Senior Controls Engineer

TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life. With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock ‘n’ roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting-edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT’s 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, Royal Opera House, Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics

Position Purpose 

TAIT is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and commissioning of advanced automation, motion control, and show control systems for large-scale live entertainment and themed environments.

As a senior team member, you will take ownership of controls system architecture, PLC programming, and project execution , while mentoring engineers and driving engineering standards. You will work across the full project lifecycle—from concept and design through manufacturing, integration, commissioning (FAT/SAT), and client handover .

This role is ideal for someone with deep experience in industrial automation, distributed control systems, and motion control who enjoys solving complex, multidisciplinary engineering challenges.

Essential Responsibilities 

• Lead the design of control system architectures for complex, distributed automation systems
• Develop and program PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff) and advanced HMI/SCADA interfaces
• Own full project lifecycle execution: design → integration → commissioning → handover
• Perform and guide system commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and on-site startup
• Conduct advanced troubleshooting, debugging, and performance optimization
• Lead functional safety analysis and risk assessments (ISO 12100, IEC 62061, ISO 13849)
• Create and review technical documentation (control narratives, FDS, I/O lists, test procedures)
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across projects
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, AVL, creative, PMs)
• Represent TAIT in customer-facing environments, ensuring high-quality delivery

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technical Theater, or equivalent experience
• 7+ years of experience in controls engineering / industrial automation
  • PLC programming (Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block, SFC)
  • HMI/SCADA systems (FactoryTalk, Ignition, WinCC, etc.)Strong hands-on experience with:
• Proven experience leading or owning projects through commissioning and delivery
• Experience with system integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, OPC-UA)
• Expected Travel: 15-20%. Must be able to acquire passport for international travel.

• Experience with motion control systems (servo drives, closed-loop control, robotics)

• Experience with large-scale or distributed control systems

• Strong knowledge of functional safety standards (ISO 13849, IEC 62061, ISO 12100, TÜV)

• Familiarity with Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

• Experience in live entertainment, theme parks, ride systems, or show control

• Exposure to TAIT Navigator or similar show control platforms preferred

Working Conditions and Physical Effort 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While the role does not require regular lifting or physical exertion, it frequently requires working in a shop or construction environment, and will frequently require the employee to walk, bend, climb, push, pull, twist, squat, stoop, and kneel.

Work conditions of the role are:

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Work conditions may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements such as dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions.
• Must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work within or visit areas where required. This includes safety glasses, reflective vest, ear plugs, safety toed shoes, and other PPE as required by the location.
• Must be able to view and complete project work on a computer monitor or equipment screens for extended periods of time.

TAIT Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions (HDHP plans)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Dependent Care)
• Employer-paid life insurance with optional supplemental coverage
• Employer-paid Short-term with optional long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness stipends
• Voluntary benefits (e.g., accident, critical illness)
• Paid vacation and 12 holidays

#LI-JH1 TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.