Senior Controls Engineer

L2x Talent Solutions; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

L2x Talent Solutions seeks a Technical Leadership & Engineering Authority to oversee design and implementation of industrial automation and control systems. Establish architectures, standards, and approaches while applying engineering judgment to evaluate options and manage risk.

Lead electrical control design (NFPA 70, UL 508A), PLC/HMI/SCADA development (Allen-Bradley & Siemens), and on-site commissioning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years experience in systems integrator/industrial automation environments.
• Ability to manage integration projects from concept through completion.
• Experience programming PLCs (50% Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/Studio 5000, 50% Siemens/TIA Portal).
• Experience designing electrical control systems including electrical schematics, control panels, wiring diagrams, and BOMs (AutoCAD Electrical).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of electrical control systems in compliance with applicable codes and standards (NFPA 70, UL 508A).
• Engineer motion control and drive systems to meet system performance requirements.
• Lead on-site commissioning activities with a focus on engineering verification and performance validation.
• Review, approve, and validate engineering deliverables produced by internal teams and external partners.
• Coordinate electrical, mechanical, and process engineering disciplines across projects.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Project management

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Systems integration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/Studio 5000

Siemens/TIA Portal

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Technical Leadership & Engineering Authority:

• Serve as the senior technical authority for the design and implementation of industrial automation and control systems.
• Establish control system architectures, engineering standards, and technical approaches for assigned projects.
• Apply advanced engineering judgment to evaluate design alternatives, manage technical risk, and resolve complex system constraints.
• Review, approve, and validate engineering deliverables produced by internal teams and external partners.

Control System Design:

• Lead the design of electrical control systems in compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., NFPA 70, UL 508A).
• Develop and approve control schematics, wiring designs, panel layouts, and bills of materials.
• Provide engineering oversight of panel manufacturing activities to ensure designs are implemented as intended.

Automation Software Architecture & Development:

• Architect and develop PLC software solutions using platforms such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens.
• Define structured programming standards, reusable libraries, and system interfaces to support scalability and long-term maintainability.
• Lead the configuration and validation of HMI/SCADA systems to support safe and efficient operation.

Drives, Motion, and Control Theory Application:

• Engineer advanced motion control and variable frequency drive (VFD) solutions aligned with system performance requirements.
• Apply control theory principles to tune, optimize, and validate system behavior.
• Specify and approve drive, motion, and control components based on application demands and lifecycle considerations.
• Lead system integration activities, coordinating electrical, mechanical, and process engineering disciplines.
• Direct on-site commissioning activities with a focus on engineering verification, performance validation, and technical issue resolution, rather than routine installation or production labor.
• Diagnose complex system issues and implement corrective engineering solutions.
• Ensure technical documentation and knowledge transfer meet project and customer requirements.

Strategic, Commercial & Project Contribution:

• Act as a senior technical stakeholder in project planning, execution strategy, and risk assessment.
• Provide engineering input into project pricing, scope definition, and margin management decisions.
• Identify opportunities for standardization, modularization, and scalable solution development.
• Monitor technical progress against project objectives and proactively communicate risks, assumptions, and required scope adjustments.

Safety & Professional Practice:

• Ensure engineering designs and field activities comply with applicable safety standards and internal policies.
• Lead or contribute to Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and Pre-Task Planning from an engineering risk perspective.
• Maintain required professional training and certifications relevant to industrial automation environments.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering; Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology or related field
• 8+ years of experience working within a systems integrator, OEM Machine builder, custom automation integrator, industrial controls, industrial equipment, automation, drive systems, etc.. based setting
• Ability to manage integration/automation projects from concept through to completion
• Experience managing projects including programming, electrical design, customer communication and project execution
• Ability to troubleshoot and program PLC's (50% Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/Studio 5000, 50% Siemens/TIA Portal)
• Ability to troubleshoot and develop HMI/SCADA applications (Allen Bradley and Siemens)
• Experience designing electrical control systems including electrical schematics, control panels, wiring diagrams, and BOMs (AutoCAD Electrical)