providing Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services on large industrial projects * Proficiency executing large EPC projects utilizing engineering analysis, 3D modeling and 2D Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) automation tools in a multi-discipline environment * Perform a broad range of I&C design activities, including design definition, control systems architecture and development, digital systems, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), network configuration, logic development, network switches, process controls, Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) development support and review, Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), communication protocols, routing, and layout, Safety Integrity Level (SIL), and procurement activities ## Description ORAU is seeking qualified candidates on behalf of a partner organization for a Controls System Principal Engineer role. The selected candidate will be employed by ORAU's partner and will perform work onsite at the Fluor Corporation. Provide comprehensive administrative oversight, in-depth technical expertise, and effective leadership to ensure the successful execution of engineering projects. This position is responsible for managing all aspects of a designated project area, serving as the primary representative of the engineering discipline, and guaranteeing technical accuracy and compliance throughout every phase of project development, implementation, and completion. As a lead engineer, you will undertake assignments of advanced complexity, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, facilitate technical reviews, mentor junior staff, and ensure that project deliverables meet or exceed industry standards and client expectations., * Under general supervision of the Discipline Lead Engineer, serve as a Supervising Lead providing guidance / supervision to other engineers and designers * Analyze and make independent recommendations regarding technical solutions to problems of advanced complexity in accordance with project requirements * Develop and review specifications and design criteria * Perform and check engineering analyses and calculations; specify materials, equipment and systems; and solve technical problems of advanced complexity * Coordinate technical issues with other disciplines, project management, vendors, and clients * Execute work in compliance with Project Quality Plan and procedures * Execute work in accordance with the approved project scope, cost, and schedule baselines * Develop and review estimates, schedules, and progress reports including effort-hour estimating and staff forecasting * Establish, control and report on material key quantities; provide analysis and forecasts * Provide technical support to activities associated with equipment and material procurement and subcontracting including scopes of work, technical bid evaluations, and review of vendor submittals * Provide technical support to activities associated with construction administration including response to construction requests-for-information and field changes * Other duties as assigned, * Perform control systems sizing calculations for control valves, relief valves, flow elements, thermowells and other instrumentation * Create instrument index and datasheets, generate reports, and monitor design wiring and loop development activities in Intergraph SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI) database * Develop complex control systems narrative specifications * Prepare complex instrument design and installation requirements * Develop complex control systems logic diagrams and/or cause and effect diagrams * Represent control systems in model reviews; closely monitor 3D modeling prepared by the design group using review software * Review and audit specifications for DCS, PLC, and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) hardware and software applications * Monitor DCS / PLC / SIS design developed by the design group ## Related Videos - [The Software Engineer 2030: From Coder To AI Orchestrator? - Patrick Schnell](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1825-the-software-engineer-2030-from-coder-to-ai-orchestrator-patrick-schnell) - [Kubernetes and Microservices with Multi-Model Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/382-kubernetes-and-microservices-with-multi-model-databases) - [TresJS a new declarative ThreeJS as Vue components](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/543-tresjs-a-new-declarative-threejs-as-vue-components) - [What makes Cybersecurity different for critical infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/571-what-makes-cybersecurity-different-for-critical-infrastructure) - [Fault Tolerance and Consistency at Scale: Harnessing the Power of Distributed SQL Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1146-fault-tolerance-and-consistency-at-scale-harnessing-the-power-of-distributed-sql-databases) - [Cross platform Augmented Reality development with React Native](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/160-cross-platform-augmented-reality-development-with-react-native) ## Related Articles - [From developer to manager – what does it take to become an engineering manager?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/42-from-developer-to-manager-what-does-it-take-to-become-an-engineering-manager) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [7 Important Tips That Every Software Developer Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/101-7-important-tips-that-every-software-developer-should-know) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)