Senior Controls Engineer - Mission Critical

LJC; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

A leading design and engineering firm based in Phoenix, Arizona, seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design and implementation of Building Management Systems for mission-critical projects. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in controls engineering, with strong expertise in PLC programming and SCADA systems. This role requires excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to mentor junior engineers. Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits package offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in controls engineering, at least 5 in mission-critical environments.
• Strong knowledge of industrial automation and power monitoring systems.
• Willingness to travel to project sites for commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of BMS and ICS.
• Integrate BMS, EPMS, and ICS into mission-critical environments.
• Conduct system testing and validation during commissioning.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA/HMI development

Control network architecture

Automation

Cybersecurity best practices

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Schneider

Ignition

Wonderware

Rockwell FactoryTalk

Job description

About LJC

LJC Design & Engineering is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a team of high-energy professionals who share a passion for design, a collaborative approach, and a casual culture. We solve challenges by leveraging the collective expertise and ingenuity of the best and brightest minds across development, design, and construction.

The Role We Want You For

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer – Mission Critical to lead the design, development, and implementation of Building Management Systems (BMS), Industrial Control Systems (ICS), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for mission-critical projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with automation, PLCs, control network architecture, and system integration in high-reliability environments such as data centers, pharmaceutical plants, and industrial facilities.

The Specifics of the Role

• Design, program, and commission automation and control systems for mission-critical projects.
• Develop PLC, HMI, and SCADA architectures to support complex facility operations.
• Integrate Building Management Systems (BMS), Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS), and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) into mission-critical environments.
• Perform network architecture design for control systems, including cybersecurity best practices.
• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, and IT teams to ensure seamless system integration.
• Conduct system testing, validation, and troubleshooting during commissioning and operational phases.
• Manage vendor and subcontractor relationships to ensure control systems meet performance specifications.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in automation, IoT, and AI-driven control systems to enhance operational efficiency and resilience.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and contribute to knowledge-sharing within the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in controls engineering, with at least 5 years in mission-critical environments (data centers, pharma, advanced manufacturing, etc.).
• Expertise in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, etc.), SCADA/HMI development (Ignition, Wonderware, Rockwell FactoryTalk, etc.), and network communication protocols (Modbus, BACnet, OPC, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of power monitoring systems (EPMS), industrial automation, and cybersecurity best practices for control systems.
• Experience with programming and configuring automation platforms for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
• Familiarity with NFPA, ISA, NIST, and industry standards related to automation and control in mission-critical environments.
• Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed for commissioning and system validation.

Some Things You Should Know

• No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
• The pace is fast!
• This position is classified as a safety-sensitive role in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Candidates selected for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check, which includes mandatory drug testing.

Why Clayco?

• 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
• 2025 ENR Midwest – Midwest Contractor (#1).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
• 2025 ENR Top 25 Data Center Builders - Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.