Electrical Control Engineer

PTS Advance; Maryland; On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

PTS Advance is seeking a Controls Engineer II to support automation initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities. You will design, implement, and maintain PLC-based control systems using Siemens TIA Portal, with a focus on continuous manufacturing environments.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of PLC programming experience, strong control theory fundamentals, and the ability to work independently while guiding engineering and maintenance teams. Travel to facilities is up to 15% as needed.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of PLC programming and control systems experience.
• Strong understanding of control theory and industrial automation.
• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal (3+ years).
• Experience with process and motion control systems.
• Ability to interpret electrical and engineering documentation.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and maintain PLC-based control systems for large-scale manufacturing equipment.
• Develop reusable PLC structures and function blocks using object-oriented concepts.
• Apply standards to control system development and provide troubleshooting support.
• Mentor controls, electrical, and manufacturing personnel; maintain documentation.
• Support projects from design through startup and operation across multiple facilities.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and project teams to improve automation.
• Identify opportunities to improve reliability and process performance.
• Travel to facilities up to 15% as needed.

Skills

Siemens TIA Portal

PLC programming

Control systems

Industrial automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Locations: Washington, DC | Dallas, TX | Joplin, MO | Tuscaloosa, AL

Travel: Up to 15%

Our client is a well-established industrial manufacturer seeking a Controls Engineer II to support automation initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities. This position will focus on developing, implementing, maintaining, and improving PLC-based control systems used in continuous manufacturing environments.

The ideal candidate is an experienced controls professional with strong Siemens PLC experience who can work independently on complex automation projects while also serving as a technical resource to engineering, maintenance, and manufacturing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and maintain PLC-based control systems for large-scale manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Develop reusable PLC programming structures and function blocks using object-oriented programming concepts.
• Apply established engineering and industry standards to control system development.
• Provide technical guidance, troubleshooting support, and mentoring to controls, electrical, and manufacturing personnel.
• Develop and maintain controls documentation, programming standards, engineering specifications, and system drawings.
• Support control system projects from initial design through implementation, startup, and ongoing operation.
• Assist manufacturing teams with troubleshooting PLC, automation, and operational technology issues across multiple facilities.
• Identify opportunities to improve automation reliability, process performance, and system standardization.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, process, manufacturing, and project engineering teams.
• Evaluate and implement new automation technologies and control strategies.
• Support organizational change initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Maintain strong communication with internal stakeholders and technical teams across multiple locations.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities and corporate locations as needed, generally up to 15%.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• 7+ years of experience in PLC programming and control systems development.
• Strong understanding of control theory and industrial automation.
• 3+ years of experience with Siemens TIA Portal.
• Experience with process control and motion control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret electrical and engineering documentation.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience with control algorithms and industrial electrical systems.
• 2+ years of experience with:
• Instrumentation and measurement systems
• PID control loops
• Industrial mechanical systems
• Experience with object-oriented programming methodologies.
• Experience working in continuous-process or high-volume manufacturing environments.

This position combines office-based engineering work with time spent on manufacturing floors and industrial facilities. Candidates should be comfortable working around operating machinery, electrical equipment, elevated work areas, heat, noise, dust, fumes, chemicals, and other industrial conditions.

The role may require climbing, walking production areas, and working around active manufacturing equipment. Appropriate safety procedures and personal protective equipment must be followed at all times.

The organization offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including: