Lead Electrical Controls Engineer

Lead Electrical Controls Engineer

This role centers on leading the design, development, and optimization of control-system architectures for complex automated processes supporting public infrastructure and large-scale municipal operations. The Lead Controls Engineer is responsible for driving technical direction across the full project lifecycle—from concept and system design through implementation, commissioning, and long-term optimization. This position also provides leadership to engineering teams, ensuring best practices in PLC programming, SCADA integration, industrial networking, and advanced automation technologies are consistently applied across projects.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and standardization of PLC-based control systems across major industrial platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Modicon, GE, or equivalent).

Oversee configuration and deployment of HMI/SCADA systems, including platforms such as Wonderware/AVEVA, FactoryTalk, WinCC, iFix, or similar.

Establish and enforce control system standards, coding practices, and documentation protocols across projects.

Drive development of data acquisition, alarm management, and reporting systems to support operational visibility and analytics.

Provide technical leadership during system integration, site deployment, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.

Mentor and guide junior engineers and technical staff, supporting skill development and project execution.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and clients to ensure project scope, performance objectives, and regulatory requirements are achieved.

Oversee industrial communication networks, telemetry systems, and distributed control system (DCS) integrations.

Review and approve engineering deliverables including system architectures, control narratives, schematics, and project documentation.

Support project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management efforts.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline (preferred).

3+ years of experience in automation, controls engineering, or a related technical field.

Extensive hands-on experience with PLC, HMI, and SCADA system design and programming.

Strong understanding of control system architecture, industrial networking, and system integration.

Demonstrated leadership experience or the ability to lead projects and mentor engineering teams.

Experience in municipal or mission-critical environments (water/wastewater, utilities, transportation systems, etc.) is highly preferred.

Ability to travel up to 25% as required for project support.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and fluent in English.

Additional Details

This is a full-time opportunity offering competitive compensation, performance-based incentives, and strong benefits including bonus eligibility, overtime, flexible scheduling, long-term disability insurance, 401(k), medical/dental/vision coverage, and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The role may be structured as on-site or hybrid depending on project requirements and candidate location.