Senior Controls Engineer

MSI Express, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MSI Express, Inc. is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of sophisticated automation systems. The successful candidate will guide complex industrial automation projects and provide strategic direction in technology selection.

The role demands at least 8 years of experience in advanced controls engineering and strong leadership skills. The professional will also mentor junior engineers and champion innovation, while ensuring standards of compliance and documentation.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in advanced controls engineering roles.
• Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects.
• Expert knowledge of advanced control system design principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and integration of advanced control systems.
• Oversee advanced troubleshooting efforts and optimize control systems.
• Manage controls-related projects, ensuring excellence in execution.

Skills

Advanced control system design principles

Programming sophisticated PLCs

Leadership in engineering projects

Expertise in industrial automation technologies

Outstanding communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Allen Bradley control systems

Job description

Job Description:

Role Purpose / Position Summary

The Senior Controls Engineer will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of sophisticated controls and automation systems, serving as a principal figure in advancing the company's operational efficiency and technical capabilities. This role entails overseeing complex and critical industrial automation projects, including advanced PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion control systems, and comprehensive process and discrete manufacturing environments. The Senior Controls Engineer is expected to provide strategic direction in the selection and deployment of automation technologies, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation in controls engineering practices.

Key Accountabilities / Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Advanced System Design and Strategic Integration: Lead the development and integration of advanced control systems for industrial automation, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives. Champion the deployment of cutting‑edge control strategies and technologies to enhance operational efficiency and expand automation capabilities.
• Complex Troubleshooting and Optimization: Oversee advanced troubleshooting efforts, providing expert guidance to resolve intricate system issues and improve process reliability and performance. Direct the optimization of control systems to achieve superior efficiency, quality, and safety standards.
• Advanced Programming and Software Development Leadership: Guide the programming of PLCs, HMIs, robots, and other control devices, ensuring systems meet complex requirements. Lead collaboration efforts with the corporate engineering team on advanced programming and software development projects.
• Strategic Collaboration and Continuous Improvement: Drive cross‑functional collaboration to support strategic continuous improvement and automation initiatives. Lead the development and implementation of breakthrough automation technologies and practices.
• Documentation Standardization and Compliance Leadership: Set standards for and oversee the creation and maintenance of comprehensive control system documentation, ensuring best practices in record‑keeping and compliance.
• Advanced Training and Mentorship: Develop and deliver advanced training programs for technical teams, enhancing their capabilities in control systems operation and maintenance. Mentor junior controls engineers and technical staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Project Management Excellence: Provide senior leadership in managing controls‑related projects, from conceptualization through to implementation, ensuring excellence in execution and adherence to strategic objectives.
• Research, Innovation, and Technology Evaluation: Champion the evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies, leading research into advanced control and automation solutions aligned with industry trends.

Qualifications / Capability Profile

• Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field; or equivalent comprehensive work experience.
• Required 8+ years of experience in advanced controls engineering roles in manufacturing environments or with systems/machine integrators, including leadership experience.
• Required Expert knowledge of advanced control system design principles and state-of-the-art industrial automation technologies.
• Required Excellent programming skills for sophisticated PLCs, HMIs, and robotics systems.
• Required Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects, from inception to completion, with a track record of innovation and success.
• Required Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and team leadership skills.
• Required Experience with advanced Allen Bradley control systems and a deep understanding of process controls, remote operations, and SCADA systems.
• Preferred High proficiency in AutoCAD and/or other system design software for advanced system design.
• Preferred Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop technical teams.

MSI Express is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are a single‑source contract manufacturing and packaging company, delivering innovative engineering solutions from our strategically located network of manufacturing facilities.