Senior Controls Engineer - Industrial Automation Lead

EAD Corporations; Northfield (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

EAD is seeking a Staff Controls Engineer to lead design, programming, and commissioning of PLC and DCS-based control systems for industrial facilities. You will develop HMI/SCADA configurations, coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and process teams, and ensure work meets client expectations and budget constraints.

The role requires 7–10 years of controls experience, strong communication, field experience in active facilities, and the ability to mentor junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent combination of education, military service, training, and experience may also be considered.
• Staff: 7–10 years of controls engineering experience in industrial or manufacturing environments.
• Experience with PLC and/or DCS-based control system design, programming, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with HMI or SCADA programming and configuration.
• Experience performing field work including commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting in active industrial facilities.
• Experience working with multi-discipline project teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including the ability to interact effectively with clients, project teams, and field personnel.
• Ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, and deliver results within cost and schedule constraints.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC and DCS-based control systems for industrial and manufacturing facilities.
• Develop and configure HMI and SCADA applications to meet client and project requirements.
• Perform field activities including existing-condition verification, construction support, system checkout, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting.
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, process, and other project team members to ensure controls scope aligns with overall project design and intent.
• Prepare clear engineering deliverables including control system design documentation, specifications, instrument lists, and panel design input.
• Support proposals and estimates with technical input, hours estimates, and scope definition appropriate to level.
• Participate in and contribute to design reviews, quality checks, and lessons learned.
• Interface with clients, vendors, contractors, and construction teams professionally and effectively.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable codes and standards such as NEC, NFPA, UL, and ISA.

Skills

Controls engineering

PLC/DCS programming

HMI/SCADA programming

Field engineering

Client coordination

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs

SCADA software

Job description

EAD is seeking a Staff Controls Engineer to lead design, programming, and commissioning of PLC and DCS-based control systems for industrial facilities. You will develop HMI/SCADA configurations, coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and process teams, and ensure work meets client expectations and budget constraints.

The role requires 7–10 years of controls experience, strong communication, field experience in active facilities, and the ability to mentor junior engineers.