Senior Automation/Controls Engineer

Summary: VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.Duties & Responsibilities: The RoleVIAVI Solutions manufactures advanced optical thin-film and pigment coating products across a 24/7 production environment in Santa Rosa, CA, with additional sites in China and Arizona. This Controls Engineer position balances two priorities: keeping automation running in an active manufacturing operation, and leading new capital project work — machine installations, system upgrades, and next-generation automation platforms. For the right candidate, this role has a clear path into engineering leadership and management of VIAVI's Automation Controls group. Manufacturing SupportResolve PLC/HMI faults rapidly to restore productionSupport planned maintenance windows and change deploymentsDrive root cause analysis and corrective actionsImprove control logic, alarming, and system reliabilityPartner closely with maintenance and operations teams🔧 New Capital ProjectsOwn automation scope on new machine installationsDefine PLC/HMI/network architecture for new systemsManage vendors, FAT/SAT, and project documentationCommission and validate systems into Operations Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and maintain PLC and HMI systems for manufacturing equipmentCommission new automation hardware and software; integrate with existing infrastructureConfigure and commission motor drives, motion systems, and closed-loop control systemsDesign and administer SQL databases; manage industrial networks (Profibus, Ethernet/IP, OPC)Maintain source control, documentation, and change records for all control system workLead or contribute to capital project scoping, scheduling, and executionMentor junior engineers; collaborate across Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teamsDemonstrate communication and leadership skills aligned with future management growthPre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements: Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Automation, or equivalent experience5+ years in industrial controls/automation in a manufacturing environmentPLC programming: Siemens Step 7 / TIA Portal or Mitsubishi GX DeveloperExperience supporting automation in 24/7 or continuous production environmentsProgramming with Visual Studio, C#End-to-end ownership of capital project automation scopeHMI development, industrial networking, SQL databases, source code managementStrong troubleshooting skills; ability to read electrical schematics and P&IDsExcellent communication skills; occasional international travel requiredPreferred SkillsAllen-Bradley / Rockwell or Honeywell PLC platformsLabVIEW, Wonderware System Platform, Oracle, Linux, Windows administrationVision systems, vacuum coating processes, optics knowledgePrior team-lead experienceLeadership & Management Growth Path — High performers will have the opportunity to eventually lead the Controls team technically and move into formal management of VIAVI's Automation Controls Engineering group. Growth is supported through stretch assignments, leadership visibility, and formal development planning.If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.Job Posting Pay Range:136,500to253,500Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance,401(k), and a bonus program. SummaryLocation: Santa Rosa, CA USAType: Full time