Senior Automation Engineer

Tier4 Group; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Tier4 Group is seeking a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to lead design, development, and deployment of industrial automation projects in regulated manufacturing. You will guide multidisciplinary teams through full project lifecycles, from concept to startup and client support.

The role emphasizes hands-on control system architecture, validation, and strong client communication to ensure compliant, reliable production operations. Strong Rockwell experience preferred.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of automation, controls engineering, or industrial systems integration.
• Experience designing/implementing control systems in regulated manufacturing.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and process measurement tech (flow, pressure, temp, level).
• Experience with motor control, drives, MCCs, and industrial electrical equipment.
• Review and develop electrical and controls design documentation.
• Experience programming Rockwell platforms: RSLogix 5/500, FactoryTalk View SE/ME, RSLinx.
• Knowledge of industrial networking and protocols.
• Strong client-facing communication and project coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of automation and control systems for manufacturing environments.
• Develop control system architectures, networks, and automation strategies.
• Create, review, and approve engineering deliverables (specs, instrumentation, drawings).
• Develop project budgets, estimates, and scopes of work.
• Coordinate technical activities across engineering disciplines and stakeholders.
• Provide technical direction to engineers, designers, and drafters.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, and DCS.
• Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, startup, and qualification activities.
• Interpret and apply relevant standards, codes, best practices.
• Collaborate with clients, contractors, and operations to deliver outcomes.
• Identify scope changes, risks, and provide resolution recommendations.

Skills

Automation engineering

Controls engineering

Project coordination

Client-facing communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering

Tools

RSLogix 5

RSLogix 500

FactoryTalk View SE

FactoryTalk View ME

RSLinx

PlantPAx

iFIX

SQL-based applications

Job description

Our client is a specialized engineering and automation firm that designs, implements, and supports complex process control and industrial automation systems for highly regulated manufacturing environments. Seeking a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and execution of automation projects supporting critical production operations.

This is an opportunity for an experienced engineer who enjoys working across the full project lifecycle, from concept development and system architecture through programming, commissioning, startup, and client support.

Position Overview:

As the Senior Automation & Controls Engineer, you will serve as a technical lead on complex automation and process control projects. Will be responsible for developing control system solutions, managing technical project activities, coordinating multidisciplinary engineering efforts, and supporting system startup and validation activities.

The ideal candidate combines strong controls engineering expertise with the ability to lead projects, collaborate with clients, and mentor junior engineering staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and implementation of industrial automation and control systems for manufacturing and process environments.
• Develop control system architectures, network designs, and automation strategies for new and existing facilities.
• Create, review, and approve engineering deliverables including:
  • Functional specifications
  • Instrumentation specifications
  • Construction drawing packages
• Develop project budgets, engineering estimates, and technical scopes of work.
• Coordinate technical activities across engineering disciplines and project stakeholders.
• Provide technical direction to engineers, designers, and drafting personnel.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, and distributed control systems.
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning, startup, and qualification activities.
• Interpret and apply relevant industry standards, codes, and best practices.
• Collaborate directly with clients, contractors, and operations teams to gather requirements and deliver successful project outcomes.
• Identify scope changes, project risks, and technical challenges while providing recommendations for resolution.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in automation, controls engineering, or industrial systems integration.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing industrial control systems within regulated manufacturing, process industries, or other complex production environments.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation and process measurement technologies including flow, pressure, temperature, level, and analytical devices.
• Experience with motor control systems, drives, MCCs, and industrial electrical equipment.
• Ability to review and develop electrical and controls design documentation.
• Experience programming and supporting Rockwell Automation platforms, including:
  • RSLogix 5
  • RSLogix 500
  • FactoryTalk View SE
  • FactoryTalk View ME
  • RSLinx
• Working knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols.
• Strong client-facing communication and project coordination skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Master's degree in a related engineering discipline.
• Experience supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with industry standards and guidelines including ISA, GMP, GAMP, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with computerized system validation, qualification, or regulated system documentation.
• Experience with SCADA platforms, historian systems, and manufacturing data solutions.
• Exposure to one or more of the following technologies:
  • PlantPAx
  • iFIX
  • SQL-based applications

What Success Looks Like:

The successful candidate will be a technically strong automation professional who can independently lead complex engineering efforts, provide trusted guidance to clients, and deliver high-quality automation solutions that improve operational performance, reliability, and compliance.