Senior Controls Engineer - PLC & Automation Leader

Alkar; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkar is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design and implement automation control systems, collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and field service to deliver reliable solutions.

You will lead projects from requirements through commissioning, program PLC and HMI on Rockwell platforms, review schematics and code for safety and maintainability, and mentor junior staff while supporting customer startups with travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing and programming industrial control systems for automated machinery, OEM equipment, or systems-integration projects.
• Proficiency with Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLC and HMI platforms; Siemens experience is a plus.
• Ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics and technical controls documentation.
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in an engineering-related discipline, or equivalent technical training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the controls scope for complex equipment projects from initial requirements and system architecture through programming, testing, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
• Design and program PLC and HMI applications using Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View.
• Define control strategies, documentation, and project deliverables.
• Serve as a senior technical resource for difficult troubleshooting, root-cause investigation, and resolution of controls issues in the factory, remotely, and at customer sites.
• Review electrical schematics, panel designs, controls documentation, and code for safety, accuracy, maintainability, and compliance with project requirements.
• Improve programming standards, reusable code, system architecture, version control, documentation, and commissioning practices across the Controls team.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to controls engineers, electrical designers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and field-service personnel.
• Support customer startups and commissioning, with travel generally limited to up to 10%.

Skills

Problem solving

Troubleshooting

Communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Safety & compliance

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in engineering

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI (FactoryTalk View)

Studio 5000

Siemens

Job description

Alkar is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design and implement automation control systems, collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and field service to deliver reliable solutions.

You will lead projects from requirements through commissioning, program PLC and HMI on Rockwell platforms, review schematics and code for safety and maintainability, and mentor junior staff while supporting customer startups with travel up to 10%.