Senior Controls Engineer

TAIT; Lititz (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

TAIT is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead design, development, and commissioning of automation for large-scale live entertainment and themed environments.

You will own architecture, PLC programming, and project execution, mentoring engineers and driving standards across the full lifecycle from concept through commissioning and client handover.

Candidates should have deep experience in industrial automation and distributed control systems, with hands-on PLC, HMI, and safety knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technical Theater, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of controls engineering / industrial automation.
• Experience with PLC programming and HMI/SCADA systems.
• Experience leading projects through commissioning and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead control system architecture design for complex distributed automation.
• Develop and program PLCs (AB, Siemens, Beckhoff) and HMI/SCADA interfaces.
• Own the full project lifecycle from design to handover.
• Perform commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and on-site startup.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide technical standards.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

project leadership

troubleshooting

commissioning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Beckhoff PLCs

FactoryTalk

Ignition

WinCC

Job description

TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life. With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock ‘n’ roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting‑edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT’s 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, Royal Opera House, Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics.

Position Purpose

TAIT is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and commissioning of advanced automation, motion control, and show control systems for large‑scale live entertainment and themed environments.

As a senior team member, you will take ownership of controls system architecture, PLC programming, and project execution, while mentoring engineers and driving engineering standards. You will work across the full project lifecycle—from concept and design through manufacturing, integration, commissioning (FAT/SAT), and client handover.

This role is ideal for someone with deep experience in industrial automation, distributed control systems, and motion control who enjoys solving complex, multidisciplinary engineering challenges.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the design of control system architectures for complex, distributed automation systems
• Develop and program PLCs (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff) and advanced HMI/SCADA interfaces
• Own full project lifecycle execution: design → integration → commissioning → handover
• Perform and guide system commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and on‑site startup
• Conduct advanced troubleshooting, debugging, and performance optimization
• Lead functional safety analysis and risk assessments (ISO 12100, IEC 62061, ISO 13849)
• Create and review technical documentation (control narratives, FDS, I/O lists, test procedures)
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across projects
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, AVL, creative, PMs)
• Represent TAIT in customer‑facing environments, ensuring high-quality delivery

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technical Theater, or equivalent experience
• 7+ years of experience in controls engineering / industrial automation
• Strong hands‑on experience with:
  • PLC programming (Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block, SFC)
  • HMI/SCADA systems (FactoryTalk, Ignition, WinCC, etc.)
• Proven experience leading or owning projects through commissioning and delivery
• Experience with system integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting