Senior Controls Engineer

Live Automation, LLC; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus potential

Professional development

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Live Automation, Inc. in Sterling, MA seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to anchor the engineering team, own complex projects end-to-end, and mentor junior engineers while advising customers.

You will lead architecture decisions, develop PLC/HMI and vision systems, and ensure safe, reliable operation across manufacturing environments.

Join a lean, fast-moving shop with opportunities for technical leadership, collaboration, and hands-on delivery from concept to commissioning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or equivalent technical discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years controls experience in industrial or machine-building environments.
• Hands-on PLC programming with Ignition and Siemens platforms preferred; strong motion control and vision experience.
• Experience with BOM management and electrical drawing packages.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture decisions, guide engineers, and own project end-to-end from concept through commissioning.
• Architect and develop PLC, HMI, safety, motion, and vision applications using major platforms.
• Define control system architecture and develop electrical schematics and panel layouts.
• Develop engineering standards, reusable code libraries, and documentation templates.
• Coordinate across mechanical, electrical, and software teams to ensure reliable integration.
• Direct on-site commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer-facing technical support.
• Mentor junior engineers and manage project schedules, budgets, and vendor relations.

Skills

Leadership

PLC programming

HMI development

Ignition SCADA

Siemens

Allen-Bradley

Vision systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Ignition

2D CAD

Job description

Live Automation, Inc. is a growing Automation Systems Integrator specializing in custom machine building and systems integration. We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to anchor the engineering team in Sterling, MA. This is a technical leadership role for a seasoned professional who can own complex projects end to end - driving system architecture, programming, and commissioning while mentoring junior engineers, and serving as a trusted technical advisor to customers. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on expertise, sound judgment under ambiguity, and the maturity to lead through influence in a lean, fast-moving environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Serve as the lead engineer on complex, multi-disciplinary projects - owning architecture decisions, guiding the technical approach, and providing direction to engineers and technicians from concept through commissioning.
• Advanced Programming: Architect and develop PLC, HMI, safety controller, motion control, and vision system applications using industry-standard platforms including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, CoDeSys, Mitsubishi, Omron, Bosch, Cognex, Keyence, and SICK. Lead the design of SCADA and plant-level visualization solutions using Ignition.
• System Architecture & Electrical Design: Define overall control system architecture and own the development of industrial electrical schematics and control panel layouts in 2D CAD, establishing and enforcing design best practices across the team.
• Standards & Best Practices: Develop and maintain engineering standards, reusable code libraries, and documentation templates that raise quality and consistency across all projects.
• System Integration: Lead the integration of control systems with existing manufacturing processes, coordinating across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines to ensure efficiency, reliability, and maintainability.
• Commissioning & Troubleshooting: Direct on-site startup, system analysis, and advanced troubleshooting, resolving the toughest integration and performance issues to guarantee optimal operation.
• Mentorship & Technical Support: Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, conduct design and code reviews, and provide expert technical support and training to internal teams, technicians, and customers.
• Project Execution: Own project schedules, budgets, and vendor relationships, managing scope and change orders to deliver on time and within budget.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure all projects meet regulatory standards and adhere to strict safety requirements, including applicable UL 508A and industrial electrical safety practices.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or an equivalent technical discipline required. Masters preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 8 years of controls experience, ideally in an industrial, manufacturing, or custom machine-building environment, with a demonstrated history of leading projects independently from concept through commissioning.
• Technical Proficiency: Deep, hands-on PLC programming and configuration expertise. Experience with Ignition (SCADA / visualization) and Siemens platforms strongly preferred; proficiency across Allen-Bradley, CoDeSys, or Mitsubishi is also valued. Strong background in motion control, vision systems, sensor integration, and data acquisition.
• BOM & Documentation: Expert-level management of structured BOMs and complete electrical drawing packages across the full project lifecycle.
• Vendor & Procurement Knowledge: Experience quoting custom fabricated and machined parts, critically evaluating vendor quotes, and managing supplier relationships.
• Project Execution: Strong track record delivering on time and within budget in a project-based or job-shop environment, including ownership of change order processes.
• Small-Shop Mindset: Thrives in a lean, self-directed environment, wears multiple hats, and takes full ownership of outcomes. Prior experience at a small integrator or custom machine builder is strongly preferred.
• Communication: Clear, direct communication with internal teams, customers, and vendors, including the ability to translate complex technical concepts for varied audiences.

Our Partnership with Ondex Automation

Live Automation, Inc. is proud to be part of Ondex Automation, a Shore Capital Partners platform company built to serve North American manufacturers with advanced automation and integration solutions. As part of the Ondex platform, we have access to expanded resources and sister-company capabilities in panel fabrication, SCADA/MES, machine vision, and robotics - giving our engineers the tools and partnerships to take on the most technically demanding projects in food & beverage, life sciences, aerospace & defense, and beyond.

Why Join Us?

At Live Automation, senior engineers are trusted to own their work and shape how we engineer. You will design systems that solve real problems for real customers, mentor the next generation of engineers, and see those machines from concept through completion.

We offer:

• Competitive salary with annual bonus potential and clear opportunities for career growth and technical leadership
• A collaborative, low-bureaucracy environment where your decisions matter
• Exposure to diverse industries and machine types - no two projects are the same
• A team that values craftsmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement

Core Values

• Champion the Customer: Build partnerships, do what's right, win together.
• Own It: Take accountability, figure it out, and drive results.
• Deliver Excellence: Take pride in our work, bring expertise, and attention to detail.
• Spark Innovation: Stay curious, embrace challenges, and never stop growing.
• Stronger Together: Respect, support, and care for your teammates.