Senior Controls Engineer

States Manufacturing Corporation; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Virginia is seeking a Controls Engineer to design and develop PLC and HMI programs for their products. You will be responsible for overseeing projects, ensuring they meet quality standards, and providing technical support. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in control systems and automation, strong problem-solving skills, and a bachelor's degree in engineering. Opportunities for local travel may be required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience with a focus on control systems.
• Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus).
• Experience with PLC and HMI programming platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and support programming for control systems.
• Review customer requirements and project specifications.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to resolve issues.
• Provide field support for technical and commercial needs.

Skills

Control systems design

Automation technologies

PLC programming

HMI programming

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to oversee and lead the development of PLC and HMI programs for safe, effective, and efficient operation of Forgent products and processes while meeting and exceeding company quality and production standards and customer documentation and delivery requirements.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and support programming for control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and related devices, ensuring projects remain on schedule and within budget in a fast-paced engineering environment.
• Review and interpret customer requirements and project specifications, providing clear guidance to engineering and design teams.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve design, quality, and manufacturing issues, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop training materials, documentation, procedures, and work instructions to support the growth and capability of engineering and technical teams.
• Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and emerging products to support ongoing product development efforts.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, suppliers, vendors, and external partners.
• Provide field support for technical and commercial needs, with occasional local and limited domestic travel as required.
• Follow all company safety policies, quality standards, and housekeeping procedures.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or related technical discipline (or equivalent technical training and experience)
• 5+ years of engineering experience with a focus on control systems, automation, or related technologies
• Working knowledge of common industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Ethernet-based protocols, etc.)
• Ability to coordinate and manage technical aspects of customer projects
• Experience preparing technical proposals or supporting product/project cost estimates
• Strong relationship-building skills with customers, suppliers, and internal teams
• Proficiency with standard business software (Microsoft Office Suite)
• Hands-on experience with PLC and HMI programming platforms
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with SCADA systems or system integration tools
• Familiarity with utility, power, or industrial software tools or configuration platforms
• Experience with protective relays, automation devices, or related configuration software
• Broad understanding of electrical, mechanical, and software design principles
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines
• Experience in industries such as renewable energy, energy storage, data centers, or emerging power technologies is a plus