Senior Controls Engineer
About the role
The Senior Controls Engineer leads large web converting machinery projects and ensures successful execution of all project phases, from order intake through final site acceptance. This role combines advanced PLC, HMI/SCADA, and drive configuration expertise with close collaboration across engineering disciplines and direct customer interaction. The engineer also contributes to product standardization, software development, and mentoring and training junior staff, while helping modernize technology and introduce new automation solutions. The position is a Contract to Hire role based out of Paterson, NJ, with a hybrid work model allowing approximately 50–75% remote work combined with on‑site work for meetings, testing, installation, and start‑up activities.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the controls lead for large web converting machinery projects, taking ownership of controls-related activities from initial order intake through final site acceptance testing.
- Ensure the successful delivery of all phases of each project, including design, development, testing, commissioning, and customer handover.
- Attend and actively participate in customer meetings to gather requirements, clarify specifications, and provide technical guidance on controls solutions.
- Select appropriate electrical and automation components, including PLCs, drives, and related hardware, to meet performance, safety, and reliability requirements.
- Oversee the generation of complete and accurate electrical print packages and documentation for each project.
- Interface closely with Mechanical Engineering and other disciplines to integrate controls solutions with mechanical designs and overall machine functionality.
- Develop, program, and test PLC software, with a focus on Allen-Bradley platforms and GuardLogix safety systems.
- Design and implement HMI and SCADA applications to support machine operation, monitoring,