Electrical Engineer

Senior Electrical Engineer

Position Title: Senior Electrical Engineer - Controls


Location: On-site - Tampa, FL

Industry: Government / Defense / Aerospace

Salary: Up to $140,000/year (depending on exp)

Employment Type: Permanent/Direct Hire

Schedule: 9/80

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer with deep expertise in controls systems to join our engineering team in Tampa, FL. This role focuses on the design, development, integration, testing, and sustainment of advanced electrical controls systems for aerospace and defense manufacturing applications.

You will lead the creation of robust control architectures and automation solutions that enhance safety, reliability, and operational efficiency in high-stakes, regulated environments. Working closely with multidisciplinary Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), you will solve complex technical challenges and deliver innovative control systems from concept through production and field support.

If you thrive on designing intelligent controls for safety-critical systems and want to make a real impact in defense manufacturing, this is the opportunity for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of electrical controls systems and automation architectures for complex defense manufacturing equipment, subsystems, and production lines.
• Develop control system architectures, functional specifications, control narratives, I/O lists, and safety circuit designs.
• Select, integrate, and qualify electrical controls components, PLCs, drives, sensors, actuators, and safety devices in accordance with military, aerospace, and industry standards.
• Design and implement motion control, process control, and machine safety systems for automated manufacturing applications.
• Perform systems integration of electrical controls with mechanical systems, robotics, software, and higher-level automation platforms.
• Develop and execute test plans, procedures, and verification & validation (V&V) activities for control systems, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Conduct root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and optimization of control system performance and reliability.
• Perform engineering analyses, trade studies, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and reliability assessments focused on control system safety and robustness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Software, Quality, EHS, and Programs) to ensure seamless project execution on time and on budget.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and interns on controls design best practices.
• Support configuration management, formal engineering change processes, and preparation of technical documentation and design reviews.
• Work with suppliers and vendors to ensure control system components and assemblies meet technical, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies and integrate emerging control technologies into new and existing systems.
• Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (Master's degree preferred).
• 6+ years of experience in electrical controls system design and engineering (or 3+ years with an advanced degree), preferably in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing.
• Strong expertise in the design of industrial control systems, automation, and safety circuits.
• Proficiency with controls engineering tools and platforms (e.g., Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Beckhoff, or similar).
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming, HMI development, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo/motion control, and industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, etc.).
• Experience with electro-mechanical systems, robotics integration, and safety-rated control systems (e.g., SIL, PL ratings).
• Solid understanding of relevant standards and regulations (AS9100, ISO 13849, NFPA 79, MIL-STD, DoD requirements).
• Proven ability to lead complex controls projects from concept through production and commissioning.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated leadership and mentorship ability.
• Preferred Qualifications Experience in explosives/energetics manufacturing or other hazardous environments.
• Background in high-reliability, safety-critical, or fault-tolerant control systems.
• Familiarity with power distribution and electrical system integration for automated equipment.
• Experience with project management methodologies (Agile/Scrum) and configuration management.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Other RequirementsTravel: Less than 20% (primarily to support other company locations; occasional international travel may be required).
• Work Environment: Combination of office and manufacturing floor environments.

EOE/ADA


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