Senior Controls Systems Engineer

Thermo Systems LLC.; Fort Washington (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Health insurance

Dental & Vision

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Training opportunities

Job summary

Thermo Systems LLC in the United States is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design, develop, and deliver complex control system solutions across mission-critical projects. You will own key technical deliverables, contribute to system architecture decisions, and mentor engineers to ensure consistency and quality.

This role emphasizes hands-on execution, safety, reliability, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to meet scope, schedule, and budget while advancing engineering standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• 5+ years of controls engineering/automation experience
• Experience with complex industrial or mission-critical projects

Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC, SCADA, BMS, and EPMS systems for mission-critical projects.
• Produce and review control system architecture, software, and technical documentation.
• Execute engineering tasks across multiple projects, ensuring delivery on time and within scope.
• Support system integration, FAT/SAT and commissioning activities.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to engineering standards and processes.

Skills

Rockwell Automation

Siemens

Schneider Electric

Ignition

PLC programming

SCADA systems

P&IDs

Troubleshooting

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline

Job description

Employment Status: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Compensation: $120,000–$170,000 Annually + Bonus

Travel: Up to 50% | Project Dependent

The Opportunity

The Senior Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and delivery of complex control system solutions across mission‑critical projects. This role plays a key part in executing high‑quality engineering deliverables while supporting project teams through design, integration, and commissioning phases. Operating across multiple projects, you will take ownership of key technical deliverables, contribute to system architecture decisions, and support less experienced engineers to ensure consistency and quality across the team. This position is ideal for a technically strong controls engineer ready to take on greater ownership, mentor others, and contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering standards and delivery. It is also ideal for professionals who value accountability, technical rigor, and hands‑on execution in environments where safety, performance, and reliability matter every day.

What You’ll Do

• Design and develop PLC, SCADA, BMS, and EPMS systems for mission‑critical projects
• Produce and review control system architecture, software, and technical documentation
• Execute engineering tasks across multiple projects, ensuring delivery on time and within scope
• Support system integration, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and site acceptance testing (SAT)
• Assist with commissioning activities including system validation, troubleshooting, and optimisation
• Interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and control narratives to ensure accurate implementation
• Identify and resolve technical issues across software, hardware, and system interfaces
• Support value engineering efforts to optimise cost and performance of solutions
• Contribute to the development and improvement of engineering standards, tools, and processes
• Support Business Development teams with technical input for proposals and bids where required
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams to align scope, schedule, and deliverables
• Communicate clearly and proactively with internal teams, customers, and partners
• Act as a technical interface between Engineering, Integration, and Operations teams
• Support project leadership in identifying risks, resolving issues, and maintaining delivery alignment
• Identify and escalate technical risks, constraints, or scope changes early

Quality, Safety & Process

• Adhere to company policies, QMS requirements, and established safety standards
• Support and enhance the company’s Quality Management System (QMS)
• Ensure engineering deliverables meet high standards of accuracy, completeness, and consistency
• Promote structured engineering and documentation practices across all projects
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and drive continuous improvement initiatives

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years’ experience in controls engineering, automation, or system integration
• Experience working on complex industrial, life sciences, or mission‑critical projects

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of PLC, SCADA, BMS, and EPMS systems (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider, Ignition)
• Experience in control system design, software development, and system integration
• Ability to work independently on complex engineering tasks
• Strong understanding of instrumentation, control panels, and networked systems
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and control narratives
• Experience supporting commissioning activities including FAT and SAT
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving capability
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines
• Sound decision‑making skills and attention to detail
• Commitment to quality, safety, and accountability

What You’ll Get

• Competitive compensation with annual bonus opportunity
• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low‑cost options
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Tuition reimbursement and professional credential support
• In‑house and external technical training opportunities
• Exposure to complex, high‑impact automation projects
• A collaborative culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected status.

Disclaimer

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.