Senior Controls Engineer

L2x Talent Solutions; Kentucky; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

L2x Talent Solutions is seeking a senior Automation Engineer to serve as the technical authority for the design and implementation of industrial automation and control systems in Kentucky. You will lead control system design, PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, and system integration across electrical, mechanical, and process disciplines.

The role emphasizes on-site commissioning, engineering verification, and adherence to standards, with responsibilities spanning concept to completion and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field required.
• 8+ years in systems integration, automation, or industrial controls.
• Experience managing concept to completion projects with electrical design and customer communication.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior technical authority for industrial automation systems.
• Lead control system design, schematics, wiring, and BOMs.
• Architect PLC software and HMI/SCADA configurations for scalable solutions.
• Coordinate cross-disciplinary system integration and on-site commissioning.
• Ensure safety, engineering standards, and documentation meet project needs.

Skills

Project management

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Electrical design

Systems integration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical/Mechatronics)

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/Studio 5000

Siemens/TIA Portal

HMI/SCADA platforms

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)