Principal Controls Engineer - Siemens PLC & Motion Control

LVI Associates; Stratham (NH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

LVI Associates is seeking a Principal Controls Engineer for a well-established engineering organization in Southern/Coastal NH or Northeastern MA. The role is on-site, permanent/direct hire, focusing on Siemens PLC and motion control expertise on upgrades and retrofits.

Candidate will lead commissioning during plant shutdowns, document schematics, and work closely with customers on-site to deliver high-quality projects.

Qualifications

• Expert-level proficiency with Siemens PLC platforms and motion control systems.

Responsibilities

• Program, install, commission, and debug Siemens PLC and motion systems.
• Lead upgrades, retrofits, and add-ons to existing equipment.
• Perform installations during plant shutdowns under tight timelines.
• Troubleshoot complex controls and motion issues on live equipment.
• Update schematics and technical records post-project.
• Collaborate on-site with customers to ensure high-quality delivery.

Skills

Siemens PLC

Motion control

On-site install

Commissioning

Documentation

Shutdowns

Job description

Location: Southern/Coastal New Hampshire or Northeastern Massachusetts (on-site). Candidates open to relocation to the area will be considered.

Type: Permanent / Direct Hire

About the Role

A well-established engineering organisation is seeking a Principal Controls Engineer with expert-level Siemens PLC and motion control expertise to support automation projects. This is a specialist, high-impact position focused on upgrades, retrofits, and add-ons to existing equipment and production lines. The role is largely on-site and suits a technically elite engineer who thrives in demanding, hands-on environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver expert-level programming, installation, commissioning, and debugging of Siemens PLC and motion control systems.
• Lead upgrades, retrofits, and add-ons to existing manufacturing equipment and production lines.
• Execute installations and commissioning during scheduled plant shutdowns, often under tight timelines and high-pressure conditions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex controls and motion control issues on live manufacturing equipment.
• Complete thorough post-project documentation, including updating schematics and technical records.
• Work closely with the customer on-site to ensure projects are delivered to a high standard and on schedule.

Required Experience & Skills

• Expert-level proficiency with Siemens PLC platforms and motion control systems (essential - this is a specialist requirement).
• Proven experience with upgrades, retrofits, and integration into existing equipment and lines within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in installation, commissioning, and debugging of automation systems.
• Comfortable working on-site in a fast-paced, high-pressure setting, including during scheduled shutdowns.
• Ability to produce detailed project documentation and maintain accurate schematics.
• Self-motivated and diligent, with the discipline to handle both high-intensity installation work and the more detailed, less glamorous documentation tasks that follow.

Location & Relocation

The work is predominantly on-site, so candidates must be based within commutable distance of Southern/Coastal NH or Northeastern MA, or be open to relocating to the area. Applications from suitably skilled engineers nationwide who are open to relocation are strongly encouraged.

The Ideal Candidate

A technically exceptional Siemens motion control specialist who can operate under pressure, deliver flawless commissioning during shutdowns, and follow through with meticulous documentation. It is a fantastic opportunity for an engineer who wants to take ownership of high-value projects for a key manufacturing customer.