Senior Automation Controls Architect

At CLX Engineering, you’ll be the technical captain steering complex automation and controls integrations from the first concept sketch to final commissioning. As our Senior Automation Controls Architect, you’ll define system architecture, direct execution, and earn customer trust in high-stakes, real-world environments—think airports and industrial facilities—where reliability matters every second.A day in this roleMorning: Lead a design review, refine the control system architecture across electrical, mechanical, and IT interfaces, and set technical priorities for the team.Midday: Develop and review PLC/HMI code, validate electrical drawings, and ensure documentation is clean, traceable, and ready for the field.Afternoon: Collaborate with field teams—commissioning a subsystem, diagnosing a tricky integration issue, and aligning with the customer and project manager on next steps.Your influence is felt across delivery quality, customer satisfaction, and team growth. You’ll mentor engineers, elevate standards, and shape how sophisticated automation systems are designed, delivered, and supported.What you’ll tackleOwn the technical execution of automation projects from design through commissioning.Architect complex control solutions bridging electrical, mechanical, and IT domains.Create and peer-review PLC/HMI code, electrical designs, and all supporting documentation.Act as the primary technical counterpart for customers and project managers.Coordinate engineering and field activities to keep scope, schedule, and quality aligned.Coach and mentor engineers through tough technical challenges and career development.Lead design reviews and advance engineering standards and best practices.Diagnose systemic issues and implement durable, long-term fixes.Support on-site installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting as needed.Hands-on by designThis is not a desk-only position. You’ll get into the field—supporting installation tasks, mounting enclosures, running and terminating cables, and assisting with equipment startup and commissioning—working shoulder-to-shoulder with technicians and field teams to deliver results.What you bring5+ years in automation, controls, or systems integration.Deep, practical experience in PLC programming and HMI development.Proven integration background across controls hardware, networks, and data systems.Track record leading technical teams and delivering complex automation projects.Exceptional troubleshooting and system-level problem-solving abilities.Polished communication skills and professionalism in customer-facing situations.High ownership, accountability, and sound engineering judgment.Ignition SCADA experience is a strong plus but not required.TravelExpect periodic travel to support implementation, commissioning, and customer needs—typically averaging 30–50% annually, depending on project assignments.Travel supportPer diem provided while traveling.Flexible scheduling and time arrangements when project demands require extended hours or travel.Core proficienciesPLC Troubleshooting SkillsElectrical SchematicsTroubleshooting SkillsTroubleshooting Industrial Automation EquipmentPLC Programming ExperienceSCADA ExperienceIndustrial Electrical ExperienceTools and technologiesVariable Frequency Drives (VFD)CAD Software (AutoCAD)Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Allen Bradley, Fanuc, Mitsubishi, Omron, Siemens, Beckoff)Vision SystemServo Motors #J-18808-Ljbffr