Controls Engineer

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Priority deadline for applications is April 17, 2026. Due to the volume of incoming applications, the role may be closed earlier than April 17, 2026.

Job Summary:

Under limited supervision, maintain and troubleshoot existing controls system, including panels, PLC Programs, HMIs  and SCADA Front End, for the Monterey Bay Aquarium and aquarium buildings; design, program, build, install, check-out, and operate new controls systems for new exhibits or upgrades to existing systems; troubleshoot various communications networks, including TCP/IP, (TCP) ModBus, BacNet, and WIFI; respond to alarms or calls from staff related to the life support controls system, HVAC and lighting, both during and outside of work hours, as needed; perform other duties as required.

Core Activities:

• Troubleshoot control systems wiring, PLC / SCADA logic, PLCs, and calibrations, both for issues detected internally or in response to alarms or calls from other staff.


• Design code for new control systems and PLCs for life support automation, alarm functions, HVAC programs, and other building system automations.


• Design controls sequence of operations for new exhibits or for upgrades to existing life support or facility systems.


• Design and install PLC panels, wiring, sensors, transducers, and all other aspects of exhibit control systems, working closely with other stakeholders in life support, instrumentation, facilities maintenance, and animal care to prioritize work.


• Validate new control systems and PLCs to ensure functions operate according to guidelines.


• Provide technical direction for design and installation of controls and electrical infrastructure for new exhibits and systems, including equipment specifications/quotes/purchases.


• Draw SCADA diagrammatic screens, diagrams, and trending capabilities for aquarium life support and facility systems for new systems or as edits to existing diagrams.


• Produce piping and instrument (P&ID) drawings, wiring diagrams, and other schematic drawings for new systems using tools such as AutoCAD.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automated controls, or manufacturing. Masters preferred.


• 5+ years of PLC Programming and systems maintenance using Rockwell software RSLogix 500.


• 2 years experience with SCADA front end platforms


• Experience developing databases, graphics, events in FactoryTalk View


• Experience working with aquarium or zoo life support systems


• Experience using AutoCad


• Experience building PLC panels


• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills


• Excellent communication skills


• Advanced working knowledge of on-line troubleshooting/editing/programming of operational PLCs


• Advanced knowledge of electrical work and instrumentation


• Ability to be on-call off hours for emergencies and alarms


• Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

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  Typical office equipment, lock out tag out, electrical equipment, small tools for PLC and electrical work, hand and small power tools, computers

  
  


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  Sitting, periodic standing, periodic walking, climb stairs and ladders, reaching, detailed electrical and panel work while standing or stooping

  
  


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  Occasional unassisted lifting up to 30 lbs

  
  


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  Typical office environment, service areas, construction sites, mechanical spaces, main aquarium, ARCC, electrical rooms

  
  

Annual Compensation Range:

$96,300-$123,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.