Senior\-level Controls Engineer role supporting complex automation and system integration projects across manufacturing and entertainment environments. The team is targeting 8â10+ years of experience and is looking for someone who can operate independently, design systems from scratch, and support projects through startup and commissioning with minimal ramp\-up. This role is hands\-on and technical, blending PLC programming, electrical design awareness, and on\-site troubleshooting. Candidates with strong industrial automation fundamentals tend to be most successful.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Must be organized, technically competent, have effective oral and written communications, experienced in working in a multi\-disciplined environment and interfacing with engineers, designers, and drafters
- Responsible for system design from blank sheet of paper to create concept of electrical/control/system components based on project requirements
- Experience doing design via drafting software (AutoCAD preferred)
- Provide input, and system modification as needed, for system integration with other project disciplines
- Able to interface with facility design to optimize panel location minimizing voltage drop and designing a more efficient system hardware layout
- Manage vendor scope to verify safety, functionality, and all contract requirements are satisfied
- Ensures design complies with any local or government agency design/implementation codes in addition to client codes/standards
- Knowledge of analyzing system design for Hazard analysis development and mitigation
- Design and analysis for safety critical parts within a control system
- Designing redundant mitigations in system to increase safety and reliability
- Designing systems with complex motion and integration from automated systems
- Develops documents of system configuration and design. Documents include Description of operation, Detailed control system design description, panel assembly drawings and schematics, termination drawings, network layout, system implementation/acceptance test plans, system routine maintenance/job plans
- Able to perform the following system design calculations/analysis: Short circuit protection, harmonics, noise reduction / cancellation, power consumption, load flow, short circuit protection, protective relay / circuit design, ground fault monitoring, safety system implementation (SIL/PL rating knowledge is preferred)
- Designs, develops, and implements DCS/PLC control system (logic software) to meet process requirements. As well as the ability to understand and implement client design standards for software system
- Understanding of control system components and instrumentation to properly design software interface/control to achieve system functionality
- Develops documents detailing control/software configuration and design. Documents include: Theory/Description of operation, Detailed control system design description, Software design plan, Detailed software implementation/description, system implementation/acceptance test plans
- Knowledge of design, troubleshooting, and code implementation for the following programming languages: Ladder logic (required), C++ (preferred), visual basic (preferred), and structured text (required)
- Ability to perform processor loading calculations, scan time analysis, input/output response timing analysis, control system network delays analysis, and program task/code block priorities/timing management/interface
- Can design code that is efficient (not processor resource heavy) while maintaining a minimalist implementation to help facility future modifications and understanding by client post turnover. This includes providing any documentation and/or tools that will assist with program understanding and troubleshooting
- Ability to diagnose control system issues during troubleshooting to assist in determining root cause (trending, system analysis, test logic, etc.)
- Ability to minimize secondary faults from occurring within logic by programming âsmartâ diagnostics that can determine root cause and minimize further effects caused by initial fault
- Will assist with initial start\-up and debug integrated systems and the development of system documentation
- Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients in industries such as entertainment and manufacturing
- Will act as technical lead on projects and may guide lower level engineers, technicians, and contractors
- Knowledge of ride system design for attractions involving guests is preferred
- Capable of working âoffâ shifts as needed during installation/commissioning to support project
Nice to have:
Experience in safety\-critical or regulated environments (attractions, safety engineering, ASTM standards, SIL/PL concepts)
Ability to support or review panel layout and electrical design considerations
Familiarity with AutoCAD for controls or panel documentation
Exposure to multiple PLC programming languages beyond ladder logic (e.g., structured text)
Additional Information:
Location: Orlando, FL
Work Model: 100% onsite at client/project locations
Travel: Listed up to 30%, but typically closer to ~10% depending on project phase
Compensation: Experience\-driven; $110Kâ$140K base plus annual bonus and ESOP participation
Interview Process:
Recruiter phone screen
Technical interview (virtual)
Final technical interview (onsite)
Team Environment: Employee\-owned engineering firm with long\-term project stability and strong technical ownership culture
Benefits
Why This Role Is Attractive to Candidates:
The Client Company is a 100% employee\-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well\-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join our Client you become part of a company that is:
100% employee\-owned with 40+ years of industry history
ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm
Rated as a top System Integrator Giant
Benefits:
The Client is proud to offer a comprehensive employee\-owner benefit package. Full\-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits:
Medical ⢠Dental ⢠Vision ⢠Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D ⢠Long Term Disability ⢠Voluntary Short Term Disability ⢠Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts ⢠Health Savings Account ⢠Paid Time Off (PTO) ⢠Paid Holidays ⢠Tuition Reimbursement ⢠Referral Bonus Program ⢠401(k)/Profit Sharing ⢠100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) ⢠Employee Assistance Program ⢠Will Preparation Resources ⢠Worldwide Travel Assistance