Senior Controls Engineer

Position Purpose

TAIT is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and commissioning of advanced automation, motion control, and show control systems for large-scale live entertainment and themed environments.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the design of control system architectures for complex, distributed automation systems
• Develop and program PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff) and advanced HMI/SCADA interfaces
• Own full project lifecycle execution: design → integration → commissioning → handover
• Perform and guide system commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and on-site startup
• Create and review technical documentation (control narratives, FDS, I/O lists, test procedures)
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across projects
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, AVL, creative, PMs)
• Represent TAIT in customer-facing environments, ensuring high-quality delivery

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technical Theater, or equivalent experience
• 7+ years of experience in controls engineering / industrial automation
• PLC programming (Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block, SFC)
• Strong hands-on experience with: HMI/SCADA systems (FactoryTalk, Ignition, WinCC, etc.)
• Proven experience leading or owning projects through commissioning and delivery
• Experience with system integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, OPC-UA)
• Experience with motion control systems (servo drives, closed-loop control, robotics)
• Experience with large-scale or distributed control systems
• Strong knowledge of functional safety standards (ISO 13849, IEC 62061, ISO 12100, TÜV)
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley Studio 5000
• Exposure to TAIT Navigator or similar show control platforms preferred

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While the role does not require regular lifting or physical exertion, it frequently requires working in a shop or construction environment, and will frequently require the employee to walk, bend, climb, push, pull, twist, squat, stoop, and kneel.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions.
• Must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work within or visit areas where required.

TAIT Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions (HDHP plans)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Dependent Care)
• Employer-paid life insurance with optional supplemental coverage
• Employer-paid Short-term with optional long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid vacation and 12 holidays

TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.