Senior Controls Engineer

Founded in 1983, Kele Inc. is a leading distribution, and solutions partner with national reach and a global presence. Built around our customers and powered by our people, Kele provides millions of in-stock parts from more than 300 brands to drive automation & efficiency in nearly every type of facility, from office towers and factories to data centers and hospitals.

Our goal is to empower progress for maintenance managers, engineers, contractors, and all those building the future. We do this by delivering parts rapidly, providing custom assemblies upstream, and offering unmatched support to ensure projects run smoothly and downtime is minimized.

With 12 locations nationwide and headquarters in Tennessee, Kele combines deep technical expertise, rapid logistics, and a solutions-first mindset to help customers simplify supply chains, meet tight schedules, and deliver high-quality outcomes.

Kele fosters a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and customer obsession, empowering associates at every level to contribute, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

We are currently hiring for the role of Senior Controls Engineer.

SUMMARY

The Senior Controls Engineer defines the overall design solution and control strategy, developing the front-end concepts, developing control system architectures, producing control panel designs, and selecting instrumentation and control valves. This role contributes to the programming, startup, and commissioning of custom control systems that meet customer specifications and applicable safety codes. This position collaborates closely with other Controls Engineers, Project Managers, Panel Shop Technicians, and Service Technicians to deliver safe, reliable, and maintainable solutions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

System design and development:

• Translate PFDs and P&IDs into control architecture, panel layouts, network topology, and I/O allocation.
• Execute custom panel design and build support, including UL508A documentation as applicable.
• Select and specify instrumentation and final control elements, including pressure and temperature transmitters, flow meters, and control valves.
• Develop gas detection, heat trace, and wireless telemetry designs using approved platforms such as Honeywell, Raychem, and Elpro.

Programming and commissioning:

• Develop PLC, safety, and logic applications for BMS and combustion control using Honeywell HC900, Honeywell Control Edge, and Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Configure SCADA and HMI applications in ICONICS, Ignition, and Red Lion Crimson.
• Create control narratives, cause-and-effect matrices, I/O lists, alarm philosophy, and interlock logic for single burner boilers, retrofit firetube and water tube units, and single burner process heat systems.
• Implement control schemes such as single point jackshaft, parallel positioning with O2 trim, and fully metered cross-limited with O2 trim.
• Execute I/O checkout, loop tuning, FAT, SAT, startup, and site commissioning. Provide operator training and handover.

Field services and support:

• Provide remote and on-site troubleshooting, tuning, warranty support, and lifecycle improvements on delivered systems.

Quality, safety, and compliance:

• Apply combustion and functional safety best practices and relevant standards in design and programming.
• Maintain version control, change management, and as-built documentation.
• Prepare customer documentation, test procedures, and training materials.

Collaboration and business support:

• Coordinate with Project Managers on schedules, risks, and scope.
• Support proposals with concepts, estimates, and technical clarifications.
• Provide technical support to Panel Shop Technicians during control panel fabrication.
• Support Field Technicians during system installation and startup with troubleshooting assistance.
• Mentor junior engineers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of burner management and combustion codes and practices such as NFPA 85 and NFPA 86, and functional safety concepts aligned to ISA 84 or IEC 61511.
• Expertise in electrical design standards (e.g., NEC, UL508A) for control panels and field wiring.
• Instrument specification and sizing for pressure, temperature, flow, and final control elements in natural gas and fuel oil services.
• Experience with oxygen trim, cross-limited metering, and air-fuel ratio tuning.
• Exposure to gas detection, heat trace systems, and industrial wireless systems.
• Ability to read and produce P&IDs, electrical schematics, and network diagrams.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for field startup and service.
• Experience with version control and deployment tools for automation projects.
• Hands-on experience with at least two of the following: Honeywell HC900, Honeywell Control Edge, Allen-Bradley CompactLogix or ControlLogix.
• Experience with ICONICS, Ignition, and Red Lion Crimson.
• Proficiency in ladder logic and at least one of the following: function block or structured text.
• Demonstrated experience commissioning combustion or high-temperature process systems, including interlocks, permissive, purge, light-off, and flame supervision.
• Solid documentation habits, including revision control and test records.
• Willingness to travel for FAT, SAT, startup, training, and service as needed.

EDUCATION/TRAINING       

• Two-year (2) degree in a related technical field or related work experience.
• Mechanical or Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
• Minimum seven (7) years of related work experience desired.

Kele Companies offers all full-time associates the following benefits and perks: 

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance ​ 

• HSA 

• FSA (medical and dependent care) 

• 401(k) with employer match up to 4% with immediate vesting 

• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage 

• Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; supplemental life for employees and dependents available 

• Paid time off and paid holidays 

• Tuition reimbursement 

• Paid maternity leave