Senior Controls Engineer, Machines

Johnson Controls; Burlington (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Controls is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer in Massachusetts to lead industrial automation and control system design from concept to commissioning. You will own cross-functional projects, specify hardware, write IO/state diagrams, and collaborate with vendors to deliver safe, high‑performing machines.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in automation, expertise with EtherCAT/Modbus, and proficiency in Python, C/C++, or PLC-based controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of industry experience with industrial automation and controls.
• Design & specification of servo control systems.
• Industry experience designing panel schematics, panel layouts, IO lists, and state flows.
• Experience in robotics, industrial machinery, or automation.
• Experience working with a range of automation vendors, systems and components.
• Experience using an industrial communication protocol such as Ethercat, OPC UA, CANOpen, or ModbusTCP.
• Experience with programming languages like Python, C/C++, C#, Java, and PLC based controls.
• Familiarity with relay logic for equipment and personnel safety interlocks.
• Experience with machine safety concepts and components.
• Comfortable making alterations and modifications to wiring in machines and control panels.
• Understanding of PID and other closed loop control theories for mechanical and thermal systems.
• Practical understanding of PID drawings.

Responsibilities

• Own cutting edge control systems that cover our entire process; from high speed laser cutting to precision hydraulic and temperature control.
• Specify and select hardware including real-time motion controllers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor drivers, supporting single and 3-phase AC power system components, and associated personnel and equipment safety interlocks.
• Work cross functionally to gather input from many different stakeholders across multiple systems. Write and maintain the IO lists, state diagrams, and specifications for all machines.
• Control and power cable design, generate run lists and make component selection.
• Work with 3rd party vendors to design, build, and troubleshoot systems.
• Contribute to failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and risk assessments.
• Work cross functionally to push the envelope of what is possible.
• Have a safety first mindset when designing control schemas.

Skills

5+ years of industry experience with工业

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience)

Tools

Solidworks Electrical

Vacuum systems

Hydraulic and pneumatic control systems

Job description

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.

Job Description

Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.

For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward.

Visit johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnsoncontrols on socialplatforms.

What You’ll Do

Thermal constraints limit AI infrastructure, semiconductor equipment, power electronics, and defense systems. JCI removes those constraints. Enabled by the Stack Forging™ process, JCI produces high-performance thermal components and cooling loop solutions — purpose-built for direct integration into AI, HPC, and mission-critical systems. JCI has built the industry's leading thermal management platform for the applications that demand it most.

As a Builder on the Stack Forging Thermal Solutions team at Johnson Controls, you'll join a team of sleeve-rollers who set a high bar for themselves and their co-workers. We foster a collaborative culture with no silos, where everyone is encouraged to think out loud. If you are passionate about your craft and don't give up until you've found a way, you will make an ideal Builder!

As a Senior Controls Engineer, you will work with an interdisciplinary team to design and implement the industrial controls systems for JCI Stack Forging machines. Strong communication, flexibility, and the desire to “wear many hats” will all be essential skills for any successful applicant. You have experience working with complex machines from concept to execution, solving tough engineering challenges along the way. You take full ownership of your projects, driving them forward independently while maintaining a strong sense of urgency. You know when to pivot, prioritize, and adapt to shifting demands to keep progress on track

Who You Are

You are a hands-on controls engineer who enjoys solving complex automation challenges and taking ownership of machine control systems from concept through commissioning. You have experience designing industrial control systems, motion control, and electrical hardware, and are comfortable working with cross-functional teams, vendors, and technicians to deliver reliable, safe, and high-performing equipment. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, apply a safety-first mindset to every design, and are driven to continuously improve machine performance through practical, innovative engineering solutions.

How You Will Do It

Own cutting edge control systems that cover our entire process; from high speed laser cutting to precision hydraulic and temperature control.

Specify and select hardware including real-time motion controllers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor drivers, supporting single and 3-phase AC power system components, and associated personnel and equipment safety interlocks.

Work cross functionally to gather input from many different stakeholders across multiple systems. Write and maintain the IO lists, state diagrams, and specifications for all machines.

Control and power cable design, generate run lists and make component selection.

Work with 3rd party vendors to design, build, and troubleshoot systems.

Contribute to failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and risk assessments.

Work cross functionally to push the envelope of what is possible.

Have a safety first mindset when designing control schemas.

What you’ll need

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience)


• 5+ years of industry experience with industrial automation and controls


• Design & specification of servo control systems


• Industry experience designing panel schematics, panel layouts, IO lists, and state flows


• Experience in robotics, industrial machinery, or automation


• Experience working with a range of automation vendors, systems and components


• Experience using an industrial communication protocol such as Ethercat, OPC UA, CANOpen, or ModbusTCP


• Experience with a programming languages like Python, C/C++, C#, Java, and PLC based controls.


• Familiarity with relay logic for equipment and personnel safety interlocks.


• Experience with machine safety concepts and components


• Comfortable making alterations and modifications to wiring in machines and control panels


• Understanding of PID and other closed loop control theories for mechanical and thermal systems


• Practical understanding of PID drawings

Preferred

• Proficiency with Solidworks Electrical.


• Experience with vacuum systems


• Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic control systems.


• Demonstrated proficiency in machine troubleshooting and repair

Export Control Requirement:

This position may require access to information, technology, technical data, software, or other items subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations. Any offer of employment for this position may be contingent upon the candidate's ability to obtain and maintain any required export authorization or eligibility to access controlled items.

HIRING SALARY RANGE:

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $90,000 - $130, 000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us