Senior Controls Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and commissioning of custom automation equipment for a diverse client base. You will own projects from concept through startup, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high‑performance machinery.

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop, and program PLC/HMI systems for custom automation equipment.
• Lead controls projects through design, programming, debugging, FAT, startup, and commissioning.
• Integrate robotics, vision systems, and motion control into custom machinery.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams throughout each project.
• Troubleshoot equipment both in‑house and at customer facilities.
• Participate in customer meetings, FATs, equipment startup, operator training, and technical support.
• Assist with system architecture, controls standards, and continuous process improvements.

Required profile

• 5‑10+ years of controls engineering experience in custom automation, machine building, systems integration, or OEM environments.
• Strong PLC programming experience with Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, and/or Mitsubishi platforms.
• Experience developing HMIs and industrial control systems.
• Experience integrating industrial robots (FANUC, Yaskawa, ABB, KUKA, or similar).
• Vision system experience with Keyence, Cognex, or similar is highly preferred.
• Comfortable commissioning equipment, troubleshooting controls, and working directly with customers.
• Demonstrated project ownership or leadership of significant automation project portions.

Required skills

• Allen‑Bradley PLC programming
• Siemens PLC programming
• Mitsubishi PLC programming
• HMI development
• Industrial robotics integration (FANUC, Yaskawa, ABB, KUKA)
• Vision system integration (Keyence, Cognex)
• Motion control
• Controls troubleshooting and equipment commissioning

What we offer

• Opportunity to build completely custom automation systems rather than support production equipment.
• Work with a wide range of PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and advanced automation technologies.
• 20‑30% travel, typically limited to two consecutive weeks.
• Hybrid schedule (approximately 3 days onsite, 2 days remote).
• People‑first engineering culture with strong focus on long‑term employee development.
• Stable, growing organization with repeat customers and a strong project pipeline.
• Competitive base salary, comprehensive medical/dental/vision benefits, 401(k) match, paid time off, parental leave, and more.