Industrial automation and process control are only as good as the engineer behind them. Translating complex process requirements into control solutions that work safely and reliably in large-scale energy installations takes real technical depth and the ability to coordinate across multiple disciplines without losing the thread of what the system actually needs to do. If that is where your strengths lie, this role is worth your full attention.

Company Information

Our client is a leading engineering and technology organisation active in the energy sector. Their Controls Engineering team is responsible for developing and implementing automation and control strategies for large-scale industrial installations including heat recovery systems They operate in a collaborative project environment where Controls Engineers work closely with Process, Design, Procurement, and Construction teams throughout the full project lifecycle. Technical excellence, cross discipline coordination, and a strong commitment to safe and reliable system delivery define how this team operates.

Vacancy Information

As Controls Engineer, you will play a key role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of heat recovery systems across complex energy projects. You will translate process requirements into practical control solutions, develop system descriptions and functional control diagrams, manage safety-related activities, and coordinate with DCS suppliers and programmers to bring those solutions to life. Your involvement spans the full project lifecycle from early engineering through to Factory Acceptance Testing and site commissioning support.

You will work closely with Process, Design, and Supply teams to ensure full system integration and will participate directly in client meetings related to controls, safety, testing, and commissioning. This is a technically hands-on role with real ownership of the controls engineering scope across project phases.

Key Responsibilities





- Preparing technical specifications and engineering documentation for control systems across large-scale industrial energy installations.
- Developing system descriptions for HRSG startup, shutdown, and operational sequences.
- Creating Functional Control Diagrams and control philosophies that accurately reflect process and functional requirements.
- Selecting and specifying field instrumentation in line with project specifications and applicable standards.
- Ensuring contractual requirements are accurately translated into control system requirements throughout the project.
- Participating in HAZOP studies, reviewing safety-related outcomes, and managing SIL assessment implementation resulting from HAZOP reviews.
- Supporting the procurement and selection of Burner Management Systems.
- Coordinating with Process Control System and DCS suppliers and programmers, converting functional requirements into clear programming specifications.
- Conducting Factory Acceptance Tests and supporting Site Acceptance Tests to verify system performance against design intent.
- Participating in client meetings related to controls, safety, testing, and commissioning throughout the project lifecycle.

What You Need

- Bachelor degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in Controls Engineering, Instrumentation, or Measurement and Control Technology within an industrial or energy project environment.
- Solid knowledge of Distributed Control Systems with hands-on experience preferred. Experience with Siemens T3000 and SIMATIC PCS 7 is highly preferred.




- Strong understanding of control philosophies, automation systems, and industrial processes including fluid flow and heat transfer principles.
- The ability to translate process and functional requirements into practical automation specifications that can be implemented by programming teams.
- Experience participating in HAZOP studies and SIL-related activities is a strong advantage.
- Strong communication and coordination skills with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary project teams and engage directly with clients.
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

If you do not meet every requirement but have a solid background in controls engineering or industrial automation and a genuine interest in energy sector projects, we still encourage you to apply. The right combination of technical experience, motivation, and willingness to grow can make you a strong candidate.

Relocation

This position is based in the Netherlands and will require relocation. We understand that making an international move is a significant decision and we are here to make that process as straightforward as possible.

As part of your contract, FairPlay Engineering provides a Premium Relocation Package. This includes visa sponsorship, guidance before your move, and dedicated support from a relocation consultant throughout the process. You can find more information on the Relocating with us page on our website.

Apply

We appreciate every application we receive. Because this is a specialised role, we will contact candidates whose experience closely matches the requirements.

If you have not heard from us within two weeks, your application has unfortunately not been selected for the next step.

FairPlay Engineering specialises in recruiting engineers for roles in the Netherlands. If this vacancy is not the right match for you, keep an eye on our vacancies page for future opportunities.

📌 Control Engineer - madrid
🏢 FairPlay Engineering
📍 Madrid