Controls Engineer

Technical Leader For Advanced Automation SystemsIn this role, you will serve as a technical leader responsible for the design, development, implementation, commissioning, and optimization of advanced automation systems in an integrator environment — working on new equipment that is being built and debugged for the first time. This is not a support or maintenance role.Key Responsibilities:Lead the development and implementation of advanced control system designs, including robotics, vision systems, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA applications, motion control systems, and higher-level programming solutions.Design, program, validate, and commission safety systems to ensure compliance with applicable customer and industry safety standards.Configure and support industrial networks, distributed I/O, drives, motion control systems, and safety devices.Lead technical execution throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring successful delivery with respect to cost, quality, schedule, and customer satisfaction.Identify opportunities for design, process, and workflow improvements to increase efficiency and system performance.Troubleshoot robotic systems, PLC programs, electrical control systems, motion control equipment, transfer systems, and associated peripheral devices.Perform machine startup, power-up, commissioning, debugging, and controls programming activities.Ensure equipment designs and software solutions meet customer specifications, industry standards, and internal engineering best practices.Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including mechanical, electrical, robotics, manufacturing, and project management personnel.Provide mentorship and technical guidance to developing engineers and technical team members.Lead multiple projects simultaneously and effectively manage competing technical priorities.Assist with project budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.Participate in project estimation, quoting, and scope development activities to support new business opportunities.Work independently onsite at customer facilities when needed, representing the company professionally in direct customer-facing interactions.What You'll Bring:Education: Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. Degree requirement can be substituted with relevant hands-on industry experience.Experience: 3–30 years (ideal target 5-10 years) of experience in controls engineering within industrial automation or manufacturing environments Proven experience developing, programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting automated manufacturing systems in an integrator setting — building and debugging new equipment for the first time, not supporting existing lines. Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLC platforms. Hands-on experience with FANUC robot programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting. Demonstrated experience developing and commissioning safety PLC applications, including safety interlocks, safety devices, and machine safety validation. Proven ability to lead projects and manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Strong leadership and mentoring experience within engineering teams. Strong customer-facing communication and presentation skills — must be comfortable working onsite with the customer independently and communicating confidently and professionally with customer personnel. Strong soft skills are important for this role.Bonus Skills: Keyence Vision Programming a Plus!Schedule Expectations: 48 hours/week is the standard schedule. Hours may increase into the mid-50s as the project approaches FAT (Factory Acceptance Test). During install, hours may run 60–80 hours/week — candidates should be willing and able to work as much as needed to complete the install as quickly as possible. Weekend work should be expected during install, including some Saturday mornings while onsite at the facility.