Senior Control Systems Specialist

Job Title: Senior Control Systems Specialist Location: UAE Employment Type: Full-Time Work Arrangement: On-Site / Hybrid, depending on project requirements Level: Senior About Us We are seeking an experienced Senior Control Systems Specialist to design, maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot industrial control systems that support safe, reliable, and efficient operations. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, instrumentation, electrical, automation, and operations teams to improve system performance, support technical projects, and ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and engineering requirements. Key Responsibilities Design, configure, maintain, and optimize industrial control systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) platforms. Develop and review control system architectures, functional specifications, control narratives, logic diagrams, and technical documentation. Configure control strategies, process sequences, alarms, interlocks, and automation logic to meet operational and process requirements. Monitor system performance, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement corrective measures to minimize downtime. Support the installation, commissioning, testing, and integration of new control systems and equipment. Coordinate with electrical, instrumentation, process, mechanical, and operations teams to ensure effective integration of control solutions. Review control system designs, engineering drawings, I/O lists, loop diagrams, and instrument specifications. Perform system diagnostics, root-cause analysis, and performance assessments to identify reliability and operational improvement opportunities. Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), loop checks, functional testing, and commissioning activities. Maintain control system backups, configuration records, software versions, and change management documentation. Ensure appropriate implementation of control system modifications in accordance with approved engineering procedures and operational requirements. Support the implementation and maintenance of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), emergency shutdown systems, and process safety controls where applicable. Apply industrial cybersecurity practices to control system environments, including access management, network segmentation, patch coordination, and secure configuration management. Ensure compliance with relevant engineering standards, site safety procedures, quality requirements, and applicable UAE regulations. Coordinate with vendors, system integrators, contractors, and equipment suppliers to resolve technical issues and deliver projects successfully. Prepare technical reports, maintenance plans, system performance reviews, and recommendations for system upgrades. Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs to improve system availability and reduce equipment failures. Provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing to engineers, technicians, and junior team members. Evaluate emerging automation technologies and recommend improvements to system reliability, scalability, and operational efficiency. Qualifications and Experience Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline. At least 5–8 years of experience in industrial automation, control systems engineering, instrumentation, or process control. Strong hands-on experience with PLC, SCADA, and/or DCS platforms such as Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, ABB, or Honeywell. Solid understanding of control logic, process instrumentation, industrial communication protocols, and system integration. Experience with control system configuration, troubleshooting, commissioning, and maintenance. Knowledge of industrial networking, including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, Profinet, or similar protocols. Familiarity with Safety Instrumented Systems, functional safety principles, and relevant standards such as IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 is an advantage. Understanding of industrial cybersecurity principles and standards such as IEC 62443 is beneficial. Experience working with P&IDs, electrical schematics, control narratives, loop diagrams, and engineering specifications. Knowledge of root-cause analysis, risk assessment, change management, and reliability improvement methodologies. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and coordination abilities across multidisciplinary engineering teams. Proficiency in engineering software, technical documentation tools, and Microsoft Office. Relevant vendor certifications or professional engineering qualifications are an advantage. Ability to work on-site and participate in commissioning activities, maintenance shutdowns, or project assignments when required. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) System Availability: Maintain high control system uptime and minimize unplanned downtime. Issue Resolution: Resolve control system faults within agreed operational timelines. Project Delivery: Complete system upgrades, integrations, and commissioning activities according to project schedules. Reliability Improvement: Reduce recurring faults and improve equipment and process reliability. Safety and Compliance: Maintain adherence to approved engineering procedures, safety standards, and applicable regulations. Configuration Control: Ensure accurate backups, version control, and documentation of system modifications. Maintenance Effectiveness: Improve preventive maintenance completion and reduce avoidable system failures. Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement automation enhancements that improve productivity and operational performance. What We Offer Competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience. Opportunities to work on industrial automation projects and advanced control technologies. Professional development and access to relevant technical training and certifications. Collaboration with experienced engineering, operations, and technical teams. Opportunities for career progression in automation, control systems, and engineering management. A safety-focused and performance-driven working environment that values innovation and continuous improvement. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief cover letter highlighting their control systems experience, automation platforms, commissioning expertise, and achievements in improving system reliability or operational performance. Email Subject Line: Application – Senior Control Systems Specialist (UAE) We welcome technically skilled professionals with strong engineering judgment, practical troubleshooting expertise, and a commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient industrial operations. Show more Show less