DCS Engineer - Thermal Power Plant

DCS Engineer Thermal Power Plant

Role & Responsibilities

• Monitor, operate, and maintain the Distributed Control System (DCS) for boiler, turbine, and auxiliary plant equipment to ensure safe and efficient plant operation.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and modify DCS logic, graphics, and control loops (e.g., ABB, Honeywell, Emerson Ovation, Siemens, Yokogawa, or similar platforms).
• Carry out control system tuning (PID loops) for boiler, turbine, feedwater, and auxiliary systems to optimize plant performance and stability.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware/software faults in DCS servers, controllers, I/O modules, workstations, and network components.
• Support commissioning, testing, and startup/shutdown activities of the DCS and associated instrumentation systems.
• Coordinate with instrumentation, electrical, and mechanical teams for interlocks, permissives, and protection logic related to plant safety systems.
• Prepare and maintain DCS documentation including logic diagrams, cause & effect charts, I/O lists, and historical trend configurations.
• Implement DCS modifications/upgrades in line with change management procedures and obtain necessary approvals.
• Perform backup, redundancy checks, and disaster recovery of DCS systems and databases.
• Support root cause analysis for plant trips/upsets related to control system malfunctions.
• Ensure compliance with plant safety standards, statutory requirements, and quality procedures during system modifications.
• Provide training and technical guidance to control room operators and junior engineers on DCS operation.
• Liaise with OEMs/vendors for AMC support, spare parts, patches, and system upgrades.
• Participate in shutdown/overhaul planning and execution related to control and instrumentation systems.

Preferred Candidate Profile

• B.E./B.Tech in Instrumentation, Electronics, Electrical & Electronics, or a related engineering discipline.
• 3–8 years of relevant experience in DCS operation and maintenance in a thermal/coal-based or combined-cycle power plant.
• Hands-on experience with major DCS platforms (ABB Symphony/800xA, Honeywell Experion, Emerson Ovation, Siemens, Yokogawa Centum, etc.).
• Strong understanding of boiler-turbine-generator (BTG) control philosophy, interlocks, and protection logic.
• Working knowledge of field instrumentation (transmitters, control valves, actuators, analyzers) and their integration with DCS.
• Familiarity with communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, HART, OPC) and plant networking architecture.
• Experience in PID loop tuning and control system optimization.
• Good analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to work under pressure during plant emergencies.
• Willingness to work in rotational shifts and support 24x7 plant operations.
• Strong communication and coordination skills to work with cross-functional teams (O&M, safety, and OEMs).
• Prior experience in DCS commissioning/greenfield projects will be an added advantage.
• Certification/training on specific DCS platforms preferred.