Automation Controls Engineer - Senior Level

ESCO Group; Marion (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k and ESOP participation

Flexible scheduling

Paid time off

Job summary

ESCO Group is seeking a Senior Automation Controls Engineer based in Marion, Iowa. In this role, you will lead automation projects and provide technical services while working alongside a highly skilled team.

Your responsibilities will include programming PLCs and HMIs, designing automation solutions, and mentoring junior team members. The ideal candidate will have experience with Allen-Bradley platforms and the ability to communicate effectively with clients and teams.

Qualifications

• Experience with programming PLCs and designing automation solutions.
• Ability to analyze data and evaluate system performance.
• Experience in leading automation projects and mentoring team members.

Responsibilities

• Program and configure PLCs and HMIs.
• Design and implement automation solutions to enhance reliability.
• Lead programming, testing, and commissioning activities.

Skills

Programming PLCs and HMIs

Strong knowledge of Allen-Bradley platforms

Understanding of industrial controls networks

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

RSLogix500

FactoryTalk View ME

Wonderware InTouch

Job description

Senior Automation Controls Engineer

Division: ESCO Automation

Location: Marion, Iowa

Reports to: Team 53 – Client Success Manager

Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt

Status: Full-Time

Typical Working Hours: 7:30am to 4:30pm

May be required to work extended hours including holidays and weekends due to the 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year type of service ESCO provides its clients.

ESCO Group’s vision is to be a leader in our marketplace as valued by our key stakeholders: our clients, employees, suppliers, community, and shareholders.

The position of Senior Automation Controls Engineer II will be a part of ESCO Groups’ Automation Team and will be responsible for being a leading Senior resource for automation projects.

OBJECTIVES YOU WILL MEET

As the Senior Automation Controls Engineer, you will be responsible for providing technical services alongside a highly technical team. Objectives include:

• Expertise programming and configuring programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human‑machine interface (HMI) systems to control and monitor industrial processes.
  • Strong working knowledge of Allen‑Bradley platforms (RSLogix5,RSLogix500, Studio5000, FactoryTalk View ME) and Aveva (Wonderware) InTouch is preferred.
• Understanding of industrial controls networks.
• Ability to read existing programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and generate a Controls Narrative.
• Break down project scope into manageable tasks and effectively delegate work across the team.
• Design, implement, and support automation solutions to improve performance and reliability.
• Interpret P&IDs and convert to functional control logic based on process narratives.
• Lead programming, testing, and commissioning activities for projects of varying complexity.
• Develop and maintain PLC/HMI standards, objects, and reusable components.
• Provide technical support during commissioning and post-project phases.
• Perform delegated programming tasks according to process narrative and/or client specifications.
• Lead internal and external acceptance testing processes with ownership of project deliverables.

HOW YOU’LL MEET THOSE OBJECTIVES

• Represent ESCO Group as a technical and project management resource for clients to communicate project status, answer questions, and coordinate work.
• Continuously improve programming skills by staying updated with the latest advancements in PLC, HMI, and data collection technology.
• Effectively communicate programming vision and provide tools to other team members to ensure accurate, timely completion of project deliverables.
• Communicate at all technical levels and coordinate directly with subcontractors, contractors, and clients as project work requires.
• Create a structured approach to troubleshooting including diagnosing issues, analyzing root causes, and implementing effective resolutions.
• Obtain a deeper understanding of various automation components, protocols, and systems used in the industry.
• Strong collaboration and mentoring capabilities with Senior, Level II, and Level I resources.
• Be motivated and self‑directed in the completion of project tasks.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Travel to client sites and perform physical duties to implement, test, and commission automation systems.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We welcome and embrace a host of different backgrounds, perspectives, and approaches to work. We also understand the importance of being transparent with our expectations. We do not expect candidates to “check‑the‑box” on all below:

• Resourceful and show a high level of initiative. You are eager to learn and pursue opportunities to gain more knowledge of your role and the roles of your peers. Knowledge is a journey you love to undertake. This includes technical knowledge and betterment of soft skills.
• Adaptable and flexible. The one constant in our industry is change. This includes changing timelines, changing industry requirements, and changing resource needs.
• Time management and organization. You will often work on multiple projects simultaneously, balancing priorities and meeting deadlines. You have excellent time management and organizational skills to efficiently plan and execute tasks, ensuring timely project delivery.
• Analytical Thinking. You will need to be able to analyze data, identify patterns, and evaluate system performance. You possess strong analytical skills to troubleshoot issues, optimize processes, and make data‑driven decisions to improve system efficiency.
• Problem‑solving mindset. You will encounter various challenges and issues during the design, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems. You have a proactive and solution‑oriented mindset, seeking innovative approaches to solve problems and overcome obstacles.
• Professionalism and Integrity. You conduct yourself with professionalism, integrity, and a strong work ethic. You demonstrate reliability, accountability, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality results.

HOW WE INVEST IN YOU

• Your Health: We offer a comprehensive health insurance package, annual biometric screenings, employee assistance program (EAP), and company‑paid disability insurance for eligible employees.
• Your Financial Goals: Beyond our 401k offering, you may be eligible to join our ESOP with its tax‑deferred retirement benefits.
• Your Ownership: You don’t just work FOR the company; you OWN the company. You’ll join other employee‑owners along our ESOP journey and receive the intangible and tangible benefits that ownership provides.
• Your Work‑Life Balance: We offer paid time off, flexible scheduling, parental leave, hybrid work (depending on position), and encourage our Employee Owners to give back to their communities.
• Your Career Development: We offer tuition assistance and have a dedicated Learning and Development program to grow and develop you in your career.

Travel Required

Accommodate up to 25% of overnight travel for services at out‑of‑town client facilities. The amount of travel is largely dependent upon project scope, schedule, and assigned tasks.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk or
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust
• Physical activity such as climbing up and down stairs (may be several flights) and/or ladders, and walking long distances while carrying equipment.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, and
• The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; and extreme heat.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but may be exposed to very loud

All necessary personal protective equipment is provided to meet and in some instances exceed OSHA Regulations.