Controls Engineer

TAIT; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA with employer contributions

FSA (Medical & Dependent Care)

401(k) retirement plan with match

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation & holidays

Job summary

TAIT is seeking a Controls Engineer to design and implement control systems for complex live-event projects. You will lead architecture decisions, develop PLC and HMI configurations, and perform safety analyses while coordinating with multidisciplinary teams.

You will work across design, manufacturing, and site commissioning, travel 20–40% for international projects, and help hand over systems to operations with documented excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technical Theater or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in a related field.
• Experience with large, distributed control systems.
• Understanding of functional safety standards (ISO12100, IEC 62061, ISO 13849).
• Familiarity with Beckhoff, Siemens, and Allen Bradley hardware/software.

Responsibilities

• Identifies architecture and key controls technologies to meet project needs.
• Understands whole automated systems and how disciplines interact.
• Writes technical documentation for project and internal use.
• Performs safety analyses to satisfy internal and customer requirements.
• Develops PLC projects, HMI screens, and software configurations.
• Researches new products, builds and tests prototypes.
• Contributes to design reviews with constructive feedback.
• Ensures smooth handover to fabrication and integration teams.
• Promotes internal standards and processes.
• Commissions and tests installed systems to meet customer requirements.

Skills

Communication

Independence

Teamwork

Customer-facing

Adaptability

Attention to Detail

Safety

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Beckhoff

Siemens

Allen Bradley

TAIT Navigator

Job description

TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life. With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock ‘n’ roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting-edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT’s 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, Royal Opera House, Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics.

Position Purpose

The Controls Engineer is responsible for developing and engineering controls solutions for projects, ensuring that TAIT's solutions are engineered to the highest levels of quality and safety.

The Controls Engineering team is responsible for control systems on multiple projects spanning all project phases. The engineer's involvement in a project will generally begin with design, and continue with engineering activities throughout manufacturing, shop and site commissioning, and customer handover.

Responsibilities

• Identifies architecture and key controls technologies to meet project needs.
• Understands entire automated systems, and how different disciplines interact (mechanical, controls, AVL, artistic, etc.).
• Writes technical documentation both to fulfill project requirements and for internal purposes.
• Performs safety analysis to satisfy both internal standards and external customer requirements.
• Develops custom PLC projects, HMI screens, and software configurations when required for projects.
• Researches new products and solutions, and when necessary, builds and tests prototypes.
• Contributes to design reviews with productive feedback for peers.
• Ensures smooth handover to fabrication and integration teams.
• Promotes and contributes to internal standards and processes.
• Commissions and formally tests installed systems to ensure correct performance and satisfy customer requirements.

Position Requirements

Behavioral Competencies

• Communication: Strong communication skills to explain technical concepts clearly to team members, customers, and non-technical stakeholders.
• Independence: Demonstrated ability to work independently and take ownership of projects.
• Teamwork: The ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including electrical and mechanical engineers, technicians, and project managers, to integrate control systems into larger projects.
• Customer-facing: Represents the company to customers and vendors; able to balance external and internal demands and come to satisfactory and professional resolutions.
• Adaptability: Being open to new technologies, methodologies, and industry standards and adjusting strategies as needed to meet project requirements.
• Attention to Detail: A focus on quality in designs, programming, and documentation – even when working under pressure.
• Safety Awareness: A strong commitment to safety while working in variable environments, including workshops, customer facilities, and construction sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technical Theater or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in a related field.
• Proficiency in both theory and hands‑on skills.
• Experience with large, distributed control systems.
• Experience with closed‑loop motion control.
• Understanding of functional safety standards, including ISO12100, IEC 62061, and ISO 13849.
• Familiarity with Beckhoff, Siemens, and Allen Bradley hardware and software.
• Knowledge of TAIT Navigator software.
• Experience in live entertainment or theme park applications.
• Expected Travel: 20-40%. Must be able to acquire passport for international travel.

TAIT Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions (HDHP plans)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Dependent Care)
• Employer-paid life insurance with optional supplemental coverage
• Employer-paid Short-term with optional long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness stipends
• Voluntary benefits (e.g., accident, critical illness)
• Paid vacation and 12 holidays

TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.