Job Description

Job Title Controls and Automation Engineering Lead 

Location: Houston, TX 

Position Type: Full-Time 

Company: Carbon Ridge, Inc 

About Us: Carbon Ridge (“CR”) is a United States-based developer of carbon capture & storage solutions for the Maritime and Offshore industries. CR's Onboard Carbon Capture & Storage (“OCCS”) solution provides a low-cost and near-term solution to significantly reduce the intensity of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) onboard large maritime vessels and offshore operating assets. 

Carbon Ridge is seeking an experienced Marine Controls and Automation Engineering Lead to lead the development, integration, and delivery of automation and control systems for commercial-scale onboard carbon capture systems. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing full control system architectures along with developing a strong team of engineers. This position will also include interfacing with cross-disciplinary technical groups to ensure seamless integration of control systems into marine platforms. The role spans concept through commissioning and requires both strategic leadership and hands-on engineering experience. 

What you’ll do: 

• Lead the design and architecture of distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and safety instrumented systems (SIS) for onboard carbon capture units. 
• Define control system I/O architecture, network topologies, and interface points with shipboard instrumentation, electrical systems, and vessel automation platforms. 
• Oversee development of control narratives, cause-and-effect matrices, alarm management strategies, and system logic diagrams. 
• Ensure control system designs comply with applicable marine class, IMO, and cyber-security standards (e.g., ABS CyberSafe, IEC 61162, IEC 62443). 
• Manage creation and review of control system documentation including P&IDs, loop diagrams, control panel layouts, wiring schematics, and software design documentation. 
• Oversee third-party vendors, system integrators, and internal team members developing control hardware and software. 
• Lead technical reviews, HAZOP/HAZID workshops, FAT/SATs, and class society submissions related to automation and controls. 
• Develop work packages, control system testing protocols, and shipyard interface plans. 
• Define control system commissioning plans, start-up procedures, and integration testing for shipboard environments. 
• Support sea trials, post-installation troubleshooting, and system optimization. 
• Coordinate closely with shipyards, commissioning teams, and vessel crew for seamless handover and training. 

A strong candidate will have the following skills: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Automation, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, Mechatronics or a related discipline 
• Experience with Marine, industrial and chemical process automation & control systems. 
• Experience architecting, designing and integrating various industrial control systems. 
• Minimum 7 years of proven hands-on experience in marine controls and automation engineering, with a proven track record of successful project implementation.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley required others welcomed), HMI, and SCADA systems. Strong understanding of control system design and implementation 
• Design, develop, and program PLC systems using Rockwell Automation software (Studio 5000 Logix Designer, RSLogix 5000, etc.). 
• Create and modify HMI (Human-Machine Interface) applications for system monitoring and control. 
• Read and interpret electrical and control system schematics, P&IDs, and other technical documentation. 
• Proficiency in Studio 5000 Logix Designer, RSLogix 5000, FactoryTalk View ME/SE, and RSLinx. 
• Experience with industrial bus protocols such as Modbus, Profinet and EtherNet/IP 
• Preferred experience with automation systems for marine propulsion, machinery control, or energy/pollution abatement systems (e.g., EGCS, SCR, or CCS). 
• Knowledge of marine-class requirements (ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s), SOLAS, MARPOL Annex VI, and related regulatory frameworks. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, capable of building Macros and using Visual Basic in Excel. 
• Experience and proficiency in project management. 
• Good communication skills to interact with suppliers and potential customers. 
• Passionate about decarbonization and tackling climate change 
• Ability to operate effectively and autonomously in an early-stage startup with high-levels of uncertainty and a fast-paced environment 

Join Us: 

Be part of a cutting-edge marine innovation effort that helps decarbonize global shipping through practical onboard solutions. You’ll contribute directly to systems that are shaping the future of maritime sustainability. 

Carbon Ridge is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and strive to create an environment that is inclusive to all employees. 

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