Lead Controls Engineer - PLC

About the Role

The Lead Controls Engineer will play a pivotal role in leading a small team of 5 to 6 Engineers while contributing to the design, development, procurement, and operation of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems used in complex science and medical applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of distributed PLC control systems for advanced scientific and medical projects.
• Manage the specification, procurement, production, and installation of PLC systems.
• Oversee the commissioning, operation, and continuous enhancement of complex distributed control systems.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4+ years of hands-on experience designing, specifying, procuring, and installing distributed PLC systems from the ground up.
• Minimum of 2+ years of leading engineering teams in developing, programming, and installing PLC control systems.
• Proven ability to manage and document large, complex systems.
• Strong ability to present complex technical problems in simple, clear, and effective ways.
• Excellent analytical skills to identify and correct shortcomings in designs and proposals.
• Collaborative and self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Eagerness to learn and rapidly acquire knowledge of PLC systems and processes.
• Ability to stoop, bend, and lift/carry items up to 50 lbs.; capability to stand for extended periods.

Qualifications

Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline or 10+ years total of managerial or engineering equivalent. Preferred: 6+ years of PLC systems experience in a scientific or advanced industrial environment.

Skills

• Experience with distributed PLC control systems using Allen-Bradley ControlLogix or CompactLogix controllers and Ethernet/IP communications.
• Proficiency in planning and analyzing GuardLogix distributed safety systems.
• Expertise in HMI design using modern operator interface techniques (e.g., ISA-101).
• Competence in analyzing and documenting complex, high-value systems, including permits and interlocks.
• Knowledge of software quality standards, traceability, and versioning.
• Familiarity with common industrial networking systems and protocols.
• Proficient in Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View SE, data trending, and alarm handling systems.
• Skilled in modular programming techniques, including UDTs, AOIs, and programming languages such as LAD, SFC, ST, and FBD.
• Experienced with documentation tools (e.g., Confluence, Jira) and CAD software (e.g., E-Plan, AutoCAD).
• Knowledge of medical standards such as IEC61010 is advantageous.
• Experience with other PLC families and hardware platforms (e.g., NI PXIe, cRIO) is a plus.
• A strong interest in large-scale scientific or R&D projects is preferred.
• Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(K) with company match
• Paid vacation + sick time
• Companywide December holiday
• Wellness program
• Parental leave
• Payment rewards for referring talent, novel research, and patents
• Collaborative environment with ability to plug into different groups
• Pot