Senior Controls Engineer

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(k) match

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, programming, and commissioning of industrial and municipal control systems.

You will integrate PLCs, HMIs/SCADA, instrumentation, and variable-speed drives while coordinating across disciplines to maintain schedule and budget. The role requires ABET-accredited education and a PE license, with extensive experience in Rockwell PLCs and various SCADA/HMI platforms.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Eight years of Automation and Control System Engineering experience.
• Extensive experience with multiple PLC systems, Rockwell preferred.
• Extensive experience with SCADA/HMI software: RA FactoryTalk, GE iFIX, Schneider Wonderware.
• Experience with NFPA, NEC, UL, OSHA, ISA, NEMA, IEC, and ANSI standards in control panel design.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, programming, and commissioning of industrial and municipal control systems.
• Coordinate across disciplines to keep projects on schedule and budget.
• Ensure compliance with client requirements and applicable codes.
• Design, install, and commission new control systems; modify and troubleshoot existing ones.
• Review historical data and prepare clear reports with findings.
• Develop operating procedures and IO lists; coordinate with suppliers and clients.
• Document decisions during owner/contractor meetings.
• Coach and mentor junior staff and support internal trainings.

Skills

Rockwell PLCs

SCADA/HMI software

Variable speed drives

Control system design

AutoCAD

Instrumentation & field install

Project leadership

Education

ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree

Professional Engineer license

8 years automation & control experience

Tools

Rockwell Automation tools

SCADA configuration tools

Job description

• Hybrid
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: SENIO002397

Description

At SSR, we’re more than a leading engineering design, consulting, and planning firm—we’re a team of owners committed to solving complex projects and delivering innovative solutions for facility and infrastructure challenges. With locations across the U.S. and expertise spanning diverse markets and services, our collaborative approach empowers us to build lasting partnerships with each other, our clients, and our communities.

We believe high performance and a people-first culture go hand in hand. As an owner from day one, our colleagues thrive in an environment that values accountability, celebrates achievement, and supports personal and professional growth. As owners, we take pride in our work and in each other—driving results while fostering a workplace where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired.

Want to hear directly from our team? Visit http://www.ssr-inc.com/life-at-ssr and explore our culture on LinkedIn and Instagram.

What You’ll Do

As a Senior Controls Engineer, you’ll lead the design, programming, and commissioning of industrial and municipal control systems—integrating PLCs, HMIs/SCADA, instrumentation, and variable‑speed drives—while coordinating across disciplines and keeping projects on schedule, on budget, and aligned with client and code requirements.

• Assume responsible charge for controls projects within your experience and expertise; upholdSSR quality and safety standards.
• Design, install, and commission new control systems; execute modifications and upgrades;troubleshoot existing systems to restore performance.
• Apply strong knowledge of NFPA, NEC, UL, OSHA, ISA, NEMA, IEC, and ANSI as they pertain toindustrial control panel design and installation.
• Review historical/trend data and prepare clear written reports that explain findings andrecommended actions.
• Coordinate designs with other disciplines to determine equipment needs, develop operatingprocedures, and provide technical information.
• Attend meetings with owners, clients, contractors, and specialists; document decisions andaction items.
• Lead and document job‑site visits to verify field conditions, take measurements, and observeinstallation progress.
• Coordinate with authorities, utilities, and municipalities to incorporate health/safety regulationsand quality standards.
• Develop man‑hour budgets with the Project Manager; plan work to schedule/budget andprovide regular updates.
• Assist with proactive QA/QC plans; review drawings, control narratives, IO lists, and test plansbefore issue.
• Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and clients to refine scope and cost; participate inproposals and client presentations.
• Coach and develop less‑experienced staff; assist technical leaders in designing/executinginternal trainings; provide input during reviews.
• Engage in professional organizations and client groups to enhance SSR’s technical reputation;pursue continuous learning.

Who We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field from an ABET accredited college and eight years ofexperience in Automation and Control System Engineering
• Licensed as a Professional Engineer
• Extensive experience with multiple PLC systems (Rockwell Automation preferred)
• Extensive experience with multiple SCADA/HMI software packages (RA FactoryTalk, GE iFIX, andSchneider Wonderware preferred)
• Extensive experience with the specification and installation of variable speed drives
• Extensive industrial experience in control system design, instrumentation, installation andtroubleshooting, process control, and variable speed drives
• Demonstrated a consistent ability to successfully manage projects and customers
• Experience with AutoCAD or other relevant design tools preferred
• Experience in food & beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and water/wastewater treatmentpreferred

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook).
• Thorough knowledge of control system design and process instrumentation; DCS/PLC;
• SCADA/HMI packages; architectures and communication protocols.
• Thorough knowledge of installation and troubleshooting practices; ISA, NFPA, UL, NEC andrelated codes/standards.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD; ability to read drawings and coordinate multi‑discipline inputs.
• Technical writing and clear presentation skills; strong interpersonal skills and speech clarity.
• Detail‑oriented with sound judgment and decision‑making; organized documentation andfollow‑through; ability to visualize design solutions.

What We Offer

• 100% Employee-Owned – Ownership from day one with immediate ESOP vesting.
• Retirement Savings – 401(k) with immediate vesting and a generous company match.
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company‑funded HSAcontributions for HDHP plans.
• Company-Paid Protection – Life insurance, AD&D, and short and long term disability at no costto you.
• Work-Life Balance – Flexible schedules, paid parental leave, generous PTO, and paid companyholidays.
• Career Growth – Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development support.

SSR is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

EEO Disabled/Veterans