Senior Controls Engineer - Automation & PLC/Motion Systems

Socket.dev; Waverly (IA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

TDS Automation, Inc. seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to apply electrical design SOPs, develop machine control concepts, and ensure project objectives align with budgets and timelines. You will program PLCs, motion control, and HMIs while coordinating with project teams and clients.

The role requires hands-on design and fabrication support, strong leadership, and travel as needed. Experience with NEC/JIC codes and QMS compliance is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or equivalent and demonstrated technical capability.
• 5+ years designing machine controls.
• Ability to program PLCs, motion control, operator interface terminals, and data acquisition equipment.
• Proficient with Windows-based PCs and software.
• Strong analytical, planning, and leadership abilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills.
• Familiar with NEC, JIC, and other codes and practices.
• Experience with AutoCAD for design work.
• Experience with Beckhoff software.
• Experience with AGVs, AMRs and traffic control systems.
• Eligible for security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Endorses and adheres to sound business practices, ethics, and policies.
• Stays current with technology, design practices, and manufacturing.
• Assists PM in developing machine control concepts and estimates.
• Writes technical sections of proposals and presents project concepts and schedules.
• Assists Sales by reviewing technical objectives with PM, salesperson and clients.
• Provides electrical drawing package and interfaces components.
• Performs electrical design calculations and specifies control hardware.
• Writes PLC, motion control, and HMI software to meet project needs.
• Monitors project scope changes and reports to PM.
• Assists with electrical fabrication coordination and installation support.
• May direct and train colleagues.
• Interacts with managers, supervisors, and hourly team members.
• Willing to participate in specialized training.
• Follows QMS, AS9100, ISO 9000 requirements.
• Travel as required.
• Perform additional duties.

Skills

PLC programming

Motion control

HMI programming

Electrical design

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

NEC/JIC codes

AutoCAD

Beckhoff software

AGVs/AMRs knowledge

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

Beckhoff software

AGVs/AMRs or traffic control systems

Job description

TDS Automation, Inc. seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to apply electrical design SOPs, develop machine control concepts, and ensure project objectives align with budgets and timelines. You will program PLCs, motion control, and HMIs while coordinating with project teams and clients.

The role requires hands-on design and fabrication support, strong leadership, and travel as needed. Experience with NEC/JIC codes and QMS compliance is essential.