Lead Controls Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.; Moscow (ID); On-site; USD 115,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Top-tier benefits

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. in Moscow, Idaho, is seeking an experienced automation engineer to design and implement automation across manufacturing systems. You will lead a team to deliver projects, troubleshoot, and deploy scalable solutions that improve throughput and safety.

The role requires 6+ years in automation/control, strong OSI/networking knowledge, and the ability to mentor others. Expect on-site work in Moscow with up to 15% travel and a comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Typically 6+ years in setup, configuration, and troubleshooting of automation and control systems.
• Working knowledge of automation applications and OSI model.
• Strong networking (layer 2–4) skills and ability to present and train.
• Willing to travel up to 15% and strong writing/speaking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain understanding of power system automation and control protocols.
• Lead customer technical support including installation, commissioning, and operation.
• Develop specifications and perform functional/validation tests.
• Maintain product documentation and application guides.
• Develop technical and market analyses for products or enhancements.
• Evaluate competing automation products and act as technical lead.
• Mentor Engineers and Associate Engineers.
• Understand, Create, Simplify; other duties as assigned.

Skills

PLC programming

Control systems

Networking concepts

Documentation

Team leadership

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering / CS/Engineering / Mechanical Eng

Tools

AutoCAD

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens / Mitsubishi PLCs

HMI design

Job description

Designs and implements automation and process improvements across manufacturing systems, including PLC, HMI, and equipment integration. Leads and coordinates a team to deliver automation projects, ensuring alignment, quality, and timely execution. Develops solutions to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency by addressing workflow gaps, improving operator guidance, and strengthening system controls. Collaborates with cross functional teams and vendors to troubleshoot issues and deploy scalable solutions that improve throughput, traceability, and cost performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 1. Maintain a detailed understanding of electric power system automation and industrial control systems including related protocols, serial and network communications, security, and logic programming.
• 2. Lead in customer technical support including installation, commissioning and operation of automation and control systems.
• 3. Lead in developing and analyzing product specifications and functional and validation tests.
• 4. Lead in writing and maintaining product documentation including application guides, data sheets, and instruction manuals.
• 5. Lead in the development of technical and market analyses to evaluate proposed products or enhancements.
• 6. Lead in evaluation of competing automation products.
• 7. Perform as a technical lead on assigned projects.
• 8. Mentor Engineers and Associate Engineers.
• 9. Understand. Create. Simplify.
• 10. Other duties as assigned.

This job might be for you if you are a US Citizen and if you have:

• B.S. Electrical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Typically 6+ years relevant experience in setup, configuration, and troubleshooting of automation and control systems with a broad range of serial and network devices and interfaces
• Working knowledge of automation and integration applications, practices, and philosophies at an electrical utility, industrial plant, or engineering firm
• Knowledge of OSI model
• Strong knowledge of layer 2, 3, and 4 (switching, routing, and transport) networking principles
• Excellent technical presentation and training skills
• Willing to travel up to 15%
• Strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills
• Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment
• Background check results satisfactory to SEL
• Negative drug test result(s)

Preferred Qualifications

• 1. Expertise in PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, Siemens), HMI/GUI design, fieldbus networks, safety systems, vision systems, and robotics integration.
• 2. Proficient in reading electrical schematics and applying industrial equipment standards; experienced with AutoCAD.
• 3. Advanced PLC programming with structured, maintainable code development methodologies.
• 4. Skilled in developing state machines for complex automation, including parallel processing, pick-and-place systems, data acquisition, and PID control.
• 5. Experienced in MES integration, collaborating across teams and suppliers to enable enterprise-wide visibility, monitoring, and control.
• 6. Led electrical control panel design and build activities while supporting large-scale automation and capital projects.

Physical Requirements

None

Location

Moscow, ID - This position is located in SEL's state of the art Printed Circuit Board factory in Moscow, ID. Enjoy the smaller town life: country space, freedom from traffic, easy access to recreational activities in nearby mountains, rivers, and forests, as well as great schools and universities.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work. People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.We're 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay. We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs. Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data

Pay range for position is $115,300 - $170,400 per year. Our compensation ranges are based on the responsibilities of the role. Starting pay is determined individually and considers factors such as relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and training. Candidates may be considered at different levels based on their background. As a result, pay may vary to align with the level of the role.

Communication with Applicants

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at [e-mail].

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.