Controls Engineer
Position OverviewWe are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead and execute automation and controls projects within a manufacturing environment. This role is highly project-driven, focused on designing, programming, commissioning, and optimizing industrial control systems to improve production reliability, throughput, and safety.This is a hands-on engineering role with ownership from concept through implementation, working closely with operations, maintenance, and project teams.Key ResponsibilitiesLead controls engineering efforts across capital and continuous improvement projectsDesign, program, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.)Develop and modify electrical schematics, panel designs, and control architecturesExecute system integration, commissioning, and startup support for new equipment and production linesIdentify and implement automation improvements to increase uptime, reduce scrap, and improve efficiencySupport legacy system upgrades and migration to modern PLC-controlled systemsPerform root cause analysis (RCA) and drive corrective actions for production issuesCollaborate cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and external integratorsEnsure compliance with safety standards (NFPA, OSHA, functional safety where applicable)Document systems, standards, and best practices for long-term sustainabilityRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field7–12+ years of controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environmentStrong experience with:PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.)HMI/SCADA systems (Ignition, FactoryTalk, WinCC, etc.)Electrical design, schematics, and panel layoutsProven experience with capital projects, line builds, or major system upgradesAbility to troubleshoot live production systems under pressureExperience with industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.)Preferred QualificationsExperience with functional safety systems / safety PLCs (FSE a plus)Exposure to robotics, vision systems, or advanced automationExperience leading projects or mentoring junior engineersBackground in high-volume manufacturing environments (steel, automotive, packaging, etc.)What Success Looks LikeYou can walk into a plant and quickly diagnose system issuesYou've taken projects from concept → commissioning → productionYou improve systems that deliver measurable ROI (uptime, throughput, cost savings)You're equally comfortable programming, troubleshooting, and working on the floor