Senior Controls & Commissioning Technical Lead

Modern Hydrogen is seeking a Senior Controls & Commissioning Technical Lead to join our Manufacturing team based in Woodinville, WA. The ideal candidate is mission-driven and excited to contribute to a fast-paced, cleantech company focused on decarbonizing the energy system. This role requires a demonstrated commitment to excellence, a mindset of constant improvement, a strong sense of ownership, and the ability to fail well and adapt quickly. The successful candidate values time, works with urgency, embraces effective teamwork, and thrives in a culture that prioritizes safety.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a Senior Controls & Commissioning Technical Lead to guide the development, integration, and commissioning of complex control and electrical systems. This role combines deep technical expertise with leadership of other senior engineers, ensuring that our control systems are safe, reliable, and aligned with the broader process philosophy. This is a hands-on technical leadership role - you will actively contribute to design, architecture, and commissioning work while coordinating the contributions of others.

This role is ideal for a seasoned technical expert who enjoys both leading and doing. If you thrive on tackling the hardest problems, guiding peers at your level, and ensuring successful commissioning from both a technical and safety standpoint, this role is designed for you.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Strategy & Technical Leadership

- Serve as the technical authority for controls and commissioning, shaping system architecture, sequencing, and interlock philosophy.

- Translate the Controls Philosophy and Narrative into actionable design and commissioning plans.

- Oversee the integration of electrical architecture with control systems, including PLC/DCS design, I/O architecture, motor control centers (MCCs), and safety interlocks.

- Define and review cause-and-effect matrices, alarm rationalization, and functional safety logic.

Project & Commissioning Execution

- Lead the preparation and execution of commissioning and startup activities, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and staged energization plans.

- Work closely with process engineers, electrical engineers, and operations teams to ensure readiness for safe, reliable startup.

- Actively troubleshoot complex issues during commissioning and bring forward creative, technically sound solutions.

- Establish the sequence of operations and confirm that systems are safe to start, stop, and transition between modes.

Collaboration & Mentorship

- Provide technical direction to senior controls engineers, process control engineers, and electrical engineers.

- Review and challenge design deliverables to ensure alignment with safety, reliability, and performance goals.

- Mentor senior technical staff in areas of controls logic, commissioning readiness, and system integration, without stepping away from technical contribution yourself.

Executive & Stakeholder Communication

- Advise project leadership and executives on safety implications, readiness risks, and commissioning progress.

- Deliver clear, concise updates on technical issues, risk mitigation, and system performance.

- Ensure that decisions made at the executive level are well-informed by robust technical insight.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Required Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.

- 12+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls, and commissioning, with significant hands-on technical work.

- Proven track record of leading commissioning on complex projects, including staged startups and safety-critical interlocks.

- Strong working knowledge of PLC/DCS programming, HMI design, and electrical architecture.

- Experience with functional safety standards and alarm management best practices.

- Excellent communication skills, able to bridge the gap between technical detail and executive-level decision-making.

- Comfortable directing and mentoring senior-level technical staff while remaining actively engaged in technical execution.

Working Conditions:

This role is an onsite role in Woodinville, WA.

About Us:

Modern Hydrogen is an energy & materials company. Our proprietary methane pyrolysis technology converts natural gas into high-value hydrogen while producing solid carbon for asphalt, which is used to strengthen roads. By producing hydrogen at the point of use, Modern Hydrogen helps utilities & industry extend the value of their existing energy infrastructure and reduce emissions, all the while maintaining energy security and affordability. Backed by top investors and customers like Bill Gates, NextEra Energy, and National Grid, Modern Hydrogen is redefining how natural gas resources can become more valuable and sustainable in and beyond the energy industry.

What We Offer:

Modern Hydrogen offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families:

- Pay Range

: $130K – $160K / year. *

Final compensation may vary based on location, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, etc.

- Equity

: Company ownership through incentive stock options (ISOs).

- Retirement Savings

: SIMPLE IRA plan with a 3% company match.

- Employee Health Coverage

: $15 PPO or HSA medical, dental and vision plan through Premera, with an optional upgrade to advanced vision coverage with VSP.

- Dependent Health Coverage

: 50% company-paid.

- Optional Health Savings:

Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for eligible medical plans.

- Life and AD&D Insurance

: Company paid $100,000 benefit with an option to purchase supplemental coverage.

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

Confidential support for mental health, wellness, and life planning.

- Paid Time Off:

[Exempt] Flexible Time Off (FTO) and 8 company-paid holidays.

- Paid Parental Leave

: Paid time away to welcome a new family member.

- Professional Development

: Annual budget for learning and growth opportunities (manager approval required).

- Immigration Sponsorship and Relocation Support

: May be offered for exceptional talent based on role and business needs.

- Additional perks

: A dog-friendly office, a fully stocked breakroom, regular team lunches, and more!

Modern Hydrogen is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Modern Hydrogen encourages individuals from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities in the energy and technology sectors, to apply. Applicants requiring assistance or accommodation due to a disability may contact careers@modernhydrogen.com to ensure the application process is accessible.