Senior Controls Engineer

PwrQ Holdings LLC; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

PwrQ Holdings LLC seeks a seasoned Controls Engineer to lead PLC and HMI programming for Forgent products, ensuring safe, efficient operations and alignment with quality and delivery standards.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in control systems/automation, strong problem-solving and collaboration skills, and hands-on PLC/HMI experience. Travel may be required for field support and customer engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or related technical discipline (or equivalent).
• 5+ years of engineering experience focusing on control systems or automation.
• Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Ethernet-based protocols).
• Ability to coordinate and manage technical aspects of customer projects.
• Experience preparing technical proposals or cost estimates.
• Strong relationship-building with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Hands-on experience with PLC and HMI programming platforms.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and support programming for control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and related devices, ensuring projects remain on schedule and within budget in a fast-paced engineering environment.
• Review and interpret customer requirements and project specifications, providing clear guidance to engineering and design teams.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve design, quality, and manufacturing issues, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop training materials, documentation, procedures, and work instructions to support the growth and capability of engineering and technical teams.
• Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and emerging products to support ongoing product development efforts.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, suppliers, vendors, and external partners.
• Provide field support for technical and commercial needs, with occasional local and limited domestic travel as required.
• Follow all company safety policies, quality standards, and housekeeping procedures.

Skills

Controls Engineering Expertise

Technical Problem-Solving

Analytical Thinking

Communication & Collaboration

Project Coordination

Training & Documentation Development

Process Improvement Mindset

Interpersonal Skills

Attention to Detail

Adaptability & Continuous Learning

Confidentiality & Professionalism

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline

Tools

PLC programming platforms

HMI programming platforms

SCADA systems

Modbus

Ethernet-based protocols

Job description

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to oversees and leads the development of PLC and HMI programs for safe, effective, and efficient operation of Forgent products and processes while meeting and exceeding company quality and production standards and customer documentation and delivery requirements.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and support programming for control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and related devices, ensuring projects remain on schedule and within budget in a fast-paced engineering environment.
• Review and interpret customer requirements and project specifications, providing clear guidance to engineering and design teams.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve design, quality, and manufacturing issues, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop training materials, documentation, procedures, and work instructions to support the growth and capability of engineering and technical teams.
• Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and emerging products to support ongoing product development efforts.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, suppliers, vendors, and external partners.
• Provide field support for technical and commercial needs, with occasional local and limited domestic travel as required.
• Follow all company safety policies, quality standards, and housekeeping procedures.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or related technical discipline (or equivalent technical training and experience)
• 5+ years of engineering experience with a focus on control systems, automation, or related technologies
• Working knowledge of common industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Ethernet-based protocols, etc.)
• Ability to coordinate and manage technical aspects of customer projects
• Experience preparing technical proposals or supporting product/project cost estimates
• Strong relationship-building skills with customers, suppliers, and internal teams
• Proficiency with standard business software (Microsoft Office Suite)
• Hands-on experience with PLC and HMI programming platforms
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with SCADA systems or system integration tools
• Familiarity with utility, power, or industrial software tools or configuration platforms
• Experience with protective relays, automation devices, or related configuration software
• Broad understanding of electrical, mechanical, and software design principles
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines
• Experience in industries such as renewable energy, energy storage, data centers, or emerging power technologies is a plus

Skills and Competancy:

• Controls Engineering Expertise
• Technical Problem-Solving
• Analytical Thinking
• Communication & Collaboration
• Project Coordination
• Training & Documentation Development
• Process Improvement Mindset
• Interpersonal Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Adaptability & Continuous Learning
• Confidentiality & Professionalism

Requirements:

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.