Lead Controls Engineer — Automation Systems Architect

Socket.dev; Town of Lodi (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkar is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design automation control systems and lead projects from requirements through commissioning. You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and field service to deliver safe, efficient solutions.

You will program PLC/HMI using Rockwell platforms, contribute to control strategies, review electrical schematics, mentor other engineers, and support customer startups with travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• 5+ years designing and programming industrial control systems for automated machinery, OEM equipment, or systems-integrations projects.
• Proficiency with Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLC and HMI platforms; Siemens experience is a plus.
• Experience with process control, VFDs, servo motion, safety PLCs, instrumentation, and multi-system integration.
• Ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics and technical controls documentation.
• Ability to manage several active projects while communicating priorities, risks, and technical decisions clearly.
• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in an engineering-related discipline, or equivalent training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the controls scope for complex equipment projects from initial requirements and system architecture through programming, testing, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
• Design and program PLC and HMI applications using Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View.
• Define control strategies, documentation, and project deliverables.
• Serve as a senior technical resource for troubleshooting and resolution of controls issues in factory, remote, and customer sites.
• Review electrical schematics, panel designs, controls documentation, and code for safety and accuracy.
• Improve programming standards, reusable code, system architecture, version control, and commissioning practices across the team.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to controls engineers and technicians.
• Support customer startups and commissioning, with travel up to 10%.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Rockwell PLCs

Siemens experience

Process control

VFDs

Servo motion

Safety PLCs

Instrumentation

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Associate degree in engineering

Job description

Alkar is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design automation control systems and lead projects from requirements through commissioning. You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and field service to deliver safe, efficient solutions.

You will program PLC/HMI using Rockwell platforms, contribute to control strategies, review electrical schematics, mentor other engineers, and support customer startups with travel up to 10%.