Senior Automation Engineer
Position Overview
The Senior Automation & Controls Engineer leads the design and execution of automation and controls engineering activities across Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) projects. These projects span industries including food & beverage, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing.
This role is responsible for delivering automation and controls solutions throughout all project phases-front-end engineering, detailed design, construction, and start-up. Projects may range from standalone controls engagements to full-scale EPC automation executions.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Execution
- Lead design and execution of all automation and controls scope across assigned projects.
- Manage a team of engineers, specialists, and designers.
- Interface with multidisciplinary internal teams (project management, electrical, estimating, procurement, construction, etc.).
- Ensure compliance with company and site-specific safety policies.
Design & Technical Delivery
- Develop software design deliverables including PLC/HMI programming, Batch, MES, server architecture, and virtualization.
- Lead commissioning and start-up of automation systems.
- Prepare controls design documentation: instrument/device lists, I/O lists, control narratives, panel/hardware designs, location plans, and installation details.
- Specify, design, and procure control panels and equipment; manage vendor relationships and FATs.
- Prepare electrical design deliverables for 480VAC and below systems, including motor power design and conductor schedules.
- Define instrumentation protocols and select appropriate technologies for control applications.
- Review P&IDs and collaborate with process engineers to define controls scope.
Project Management & Coordination
- Coordinate with offsite design offices and track deliverables.
- Conduct quality reviews of design submittals.
- Support project budgeting and progress tracking.
- Develop project estimates using tools like ProposalWorks, IAB, SIL Solver, Bluebeam, Excel, and Visio.
- Lead technical execution during on-site commissioning and start-up.
- Submit discipline change notices as needed.
Client Engagement & Business Development
- Build and maintain strong client relationships; frequently requested by clients for projects.
- Support business development efforts and attend client events.
- Identify and pursue new project opportunities.
- Contribute to strategic planning and profitability analysis.
Team Development & Resource Management
- Provide leadership and mentorship to team members.
- Assist in resource allocation and hiring processes.
- Coordinate workload with department leadership.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Controls, Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
- Minimum 7 years of electrical engineering experience, preferably in EPC and automation projects.
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
- Strong knowledge of ANSI and IEEE standards.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and engineering tools.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to lead large project teams and perform quality reviews.
- Must be eligible for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
Preferred
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with 6+ years of experience.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Experience with Rockwell and Siemens PLC platforms; familiarity with GE, Modicon, Opto22, Mitsubishi, Triconex is a plus.
- SCADA experience (FactoryTalk, Wonderware, Ignition).
- MES design experience (PTC ThingWorx, Ignition/Sepasoft, Parsec TrakSYS).
- Knowledge of safety and process standards: NFPA, ISA, IEC, IEEE, ISA/IEC 61511, ISO13849, UL508A.
- Familiarity with tools like SISTEMA, CCW, IAB, BatchSIM, PlantSIM.
- Experience with PlantPAX and PackML.
- Machine safety and process safety design compliance experience is a plus.
Additional Information
- This role requires a high level of technical expertise, leadership, and client-facing capabilities.
- Must be capable of developing innovative solutions and managing complex engineering challenges.
- EEO/Disabled/Veterans encouraged to apply.
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.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
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