Senior Controls Engineer

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

Job summary

L2x Talent Solutions in Joliet, IL seeks a Technical Leadership & Engineering Authority to guide automation projects from concept through commissioning. You will define control architectures, establish engineering standards, and review complex deliverables with internal teams and external partners.

Responsibilities include designing electrical control systems aligned with NFPA 70 and UL 508A, developing PLC and HMI/SCADA solutions on Allen‑Bradley and Siemens platforms, and leading on-site

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics) or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in systems integrator, OEM machine builder, or automation environments.
• Experience managing integration/automation projects from concept to completion.
• Proficient in PLC programming and HMI/SCADA development with Allen‑Bradley and Siemens platforms.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior technical authority for design and implementation of automation systems.
• Lead control system architecture, engineering standards, and risk management.
• Review, approve, and validate engineering deliverables from internal teams and external partners.
• Oversee panel manufacturing and on-site commissioning to ensure designs are implemented correctly.
• Coordinate cross-disciplinary system integration across electrical, mechanical, and process engineering.

Skills

Technical leadership

Engineering judgment

Risk management

Project coordination

Customer communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical/Mechatronics/Mechanical)

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/Studio 5000

Siemens/TIA Portal

HMI/SCADA development

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)