Senior Automation Engineer
Location:
Pasadena, Texas (Bayport)

Job Req:
1960

Headline:
Drive Advanced Automation in High-Temperature and Bulk Solids Processing

Role And Impact:
As a Senior Automation Engineer at Topsoe, Inc., you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless operation and optimization of our plant process units, with a particular focus on high-temperature rotary furnace systems and bulk solids handling/vertical conveying systems. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and troubleshooting advanced control strategies using Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), specifically ABB 800xA and Allen-Bradley ControlLogix platforms. Your expertise will drive the automation of rotary furnaces, including burner and heat input control, temperature profiling, rotation speed management, and the integration of safety interlocks and permissives. Additionally, you will oversee the automation of bucket and cup elevator systems, ensuring robust equipment protection, safety logic, and seamless integration into plant-wide control systems. Your hands-on approach will be essential in responding to hardware and software malfunctions, developing standards and procedures, and training colleagues in effective system use and troubleshooting. By collaborating closely with production and engineering teams, you will help maintain high reliability, safety, and efficiency across our operations.

What You Will Bring:
You bring a strong educational background in electrical, instrument, or process engineering, complemented by significant hands-on experience in a production facility performing DCS programming. Proficiency with ABB 800xA systems is highly valued, though expertise with other DCS platforms such as Delta V or Centum, or process controllers like ControlLogix, will also be considered. Your track record includes controlling or supporting high-temperature thermal processing equipment such as rotary furnaces, kilns, or oxidizers, as well as automating bulk solids handling systems like bucket/cup elevators and conveyors. You possess a working knowledge of drives and variable frequency drive (VFD) integration, motor control, and industrial safety practices relevant to thermal and solids systems. Familiarity with OSI Software PI data historian and comfort with Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and Process Flow Diagrams are advantageous. Your ability to troubleshoot control network systems and experience with PLCs and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), preferably Allen-Bradley products, will set you up for success in this role.

Why Join Us:
As a Senior Automation Engineer at Topsoe, Inc., you will have the unique opportunity to shape the automation of high-temperature production systems, making operations safer, smarter, and more reliable. If you thrive on transforming complex process equipment into stable, high-performing solutions, this role empowers you to take ownership of automation for some of the plant’s most critical systems. You will be at the heart of production, safety, and engineering, developing control strategies that directly enhance uptime, product quality, and operator confidence. Join us to make a tangible impact, collaborate with talented colleagues, and advance your career in a dynamic, innovative environment where your expertise truly matters.

Your New Team:
In this role, you will be a key member of our U.S. based production support team, collaborating with a diverse and motivated group of professionals. Your main focus will be driving advanced automation across our catalyst production lines, but your impact will extend beyond programming. Together, we foster a culture of continuous improvement, striving for excellence and upholding the highest standards in everything we do.

How You Can Apply:
If you would like to be part of a team of skilled and professional colleagues in an informal organization, please submit your documents in English.
Please contact James Yarzy, phone +17134925218, email jry@topsoe.com if you want to know more about the position.
Application deadline: 05-03-2026.
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their gender, age, religion, disability, ethnic background, and geographical location. We encourage individuals from diverse cultures and countries to apply and contribute to our global team.
To ensure a secure and trustworthy work environment, our recruitment process may include background checks, requests for criminal records, and contact with references.
To headhunters: Thank you for your interest in our company. However, we would like to inform you that we have a dedicated internal team managing our recruitment process. We kindly request that you refrain from reaching out to us regarding potential candidates. Thank you for your understanding.


About Us:
Topsoe is a leading global provider of advanced technology and solutions for the energy transition.
Built on decades of scientific research and innovation, we are working with customers and partners to drive energy resiliency and to achieve their sustainability goals.
We offer world-leading solutions for transforming renewable resources into fuels and chemicals, and we provide technologies needed to produce low-carbon and conventional fuels and chemicals as well as ensuring clean air.
We were founded in 1940 and are headquartered in Denmark, with over 2,800 employees serving customers all around the globe. To learn more, visit www.topsoe.com.