Controls Engineer - Industrial Automation & Manufacturing Systems
Controls Engineer - Industrial Automation & Manufacturing Systems
Location: Denver, CO (Hybrid Schedule)
Salary Range: $80,000 - $150,000+
Travel: Approximately 20%
Position Overview
An established automation and engineering consulting organization is seeking a Controls Engineer to support industrial automation and manufacturing projects throughout the Rocky Mountain region. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with clients across a variety of process and manufacturing industries while supporting projects from design through commissioning.
The ideal candidate has experience with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, DCS platforms, and industrial automation technologies and enjoys solving technical challenges while working directly with customers and project teams.
This position offers strong career advancement opportunities into technical leadership, project management, and client-facing engineering roles.
Key Responsibilities
Automation & Controls Engineering
- Design, develop, and document control system solutions for industrial and manufacturing applications.
- Configure, program, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, and MES platforms.
- Develop control narratives, functional specifications, and project documentation.
- Support automation system integration, testing, startup, and commissioning activities.
- Assist with troubleshooting and optimization of existing control systems.
Project Execution
- Lead automation tasks and support multidisciplinary project teams.
- Manage technical deliverables from concept through implementation.
- Participate in project planning, design reviews, and status meetings.
- Collaborate with project managers and technical specialists to ensure successful project delivery.
- Support projects through the complete lifecycle including design, implementation, testing, and startup.
Client Support
- Work directly with clients to understand project needs and operational objectives.
- Participate in onsite meetings, system reviews, and commissioning activities.
- Present technical solutions and recommendations to project stakeholders.
- Support long-term client relationships through high-quality project execution.
Technical Development
- Mentor junior engineers and assist with technical development initiatives.
- Share automation best practices and project methodologies with engineering teams.
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts across projects and operations.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in:
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Robotics Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Or related technical discipline
3+ years of experience supporting industrial automation and control systems.
Experience with one or more of the following:
- PLC Programming
- SCADA Systems
- HMI Development
- DCS Platforms
- MES Applications
Understanding of manufacturing operations, industrial processes, or process control systems.
Experience delivering automation projects through implementation and startup.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) License.
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certification.
- Industry certifications from major automation vendors.
- Experience leading projects or mentoring technical team members.
- Experience supporting manufacturing, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, industrial gases, consumer products, or related industrial environments.
Technical Skills
- PLC Programming
- SCADA Development
- HMI Configuration
- Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
- Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
- Industrial Automation
- Process Controls
- System Integration
- Startup & Commissioning
- Industrial Networking
- Troubleshooting & Optimization
- Technical Documentation
Work Environment
- Hybrid work arrangement based in Denver, Colorado.
- Approximately 20% travel to client facilities and project sites.
- Opportunity to work across diverse industrial and manufacturing sectors.
- Mix of office, remote, and field-based project work.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $150,000+, depending on experience, automation platforms, industry expertise, and project leadership experience.
Benefits may include:
- Hybrid work flexibility
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
- HSA/FSA options with employer contribution
- Professional training and certification support
- Strong internal advancement opportunities
- Exposure to diverse automation technologies and industries
Ideal Background
Candidates with experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply:
- Allen-Bradley / Rockwell
- Siemens
- Ignition
- FactoryTalk
- Wonderware
- DeltaV
- SCADA & HMI Development
- Industrial Automation
- Manufacturing Systems
- Process Controls
- Chemical Processing
- Life Sciences
- Food & Beverage
- Startup & Commissioning
This opportunity is ideal for a Controls Engineer seeking a blend of automation engineering, client interaction, project execution, and long-term career growth within a growing industrial automation consulting environment.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
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