Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

BEPC Inc. - Business Excellence Professional Consulting; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized engineering consultancy seeks a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer in El Paso, Texas. The role involves leading projects in the design and implementation of automation systems, with a strong focus on PLC programming and compliance with regulatory standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and over 7 years of experience in the field. This position is a 2-3 month contract, requiring U.S. work authorization and offers a chance to work within the medical device industry.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in industrial automation and controls engineering.
• Strong expertise in PLC and electrical systems.
• Upper-intermediate to advanced English proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage electrical and control system projects.
• Design, develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems.
• Oversee equipment validation activities in compliance with regulations.

Skills

PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)

Troubleshooting of electrical systems

Electrical controls and pneumatic systems

Project management

HMI/SCADA applications

Communication skills

Continuous improvement initiatives

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD / AutoCAD Electrical

FactoryTalk View

Ignition

Job description

BEPC Inc. provides Specialized Engineering Solutions and IT Project Management services to Fortune 500 companies in the Life Science and Technology industries. BEPC Mexico, a division of BEPC Incorporated, provides and manages consulting services for Automotive and Medical device companies throughout Mexico and around the globe.

The Senior Automation & Controls Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, implementation, validation, and continuous improvement of automated equipment and control systems. This role combines strong technical expertise in PLC-based automation, electrical and pneumatic systems, equipment validation, and project leadership within regulated manufacturing environments, preferably in the medical device industry.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage electrical and control system projects, ensuring alignment with scope, budget, and schedule.
• Design, develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Keyence, Beckhoff, Schneider).
• Develop and implement HMI/SCADA applications (FactoryTalk View, Aveva Edge, Ignition, TIA Portal, etc.).
• Integrate VFDs, servo systems, motion control, robots (e.g., Mitsubishi), and machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, DataMan).
• Participate in the design and implementation of new automated equipment and capacity expansion projects.
• Execute and oversee Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), User Acceptance Tests (UAT/BUAT), and internal testing activities.
• Lead and support equipment validation activities (IQ, OQ, PQ) in compliance with FDA and ISO 13485 standards.
• Ensure proper integration with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Warehouse Control Systems (WCS), when applicable.
• Generate and maintain technical documentation, including BOMs, electrical schematics, panel layouts, validation protocols, and reports.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting of electrical, pneumatic, mechanical, and control systems.
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance strategies to improve equipment reliability and efficiency.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Maintenance, and external stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership, delegate tasks effectively, and mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, safety, and process optimization.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements in regulated manufacturing environments.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in industrial automation and controls engineering.
• Strong expertise in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens; others desirable).
• Advanced knowledge of electrical controls, schematics, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience with servo systems, VFDs, motion control, and robotics integration.
• Experience in executing FAT, UAT, and equipment validation (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Proficiency in AutoCAD / AutoCAD Electrical.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in automation and manufacturing systems.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Upper-intermediate to advanced English proficiency (written and spoken).
• Availability to work on a 2–3 month fixed-term contract.
• Authorized to work in the location where the position is posted. Be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold a valid TN Visa.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong project planning, budgeting, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Experience in warehouse automation, material handling, or the post/parcel sector.
• Knowledge of networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Serial).
• 3+ years of experience in regulated environments (medical device preferred).
• Experience with MES/WCS integration.
• Familiarity with FDA regulations and ISO 13485.