Senior Controls Engineer
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. · Nashville, TN · 1 wk ago
HybridFull-time
What You’ll Do
- Lead the design, programming, and commissioning of industrial and municipal control systems—integrating PLCs, HMIs/SCADA, instrumentation, and variable‑speed drives—while coordinating across disciplines and keeping projects on schedule, on budget, and aligned with client and code requirements.
- Assume responsible charge for controls projects within your experience and expertise; uphold SSR quality and safety standards.
- Design, install, and commission new control systems; execute modifications and upgrades; troubleshoot existing systems to restore performance.
- Apply strong knowledge of NFPA, NEC, UL, OSHA, ISA, NEMA, IEC, and ANSI as they pertain to industrial control panel design and installation.
- Review historical/trend data and prepare clear written reports that explain findings and recommended actions.
- Coordinate designs with other disciplines to determine equipment needs, develop operating procedures, and provide technical information.
- Attend meetings with owners, clients, contractors, and specialists; document decisions and action items.
- Lead and document job‑site visits to verify field conditions, take measurements, and observe installation progress.
- Coordinate with authorities, utilities, and municipalities to incorporate health/safety regulations and quality standards.
- Develop man‑hour budgets with the Project Manager; plan work to schedule/budget and provide regular updates.
- Assist with proactive QA/QC plans; review drawings, control narratives, IO lists, and test plans before issue.
- Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and clients to refine scope and cost; participate in proposals and client presentations.
- Coach and develop less‑experienced staff; assist technical leaders in designing/executing internal trainings; provide input during reviews.
- Engage in professional organizations and client groups to enhance SSR’s technical reputation; pursue continuous learning.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field from an ABET accredited college and eight years of experience in Automation and Control System Engineering.
- Licensed as a Professional Engineer.
- Extensive experience with multiple PLC systems (Rockwell Automation preferred).
- Extensive experience with multiple SCADA/HMI software packages (RA FactoryTalk, GE iFIX, and Schneider Wonderware preferred).
- Extensive experience with the specification and installation of variable speed drives.
- Extensive industrial experience in control system design, instrumentation, installation and troubleshooting, process control, and variable speed drives.
- Demonstrated a consistent ability to successfully manage projects and customers.
- Experience with AutoCAD or other relevant design tools preferred.
- Experience in food & beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and water/wastewater treatment preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook).
- Thorough knowledge of control system design and process instrumentation; DCS/PLC; SCADA/HMI packages; architectures and communication protocols.
- Thorough knowledge of installation and troubleshooting practices; ISA, NFPA, UL, NEC and related codes/standards.
- Knowledge of AutoCAD; ability to read drawings and coordinate multi‑discipline inputs.
- Technical writing and clear presentation skills; strong interpersonal skills and speech clarity.
- Detail‑oriented with sound judgment and decision‑making; organized documentation and follow‑through; ability to visualize design solutions.
What We Offer
- 100% Employee‑Owned – Ownership from day one with immediate ESOP vesting.
- Retirement Savings – 401(k) with immediate vesting and a generous company match.
- Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company‑funded HSA contributions for HDHP plans.
- Company‑Paid Protection – Life insurance, AD&D, and short and long term disability at no cost to you.
- Work‑Life Balance – Flexible schedules, paid parental leave, generous PTO, and paid company holidays.
- Career Growth – Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development support.