Senior Controls Engineer

Alkar; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkar is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design and implement automation control systems, collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and field service to deliver reliable solutions.

You will lead projects from requirements through commissioning, program PLC and HMI on Rockwell platforms, review schematics and code for safety and maintainability, and mentor junior staff while supporting customer startups with travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing and programming industrial control systems for automated machinery, OEM equipment, or systems-integration projects.
• Proficiency with Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLC and HMI platforms; Siemens experience is a plus.
• Ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics and technical controls documentation.
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in an engineering-related discipline, or equivalent technical training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the controls scope for complex equipment projects from initial requirements and system architecture through programming, testing, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
• Design and program PLC and HMI applications using Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View.
• Define control strategies, documentation, and project deliverables.
• Serve as a senior technical resource for difficult troubleshooting, root-cause investigation, and resolution of controls issues in the factory, remotely, and at customer sites.
• Review electrical schematics, panel designs, controls documentation, and code for safety, accuracy, maintainability, and compliance with project requirements.
• Improve programming standards, reusable code, system architecture, version control, documentation, and commissioning practices across the Controls team.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to controls engineers, electrical designers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and field-service personnel.
• Support customer startups and commissioning, with travel generally limited to up to 10%.

Skills

Problem solving

Troubleshooting

Communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Safety & compliance

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in engineering

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI (FactoryTalk View)

Studio 5000

Siemens

Job description

Description

Position Summary

As a Senior Controls Engineer at Alkar, you’ll design the latest automation control systems while collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and field service. We’re looking for someone who has a strong technical background and versatility who can shift gears when priorities change, help others, and grow alongside a company that’s still innovating after 60+ years.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the controls scope for complex equipment projects from initial requirements and system architecture through programming, testing, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
• Design and program PLC and HMI applications using Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View.
• Define control strategies, documentation, and project deliverables.
• Serve as a senior technical resource for difficult troubleshooting, root-cause investigation, and resolution of controls issues in the factory, remotely, and at customer sites.
• Review electrical schematics, panel designs, controls documentation, and code for safety, accuracy, maintainability, and compliance with project requirements.
• Improve programming standards, reusable code, system architecture, version control, documentation, and commissioning practices across the Controls team.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to controls engineers, electrical designers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and field-service personnel.
• Support customer startups and commissioning, with travel generally limited to up to 10%.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Strong solving problems and hands‑on troubleshooting.
• Adaptable and dependable.
• Collaborative—able to work independently and as part of cross‑functional teams.
• Organized with attention to detail
• Effective communicator—clear and professional verbal and written skills.
• Committed to safety and operational excellence.
• Priority on quality, support, and doing things the right way.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience designing and programming industrial control systems for automated machinery, OEM equipment, or systems‑integration projects. Exceptional demonstrated capability may substitute for years of experience.
• Proficiency with Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLC and HMI platforms; Siemens experience is a plus.
• Experience with process control, VFDs, servo motion, safety PLCs, instrumentation, and multi‑system integration.
• Ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics and technical controls documentation.
• Ability to manage several active projects while communicating priorities, risks, and technical decisions clearly.
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in an engineering‑related discipline, or equivalent technical training and experience.