Sr Controls Engineer

CSX Corporation; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

CSX Corporation seeks a Sr Controls Engineer to design and execute electro‑mechanical control projects at export terminals and maintenance shops, spanning power distribution, conveyors, rail unloading, and automated lines.

You will lead cross‑functional teams, manage budgets and schedules, perform root‑cause analysis, maintain documentation, and ensure CSX safety standards while advancing reliability and performance of complex systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or 4-year degree in engineering or related technical field with 3+ years managing machine or system projects.
• Experience with machine/system control philosophy and power distribution, especially medium voltage.
• Familiarity with vendor management and safety/compliance standards (NFPA/NEC/OSHA).

Responsibilities

• Design and execute projects to improve reliability of equipment at export terminals and maintenance shops.
• Perform root cause analysis to reduce mean time to repair and mean time between failures.
• Develop and maintain tools for troubleshooting, labeling, SOPs, and training.
• Maintain backups of software and parameters (PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, SCADA, networks).
• Assess power distribution systems and oversee improvements.
• Develop scopes, budgets, schedules, and resource plans for projects.
• Lead teams, ensure quality oversight, and manage expenses and invoices.
• Uphold safety and CSX standards during project execution.

Skills

Electro‑mechanical controls

Power distribution systems

Vendor management

Safety regulations

Project leadership

Microsoft Office

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Associate's degree + 5+ years experience

Tools

Allen Bradley PLCs

SCADA

HMI

Job description

Job Summary

The Sr Controls Engineer will collaborate with both internal and external teams to ensure smooth operations, enhance efficiencies, and implement cutting‑edge technologies at export terminals and rolling stock maintenance facilities. This role covers a wide range of industrial equipment, including power distribution, conveyor systems, rail car unloading, marine vessel loading, automated production lines, and more.

The position offers competitive pay with an annual bonus and a monthly geographic stipend.

Primary Activities and Responsibilities

• Design and execute projects focused on improving the capability and reliability of equipment at export terminals and maintenance shops, with a strong focus on electro‑mechanical controls

• Work with operations and maintenance teams to track equipment downtime issues and perform root cause analysis. Prioritize and implement changes to reduce the mean time to repair and increase the mean time between repairs on equipment.

• Build and maintain a system of tools to aid operations in troubleshooting including electrical prints, equipment and hardware labeling, training for team members, SOPs, etc.

• Maintain backups of equipment software and parameters including PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, SCADA, network switches, etc. as well as change management and communication to the team during equipment modifications.

• Assess reliability and oversee improvements to power distribution systems including 13.8kV primary and 5kV machine power

• Use engineering principles to identify performance indicators and optimize integrated systems involving personnel, processes, equipment, and infrastructure.

• Develop project scopes, establish budgets, create schedules, and determine resource needs for efficient project completion.

• Lead teams to successfully execute projects, ensuring quality oversight and approving expenses and invoices.

• Maintain safety and quality standards throughout project execution.

• Perform miscellaneous tasks and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or 4-year degree in engineering or other technical discipline, with 3+ years of experience managing machine or system engineering projects.

• Experience with machine/system control philosophy and power distribution, particularly medium voltage systems.

• Familiarity with vendor and supplier management.

• Understanding of industrial safety systems and compliance regulations (NFPA/NEC/OSHA, etc.).

• Equivalent Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's or 2-year degree with 5+ years of experience, or completed training from a military or STEM trade school.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate Degree or higher in Engineering, or a STEM related field.

• 7+ years of experience in machine or system engineering projects.

• Knowledge of Allen Bradley PLCs is highly desirable.

• 5+ years of supervisory experience in Mechanical Operations, Transportation, Logistics, Rail Operations, Business/Strategic Management, Skilled Trades (building/construction, electrical, mechanical), or the Military

Knowledge and Skills

• Proven expertise in managing projects involving electro‑mechanical controls, power systems, with structural and civil elements.

• Ability to provide technical support and guidance to field maintenance teams.

• Strong understanding of CSX standards, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to interpret design drawings and specifications and create detailed project estimates.

• Experience in developing AFE packages, including reason and benefit statements.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and strong time‑management skills to manage multiple projects.

• Strong financial acumen to manage project budgets and resources effectively.

• Implement work within designated budget and operational parameters

• Develop and coach others with accountability for the safety and performance of others

Leadership

The CSX Leadership Model is the foundation of our Talent Strategy and is what drives CSX performance. CSX accordingly selects and develops talent based on each of the following: producing results, creating change, and inspiring excellence.

Job Requirements

• May be required to complete a background check

• Work hours may vary in length and schedule (may include a non‑standard work week)

• Work outside in all weather conditions

• Work at elevated heights