Senior Controls Engineer: Hands-On Automation Lead

Engtal; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Engtal in Indianapolis, IN seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to lead automation projects from concept through commissioning. You will program PLC/HMI systems, design electrical controls, troubleshoot, and provide field support at customer facilities.

The role involves hands-on work with Rockwell and Siemens platforms, interfacing with customers and vendors, and traveling 25-35% for commissioning and startup. A BS in a related field plus proven PLC/HMI experience is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Hands-on experience with PLC and HMI programming
• Experience with Rockwell Automation, Siemens, or comparable industrial controls platforms
• Familiarity with controls hardware and electrical design fundamentals
• Experience working with industrial automation systems in manufacturing, material handling, process, or similar environments
• Ability to read and work with electrical schematics, I/O documentation, and controls drawings
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, vendors, engineers, and project stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage project priorities and documentation
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25-35% for commissioning and onsite project work
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship

Responsibilities

• Design, program, test, and commission PLC and HMI systems for industrial automation projects
• Develop PLC programs using Rockwell Automation, Siemens, or similar controls platforms
• Develop and configure HMI applications for manufacturing and process environments
• Support electrical controls design, including schematics, I/O mapping, and device integration
• Lead smaller automation projects while contributing to larger projects as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team
• Perform system startup, testing, troubleshooting, and production support at customer facilities
• Troubleshoot automation equipment, PLC logic, controls hardware, and field devices
• Interface directly with customers and vendors to gather requirements and resolve technical issues
• Support integration of robotics, motion control, safety systems, and other industrial automation technologies
• Create and maintain project documentation, including task lists, issue logs, and closeout reports
• Provide regular progress updates to project teams
• Travel to customer facilities for commissioning, startup, testing, and production support
• Support upgrades and modernization of existing manufacturing equipment and control systems

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Troubleshooting

Customer communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Rockwell Automation

Siemens

Job description

Engtal in Indianapolis, IN seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to lead automation projects from concept through commissioning. You will program PLC/HMI systems, design electrical controls, troubleshoot, and provide field support at customer facilities.

The role involves hands-on work with Rockwell and Siemens platforms, interfacing with customers and vendors, and traveling 25-35% for commissioning and startup. A BS in a related field plus proven PLC/HMI experience is required.