Senior Controls Engineer
Position Summary
We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of industrial automation systems within a manufacturing environment. This individual will be responsible for developing and supporting PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, and related control systems while helping drive digital manufacturing initiatives. The role works closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve system reliability, increase efficiency, and support continuous improvement efforts through data-driven automation strategies.
This position plays a key role in advancing smart manufacturing capabilities by integrating modern automation technologies, predictive analytics, and real-time operational insights into production processes.
Key Competencies
- Analytical Problem Solving: Uses data and system performance metrics to identify opportunities, troubleshoot issues, and implement sustainable improvements.
- Systems Perspective: Understands how automation, production, maintenance, and business objectives interact to drive plant performance.
- Hands-On Technical Expertise: Designs, programs, commissions, and supports industrial control systems and automation equipment.
- Continuous Improvement Mindset: Seeks opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, quality, and operational performance.
- Proactive Approach: Identifies potential risks and develops solutions before they impact production.
- Standardization Focus: Promotes common platforms, equipment, and controls strategies to simplify maintenance and improve scalability.
- Operational Support: Partners with plant leadership and operations teams to implement automation improvements and process enhancements.
- Communication & Collaboration: Works effectively across departments, shifts, and organizational levels to gain alignment and drive results.
- Influence & Leadership: Builds credibility through technical expertise and collaborates with stakeholders to implement change.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizes operational data to support project prioritization, troubleshooting, and process optimization.
- Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing priorities while maintaining focus on critical business objectives.
- Relationship Building: Serves as a trusted resource between production, maintenance, and engineering teams.
Responsibilities
- Design, program, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, robotics, and associated controls hardware.
- Lead automation upgrades, system migrations, and capital improvement projects.
- Optimize manufacturing processes through automation enhancements and control system improvements.
- Support predictive maintenance and operational reliability initiatives through automated monitoring and diagnostics.
- Develop and maintain control narratives, electrical drawings, and technical documentation.
- Provide technical support for production issues and identify root causes of equipment failures.
- Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams to improve equipment performance and reduce downtime.
- Support networked industrial control systems and communication protocols.
- Participate in commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment and control systems.
- Drive standardization efforts and implement best practices across automation platforms.
Required Qualifications
- 3+ years of controls, automation, or manufacturing engineering experience in an industrial environment.
- Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC-based control systems.
- Strong understanding of industrial automation, electrical controls, and manufacturing processes.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLC platforms.
- Experience with HMI, SCADA, industrial networking, and communications protocols.
- Background supporting automated manufacturing equipment and production systems.
- Experience with robotics, motion control, or machine integration projects.
- Exposure to Python, data analytics tools, or advanced manufacturing technologies.
- Experience leading automation-focused capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
FAQs
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