Controls Engineer

Morson Group; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Morson Group in Dallas, TX is seeking a controls engineer specialized in PLC systems for airport automation and baggage handling projects. You will design, implement and commission PLC software, tailoring solutions to each system layout and integrating with the larger control architecture.

Lead testing and emulation activities, coordinate with suppliers and cross-functional teams, and travel as projects require.

Qualifications

• Technical qualification in automation, electronics, or controls engineering.
• Strong PLC programming, system integration and fault-finding experience.
• Proven control-system commissioning and field troubleshooting in automated environments.
• Understanding of hardware/software integration and architecture.
• Experience with Profinet, Ethernet/IP and Profibus networks.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, commissioning and optimisation of PLC control systems for airport projects.
• Develop, analyse and modify PLC code using Siemens TIA Portal and/or Rockwell Studio 5000.
• Integrate control software with the wider system architecture and ensure it meets specs.
• Prepare and run emulation to validate system functionality before deployment.
• Plan and support FAT, SAT and CAT tests and commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot controls, software and comms during testing and post-delivery support.
• Configure and diagnose industrial networks including Profinet, Ethernet/IP and Profibus.
• Manage software suppliers, deliverables and snag lists against schedules.
• Produce functional specs, interface definitions, test procedures and reports.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical and software teams and provide training.
• Identify opportunities to standardise control solutions and share best practice.

Skills

PLC programming

System integration

Fault-finding

Industrial networks

Diagnostics tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in automation or controls engineering

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

RSLinx

FactoryTalk Linx

WinCC Flexible

Wireshark

Proneta

Job description

CONTROLS ENGINEER - PLC
Airport automation & baggage handling systems
EMPLOYMENT: Permanent, full-time
LOCATION: Dallas, Texas
TRAVEL: Up to 30-50%

The opportunity

Join a global engineering business delivering sophisticated automation solutions for airports and baggage handling operations. This is a hands-on role spanning the full project lifecycle-from PLC software design and emulation through factory testing, site commissioning and customer handover.

You will tailor and integrate control software to suit each system layout and functional requirement, coordinate specialist software suppliers, and work closely with mechanical, electrical and software teams to deliver reliable, scalable automation systems.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the design, development, commissioning and optimisation of PLC control systems for airport automation and baggage handling projects.
• Develop, analyse and modify PLC code using Siemens TIA Portal (AWL/SCL) and/or Rockwell Studio 5000 (ControlLogix/GuardLogix).
• Integrate control software with the wider system architecture and ensure it meets functional and technical specifications.
• Prepare and run office-based emulation to validate system functionality before deployment.
• Plan and support Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) and Commissioning Acceptance Tests (CAT).
• Troubleshoot controls, software and communications issues during testing, commissioning and post-delivery support.
• Configure and diagnose industrial networks including Profinet, Ethernet/IP and Profibus.
• Manage software suppliers, deliverables, commissioning issues and snag lists against project schedules.
• Produce functional specifications, interface definitions, test procedures and commissioning reports.
• Collaborate across mechanical, electrical and software disciplines, and provide training and technical support to customers and internal teams.
• Identify opportunities to standardise control solutions, improve processes and share engineering best practice.

What we’re looking for

• A technical qualification in automation, electronics, controls engineering or a closely related discipline. A relevant bachelor’s degree is preferred but not essential where equivalent experience can be demonstrated.
• Strong experience in PLC programming, system integration and fault-finding using Siemens TIA Portal and/or Rockwell Studio 5000.
• Proven control-system commissioning and field troubleshooting experience within baggage handling, material handling, intralogistics or another complex automated environment.
• A sound understanding of hardware/software integration and control-system architecture.
• Experience configuring and diagnosing Profinet, Ethernet/IP and/or Profibus networks.
• Confidence using diagnostic tools such as TIA Portal diagnostics, RSLinx, FactoryTalk Linx, Proneta, Wireshark, ProfiTrace or similar.
• Experience taking controls projects from design through commissioning and customer acceptance.
• A structured, analytical approach to problem-solving and the ability to work independently when on site.
• Clear communication skills and the confidence to coordinate with customers, suppliers and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Availability for project travel, potentially for extended periods, typically up to 30-50%.
• Useful, but not essential
• Experience with SCADA/HMI platforms, particularly WinCC Flexible.
• Knowledge of machine-safety systems and safety PLCs.
• Italian language skills.
• Experience mentoring engineers or guiding cross-functional technical teams.

Why consider this role?

• Work on large-scale, technically challenging automation projects with a clear real-world impact.
• Own meaningful engineering activity across the complete project lifecycle rather than focusing on one isolated phase.
• Combine software development with emulation, testing, commissioning and customer-facing problem-solving.
• Join an international, multidisciplinary environment with opportunities to influence standards and engineering best practice.

Equal opportunity

The employer is committed to equal opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates, in accordance with applicable law.