Lead Controls Engineer - Systems Integration & Automation

LVI Associates; Springfield (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with annual bonus

Low-bureaucracy culture

Exposure to a wide range of machine类型

Leadership opportunities

Job summary

LVI Associates in Springfield, NJ is seeking a Senior/Principal Controls Engineer to anchor its engineering team. This hands-on technical leader will shape system architecture, lead the programming effort, and run commissioning while coaching less‑experienced engineers and serving as a go‑to technical advisor for customers.

The successful candidate will bring deep practical expertise, sound decision‑making, and confidence to lead through influence in a lean, fast‑paced team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related technical field is required.
• At least 8 years in controls engineering, with independent project leadership from concept to commissioning.
• Extensive PLC programming; Rockwell/AB experience preferred; Siemens/Beckhoff valued; robotics and vision essential.
• Expert BOM handling and full electrical drawing packages across project lifecycles.
• Delivery track record in project-based settings; ownership of change orders.
• Small-shop mindset; lean, self-directed environment; integrator or custom machine builder experience a strong advantage.
• Clear, direct communicator with internal teams, customers, and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Act as lead engineer on complex, multi-disciplinary builds; guide architecture decisions.
• Design and build PLC, HMI, motion control, robotics, and vision applications across major platforms.
• Create and maintain standards, reusable code libraries, and documentation templates.
• Oversee system integration into manufacturing lines; coordinate mechanical, electrical, and software workstreams.
• Lead on-site startup, system analysis, and advanced fault-finding to ensure uptime.
• Mentor junior engineers; run design and code reviews; provide expert customer support.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and vendor relationships; control scope and changes.
• Ensure compliance with UL 508A and safety standards on every project.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics & motion control

Vision systems

Sensor integration & data acquisition

System architecture

Mentorship & leadership

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or related field

Tools

Rockwell (Allen-Bradley)

Siemens

Beckhoff

FANUC

UR

Cognex

Keyence

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Job description

LVI Associates in Springfield, NJ is seeking a Senior/Principal Controls Engineer to anchor its engineering team. This hands-on technical leader will shape system architecture, lead the programming effort, and run commissioning while coaching less‑experienced engineers and serving as a go‑to technical advisor for customers.

The successful candidate will bring deep practical expertise, sound decision‑making, and confidence to lead through influence in a lean, fast‑paced team.