Lead Control Systems Engineer

Selectek; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle for work and personal

Cell phone

Laptop

Job summary

Selectek is seeking a Senior/Lead Control Systems Engineer to design, program, commission, and support municipal water and wastewater SCADA projects. You will lead control system development, startup, and coordination with customers across multiple sites.

The role requires strong PLC/HMI expertise (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, GE), industrial networking, cybersecurity awareness, and a track record of managing large-scale projects. Travel about 30% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent experience and/or an Associate degree in automation-related field may be considered.
• 10+ years of progressive programming experience in industrial automation and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and write PLC and HMI programs for municipal SCADA systems.
• Assist with FAT to validate PLC and HMI programs for safety and quality.
• Design and perform simulations to verify control logic.
• Conduct full project startup and control system commissioning.
• Lead projects and guide engineers/technicians/subcontractors.
• Commission and troubleshoot communications networks (fiber, radio, broadband).
• Work with EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, DNP3, OPC UA, MQTT protocols.
• Support industrial cybersecurity practices (segmentation, access control, remote access).
• Prepare and manage project documentation per standards.
• Communicate with customers through design, construction, startup, and support phases.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting during integration and post-installation.
• Assist with proposal development and technical reviews.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

SCADA systems

Project management

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Automation Engineering

Associate degree in automation-related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

RSLogix 500

Modicon

Siemens S7

GE PACSystems

Wonderware

FactoryTalk View SE

Ignition

VT SCADA

Cimplicity

Intellution

Job description

We are hiring for a Lead Control Systems Engineer that lives in any of the following areas: Sioux Falls, SD Sioux City, IA Le Mars, IA Omaha, NE Des Moines/Ames, IA

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Control Systems Engineer to provide advanced programming services for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), primarily supporting municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities. This role is responsible for leading control system development, startup, commissioning, and customer coordination for large-scale SCADA projects. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in PLC/HMI platforms, experience commissioning complex control systems, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This position offers the opportunity to work on critical infrastructure projects supporting municipal water and wastewater systems and industrial control systems while helping shape secure and modern control systems for essential public utilities.

Compensation includes base salary, annual bonus potential, 100% paid company vehicle for work and personal use (includes insurance, gas card), cell phone and a laptop computer.

Required: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field preferred. *Equivalent experience and/or an Associate degree in an automation-related field. 10+ years of relevant experience will be considered) Minimum 10 years of progressive programming experience in industrial automation and control systems, including:

• PLC programming such as Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, RSLogix 500, Modicon, Siemens S7, GE PACSystems, or similar platforms.
• HMI programming such as Wonderware, FactoryTalk View SE, Ignition, VT SCADA, Cimplicity, Intellution, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale municipal water and wastewater SCADA projects.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation, motor control systems, process control strategies, and system integration.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with field personnel, engineers, contractors, management, and municipal clients.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and implement new technologies and industry best practices.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within assigned territory.

Preferred

Information Technology experience (industrial networking, cybersecurity, system architecture) is a plus.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and write PLC and HMI programs for medium and large-scale, complex municipal water and wastewater SCADA systems.
• Assist with performing Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to validate PLC and HMI programs ensuring they meet safety and quality standards.
• Design and perform simulations to verify the logic and functionality of the control systems.
• Perform full project startup and control system commissioning, including instrumentation, motor control devices, and related equipment.
• Serve as technical lead on assigned projects, providing guidance to engineers, technicians, and subcontractors.
• Commission and troubleshoot communications networks including fiber optic systems, radio telemetry, broadband, and other associated technologies.
• Primary communication protocols include EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, DNP3, OPC UA, and MQTT.
• Support implementation of industrial cybersecurity best practices including network segmentation, user access management, secure remote access, and backup strategies.
• Develop, review, and manage all project documentation in accordance with company standards and project-specific requirements.
• Communicate effectively with customers throughout design, construction, startup, and aftermarket support phases.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and problem resolution during system integration and post-installation.
• Support proposal development, scope definition, and technical review when required.

Travel is approximately 30% overall, including day and overnight travel within your territory and occasional trips to IA for factory testing.