Sr. Controls Engineer

Quaise Energy is unlocking Earth’s deep heat to deliver clean, reliable, baseload energy at scale – almost anywhere in the world. As both a technology innovator and project developer, Quaise builds and operates solutions that harness superhot geothermal energy far below the surface, enabling power generation that can rival the output of today’s most efficient fossil fuel and nuclear plants. Leveraging millimeter wave drilling, developed after more than a decade of research at MIT, Quaise’s mission is to make superhot geothermal a backbone of the modern energy system, offering affordable, zero-carbon power and true energy independence for communities and nations everywhere. 

The Senior Controls Engineer will be responsible for control and instrumentation design, software development, solving electro-mechanical engineering challenges, and system integration for cutting-edge drilling technology. In this role you will work as an individual contributor on a team that is responsible for all work related to instrumentation, automation, and controls that will be used in the testing, development, and field deployment of a new direct energy drilling technology.

As a critical member of the team, you will be responsible for developing, building, and testing both software and hardware in a fast-paced environment to accelerate the technology’s path to market. A primary focus of this role will be the development and maintenance of control software, ensuring seamless system integration and performance. This position supports specialization in areas such as distributed control architectures, high-power and high-voltage interlock systems, process and flow control, real-time data acquisition, HMI design, automation safety, or system diagnostics.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining a positive corporate culture, promoting a safe and creative work environment, supporting opportunities for external collaborations, and other activities designed to improve Quaise.

Location & Work Arrangement: This position is based 100% onsite in Houston, TX.

Essential functions (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.)

• Lead the architecture, development, and integration of complex control and instrumentation systems for prototype and field-deployed drilling platforms.
• Develop, maintain, and review PLC-based control software for multi-energy-source systems and automated drilling operations. PLC platforms include WAGO and Siemens.
• Evaluate, select, integrate, and troubleshoot commercially available components used for process monitoring and control such as hydraulic pumps, electric motors, VFDs, flow switches, relays, solenoid valves, IR sensors, flow meters, temperature and pressure transducers, pressure switches, etc.
• Work with internal stakeholders to develop specifications and requirements for control related software features and hardware subsystems
• Design and implement robust interlock, safety, and fault-detection systems for high-power and high-voltage equipment, including gyrotrons and associated power supplies.
• Design and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, I/O lists, and control panel layouts to support fabrication, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Lead commissioning, troubleshooting, and performance optimization of integrated control systems in lab and field environments.
• Define and review test plans, validation procedures, and acceptance criteria for control system functionality and reliability.
• Analyze system behavior, diagnose complex faults, and drive corrective actions through software and hardware improvements.
• Support supplier engagement, component specification, and technical evaluation of vendor solutions.
• Prepare and review technical documentation including software architecture descriptions, control narratives, test reports, and user documentation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify issues and develop practical solutions.
• Commitment to delivering quality results with a meticulous and conscientious approach to their responsibilities. This includes accountability for the outcomes of their tasks and showing dedication to continuous improvement and excellence in their role.
• Practical engineering mindset focused on safety, reliability, maintainability, and operational robustness.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficient with Microsoft Project or other project planning software.
• Ability to interact well with customers and co-workers, in the field and the office.

Supervisory responsibilities

• This role does not include formal people-management responsibilities.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required or Master’s degree preferred in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in controls, automation, or instrumentation roles.
• Experience working in both laboratory research and industrial or field environments.
• Extensive experience with PLC, DAQ systems, and instrumentation hardware selection.
• Experience designing human machine interfaces.
• Hands-on development, wiring, soldering, building enclosures, and troubleshooting equipment experience.
• System integration experience (software, electrical, mechanical, and network).
• Experience creating and reviewing electrical schematics, wire lists, and control documentation for manufacturing and support.
• Experience with electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, network analyzers.
• One or more LabVIEW certifications (CLA, CLD, CLED) preferred.

 Physical requirements

• The employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, as well as use hands to feel, reach, grasp, handle, or operate objects, tools and/or controls.
• The employee must be able to lift, push, pull, transfer, or move items up 20 pounds at times for departmental needs.
• Ability to move from one worksite to another or light travel to various job sites and locations to complete tasks.
• The vision requirement includes reviewing written and electronic materials in digital and physical format, work with small electrical components, read schematics, and use a variety of test equipment.