Senior Controls Engineer: End-to-End Automation & PLC Expert

SERVOLIFT; Randolph Township (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SERVOLIFT is seeking a seasoned Controls Engineer to design and implement industrial control systems from concept to commissioning in the United States. You will rely on AutoCAD Electrical for panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and I/O schematics, and work with Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs to deliver robust automation solutions.

You will lead projects through FAT and SAT, collaborate with mechanical engineers and project managers, maintain SDS documentation, and ensure UL/NFPA/CE compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, or related engineering field (not a must if you have serious experience).
• 5+ years of experience in controls/automation engineering, including full project lifecycle ownership.
• Proven experience designing complete control systems from scratch (concept to commissioning).
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical for control panel and wiring design.
• In-depth knowledge of Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs.
• Familiarity with virtualization, Windows Server, SCADA systems, industrial networks, and/or data acquisition/batch reporting tools is a plus.
• Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel occasionally for customer installations and support.
• Experience with safety PLCs and machine safety design (e.g., GuardLogix, risk assessments).
• Knowledge of UL, NFPA, and CE electrical standards.
• Experience with additional control system environments and manufacturers (Siemens, ABB, Schneider, etc.).
• Experience with Servo motor control.
• Exposure to industrial protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC UA).

Responsibilities

• Design and develop industrial control systems utilizing AutoCAD Electrical, including panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and I/O schematics.
• Program, debug, and commission Allen-Bradley PLCs (CompactLogix, ControlLogix, Micro800), HMIs (FactoryTalk View SE/ME, Panelview 800), and VFDs (PowerFlex series).
• Lead the electrical controls portion of machine projects from concept through FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing), installation, and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing).
• Develop, write, and maintain detailed Software Development Specifications (SDS) that outline system functionality, sequence of operations, PLC/HMI structures, and communication protocols for internal teams and end users.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineering, panel builders, and project managers to ensure machine functionality meets customer specifications.
• Troubleshoot and optimize control systems to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Maintain and update documentation, backups, and version control for control systems.
• Provide training and support to customer maintenance and operations staff.
• Provide input on standards development, best practices, and design improvements.
• Manage multiple projects in different states simultaneously.

Skills

Control systems design

Full project lifecycle ownership

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication

Travel flexibility

Safety standards knowledge

Industrial networking

End-to-end testing (FAT/SAT)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMIs (FactoryTalk View/PanelView)

VFDs (PowerFlex)

Job description

SERVOLIFT is seeking a seasoned Controls Engineer to design and implement industrial control systems from concept to commissioning in the United States. You will rely on AutoCAD Electrical for panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and I/O schematics, and work with Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs to deliver robust automation solutions.

You will lead projects through FAT and SAT, collaborate with mechanical engineers and project managers, maintain SDS documentation, and ensure UL/NFPA/CE compliance.