Senior Controls Engineer (Software)

Davis-Standard; Stonington (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Davis-Standard seeks an experienced Controls Engineer to lead and implement control system projects for polymer extrusion equipment. You will design architectures, develop PLC programs, and create HMI interfaces to optimize machine performance.

You will review electrical schematics, ensure compliance with NFPA 79/UL 508A, and collaborate with field teams during integration and commissioning. Travel up to 20% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related 4-year engineering discipline with 5-8 years of experience, or 2-year degree with 10 years of experience.
• Experience with PLC programming and industrial automation.
• Familiarity with NFPA 79 and UL 508A standards.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and teamwork abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and ensure timely and accurate completion of assigned engineering projects while maintaining contract requirements and quality standards.
• Design and review control system and industrial network architectures.
• Review electrical schematics for accuracy and compliance.
• Develop PLC programs using IEC 61131-3 languages for polymer extrusion control systems.
• Design and develop HMI applications for machine control and operator interface.
• Support ISO 9000 quality procedures and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support test and field service teams during integration, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
• Participate in project kickoff meetings and customer technical meetings.
• Provide technical support to internal teams and customers to ensure system performance.
• Occasional travel up to 20% for customer visits and startup activities.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Control networks

Documentation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

2-year degree + 10 years experience

Tools

Rockwell Logix Designer

Siemens TIA Portal

Yaskawa VFDs

Allen-Bradley PowerFlex

FactoryTalk View

AVEVA Edge

Job description

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and ensure timely and accurate completion of assigned engineering projects while maintaining contract requirements and quality standards.
• Design and review control system and industrial network architectures.
• Review electrical schematics developed by hardware engineers for accuracy and compliance.
• Develop PLC programs using IEC 61131-3 languages (ladder logic, function block diagrams, structured text) for polymer extrusion control systems.
• Design and develop HMI applications for machine control and operator interface.
• Support adherence to ISO 9000 quality system procedures and participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including EDR/EDS system enhancements.
• Support test and field service teams during integration, troubleshooting, shipment preparation, and commissioning activities.
• Participate in project kickoff meetings, engineering reviews, and customer technical meetings as required.
• Provide technical support to internal teams and customers to ensure successful system performance.
• Occasional travel (up to 20%) for customer visits, vendor coordination, and on-site startup/commissioning.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Controls and Electrical Engineering Manager.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related 4-year engineering discipline with 5-8 years of experience, or 2-year degree with 10 years of experience. Experience to be in controls engineering, industrial automation, or automated machinery design.
• Strong experience with PLC programming, including Rockwell Logix Designer and Siemens TIA Portal.
• Experience with VFDs, including Yaskawa and Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives.
• Extensive HMI/SCADA development experience using platforms such as Siemens, Rockwell FactoryTalk View ME/SE, Velotic iFIX, AVEVA InTouch, or AVEVA Edge.
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems networking.
• Experience with engineering documentation, version control, and code management practices.
• Familiarity with NFPA 79 and UL 508A standards.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Preferred

• Experience in OEM machinery, converting, or wire and cable industry environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in cross-functional engineering teams.
• Self-starter with ability to manage changing requirements and seek technical solutions independently.