Controls Engineer

Job Title:

Controls Engineer Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, tests, and commissions advanced control systems for aerospace automation projects. This role supports full project lifecycle delivery, from initial software development through on-site installation and customer buy-off, directly impacting system performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction. You collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, and project teams to ensure precise, high-quality automation solutions that meet demanding timelines and technical requirements.

• Design, develop, and test control systems software, including PLC logic and HMI interfaces, for complex automation equipment.
• Program PLCs such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens from scratch, ensuring robust, maintainable, and safe control architectures.
• Configure and commission servo drives and CNC systems, including drive parameters, motion profiles, and integration with control platforms.
• Support system installation and commissioning at customer facilities, including troubleshooting, tuning, and final validation of equipment performance.
• Collaborate with engineering, design, manufacturing, and project management teams to define requirements, refine system specifications, and resolve technical issues.
• Participate in full project lifecycle activities, from concept and design reviews through factory acceptance, site installation, and customer buy-off.
• Ensure electrical power and distribution systems are properly integrated with control hardware and software, following relevant standards and best practices.
• Adapt to tight project timelines and evolving customer requirements while maintaining high levels of precision and quality during commissioning.
• Provide on-site technical support during startup, including diagnosing and resolving control system, drive, and CNC-related issues.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance system performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support project lifecycle management, documentation, and effective communication with stakeholders.
• Demonstrate proactive, detail-oriented work habits and strong interpersonal skills when interacting with customers and internal teams.

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in controls engineering or a closely related automation engineering role.
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming, including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and similar platforms, with the ability to program systems from scratch.
• Hands-on experience developing HMI applications and operator interfaces for industrial automation systems.
• Practical expertise in CNC programming and drive configuration, particularly within aerospace-related tooling or automation environments.
• Knowledge of electrical power and distribution systems as they relate to industrial control and automation equipment.
• Experience configuring and commissioning servo drives and motion control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to support on-site system installation, commissioning, and customer buy-off activities.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 30% domestically to customer facilities for commissioning and support.
• Background specifically in commissioning controls engineering, rather than solely plant controls or maintenance-focused roles.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex control system issues under time constraints.
• Proactive and detail-oriented approach to engineering tasks, documentation, and quality assurance.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills for working with cross-functional teams and customer stakeholders.

• Experience working in aerospace or defense manufacturing environments is highly beneficial.
• Exposure to simulation tools or advanced automation platforms used in complex manufacturing or tooling applications.
• Familiarity with project lifecycle management processes, including requirements definition, design reviews, testing, and acceptance.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams that include design, manufacturing, and project management…