Controls Engineer

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

Job summary

Morson Talent is seeking a hands-on PLC Controls Engineer to join a global automation business delivering sophisticated solutions for airports and baggage handling. The role spans the full project lifecycle from software design and emulation through factory testing, site commissioning and customer handover.

You will tailor and integrate control software, coordinate software suppliers, and work with mechanical, electrical and software teams to deliver reliable, scalable automation systems.

Qualifications

• Technical qualification in automation, electronics, controls engineering or related discipline.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not essential with equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead 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 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 FAT, SAT and 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.

Skills

PLC programming

System integration

Fault-finding

On-site problem solving

Education

Automation or Electronics degree

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

RSLinx

Job description

EMPLOYMENT: Permanent, full-time

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.

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.