Senior Controls Engineer | PLC, DCS & SCADA Automation

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, implementation, and commissioning of industrial automation systems across a wide range of industries. This role requires deep technical expertise in PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA platforms, strong project leadership skills, and the ability to guide engineering teams through full project lifecycles.

The Senior Controls Engineer will work directly with customers, lead internal engineering teams, and ensure successful delivery of automation solutions up to $1M in scope. This is a senior technical and leadership role within the business unit.

No Visa Sponsorship | No Relocation Assistance

Location: Albuquerque, NM (Onsite – Must be local or have strong ties to Albuquerque)

Requirements:

Automation System Design & Implementation

• Develop databases for historical data archiving, visualization, and reporting.
• Develop control system architectures for industrial processes and machinery.
• Select hardware/software components and create detailed system documentation.
• Program PLC, DCS, RTU, and HMI/SCADA systems using: Ladder Logic, Sequential Function Chart (SFC), Structured Text, VBA, .NET, SQL for HMI/SCADA and data integration.
• Design and implement industrial networks (fiber, wired, wireless) using Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, and related protocols.

Commissioning & Field Work

• Perform field device and equipment troubleshooting.
• Ensure systems meet customer requirements and industry standards.
• Lead system testing, troubleshooting, startup, commissioning, and qualification at client sites.

Project Leadership

• Act as Project Manager on smaller projects.
• Serve as primary technical contact for customers.
• Oversee project financials and ensure profitability.
• Lead engineering teams of 3–10 members on automation projects.
• Manage project execution plans, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.

Technical Leadership & Mentoring

• Support development of reusable engineering tools and processes.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and mentorship to junior and mid‑level engineers.
• Establish design standards for graphics, alarming, scale‑up, and system templates.

Cross‑Industry Support

• Experience in one or more of the following industries is highly preferred: Semiconductor fabrication, Life Sciences, Building Automation, Food & Beverage, Oil & Gas, Mining or Water/Wastewater.

Qualifications/Must-Haves:

• Experience estimating jobs and developing project proposals.
• Onsite office environment with frequent visits to industrial facilities.
• Hands‑on work with control panels, field devices, and industrial equipment.
• Experience with DCS platforms (e.g., Emerson DeltaV) strongly preferred.
• Strong programming skills in Ladder, SFC, Structured Text, VBA, .NET, SQL.
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Computer Science (required)
• Advanced proficiency with PLC platforms: Rockwell Automation, Siemens, and Modicon.
• Advanced proficiency with HMI/SCADA platforms: ICONICS Genesis64, Wonderware ArchestrA System Platform, GE CIMPLICITY, GE iFIX, FactoryTalk View, Schneider, and Siemens.
• Requires ability to lift, climb, mount/dismount equipment, and work in diverse industrial settings.
• 10+ years of Controls Engineering experience, including full lifecycle automation project delivery.
• Experience designing electrical schematics, power distribution (<480VAC), and control panels.

Preferred Skills:

• AutoCAD experience.
• Professional references from a subordinate, peer, and manager.
• Experience with Power BI, Grafana, APIs, and web‑based data integrations.
• CAP, PE, or manufacturer‑specific certifications (Rockwell, Siemens) are a plus.
• Experience in large engineering firms or multi‑office environments (500+ employees)