Senior Automation / Controls Engineer

Job DescriptionJob Description

We are currently partnered with a major manufacturing company that's seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Automation / Controls Engineer to lead the design, support, and enhancement of manufacturing control systems and electrical infrastructure. This position plays a critical role in ensuring reliable, efficient, and compliant operations for advanced manufacturing processes in a regulated environment.

Working cross-functionally with departments including Operations, Engineering, Project Management, EHS, and Quality, this role drives technical leadership and innovation in automation solutions. The ideal candidate brings strong problem-solving skills, deep controls knowledge, and capital project execution experience to optimize system performance and drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation, maintenance, and upgrade of automation and control systems across manufacturing operations.
• Execute electrical and controls design improvements, and manage capital project delivery from concept through installation.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain existing automation systems, ensuring uptime and compliance with standards.
• Identify, propose, and execute system enhancements aligned with safety, quality, and regulatory expectations.
• Coordinate with vendors and cross-functional teams to develop and install new or upgraded control systems.
• Support equipment commissioning, validation, and change control documentation.
• Provide real-time troubleshooting support for production systems and coordinate timely resolution of technical issues.
• Contribute to capital planning and budgeting processes through scope definition, estimating, and risk-based prioritization.
• Conduct field verifications and inspections of electrical and control installations to ensure technical and regulatory compliance.
• Uphold a safe work environment and support ongoing training initiatives related to automation and electrical systems.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or related field required).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in automation and controls engineering within a manufacturing setting.
• Experience in regulated industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, medical device, or similar) strongly .
• Proficiency in Allen Bradley or Siemens PLCs, HMI development, robotics integration, motor controls, and vision systems.
• Expertise in debugging, commissioning, and supporting PLC and HMI applications in a production environment.
• Solid understanding of industrial networks and communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, etc.).
• Familiarity with power distribution systems, BMS, and facility control systems is a plus.
• Knowledge of computer system validation, change control processes, and regulatory requirements (e.g., cGMP, FDA, ISO).
• Experience with project management fundamentals including budget tracking, vendor coordination, and documentation.
• SQL database and reporting tool experience is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work across teams and levels of the organization.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

You should be proficient in:

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills
• Electrical Schematics
• 120/208/240/480 Voltage Systems
• Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment
• PLC Programming Experience
• SCADA Experience
• Programming Machine Vision Systems