Senior Control Engineer

LVI Associates; Van Wert (OH); On-site; USD 131,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Match

PTO & Health Coverage

Career Growth into Senior Technical

Exposure to Advanced Robotics, Vision,

MES and Custom Automation Projects

Job summary

LVI Associates in Ohio is seeking a Principle Controls Engineer (Technical Lead) to lead automation projects on site in Van Wert. The role involves design, development, and integration of PLC, robotics, and vision systems, plus mentoring engineers and interfacing with customers throughout execution.

Ideal candidates have extensive experience in automation, multi-robot platforms, and strong project leadership skills to drive turnkey projects from concept to startup.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in controls engineering; 10+ years preferred.
• Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to adapt to priorities.
• Expert-level automation and logic controller platforms.
• Expert-level vision system development and implementation.
• Experience across multiple robot platforms.
• Strong project management and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead controls projects from concept to startup.
• Develop PLC, robotics, and vision system solutions.
• Design controls architecture and industrial networks.
• Support MES and data collection system integration.
• Lead and mentor junior controls engineers.
• Support project quoting and estimating.
• Drive commissioning, troubleshooting, and debug activities.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams on turnkey projects.
• Travel to customer sites for installation and training.
• Interface with customers throughout project execution.

Skills

Automation experience

Project management

Mentoring

Analytical problem-solving

Communication

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

PLC platforms

Robot platforms

Vision systems

Job description

Principle Controls Engineer (Technical Lead)

POSITION OVERVIEW

Controls Engineers work in both an office environment when engineering control systems and on the shop floor in Van Wert, Ohio for commissioning and debugging of equipment. Controls Engineers work closely with Mechanical Designers, Electrical Designers, and Machine Assembly personnel as required to design systems and develop code for automation projects. They are expected to interface with customers at both the company facility and customer sites for Runoff and Machine Acceptance.

This Senior Controls Engineer position is a technical leadership role, ideal for an experienced automation professional who can lead projects, mentor engineers, and drive successful execution of complex automation systems from concept through commissioning.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead controls projects from concept to startup
• Develop PLC, robotics, and vision system solutions
• Design controls architecture and industrial networks
• Support MES and data collection system integration
• Lead and mentor junior Controls Engineers
• Support project quoting and estimating
• Drive commissioning, troubleshooting, and debug activities
• Work with mechanical and electrical teams on turnkey automation projects
• Travel to customer sites for installation and training
• Interface directly with customers throughout project execution

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5-10 years of experience, 10+ years preferred
• Related Engineering degree or equivalent experience
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines through strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Expert-level knowledge of automation and logic controller platforms
• Expert-level experience selecting, developing, and implementing vision systems
• Expert-level experience across multiple robot platforms
• Understanding of programming, commissioning, and debug labor requirements for projects of varying size
• Strong project management skills related to controls engineering execution
• Willingness to train and mentor junior engineers and technicians

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Base Salary Up to $145,000
• 401(k) Match
• PTO & Health Coverage
• Career Growth into Senior Technical Leadership Roles
• Exposure to Advanced Robotics, Vision Systems, MES, and Custom Automation Projects