Senior Controls Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established (41 years) engineering companies in the United States. This position is based in Columbia, MD.

About the role

This role provides team leadership in delivering automation systems for a wide variety of industries. As a Sr. Controls Engineer, you will interact directly with customers and collaborate with Wunderlich-Malec engineers to identify requirements, develop specifications, and implement, test, commission, and qualify automation solutions. This is a technical leadership and implementation role requiring problem-solving ability, strong people skills, and an aptitude for business efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Deliver innovative automation solutions and design standards, either self-directed or as a technical lead of a team.
• Conceptualize, detail, and implement control systems for industrial processes that meet customer requirements, including:
  • Developing control system architecture and selecting components.
  • Detailing schematic diagrams and system documentation.
  • Programming controllers (PLC, DCS, RTU) using languages such as Ladder, Sequential Function Chart, and Structured Text.
  • Programming process visualization (HMI/SCADA).
  • Developing databases for archiving and displaying historical system data.
  • Implementing and commissioning control systems at client facilities.
• Develop HMI/SCADA systems using standard programming languages such as VBA, .NET, and SQL (preferred).
• Design, detail, and implement industrial networking systems (fiber, wired, and wireless) using protocols like Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus (preferred for larger systems).
• Manage projects, including:
  • Developing project execution plans, work breakdown structures, and budgets.
  • Task prioritization, scheduling, and ordering.
  • Time tracking, reporting, financial tracking, and ensuring project profitability.
  • Early problem identification, conflict management, and resolution.
  • Leading and supporting a team, attending project status meetings.
  • Overseeing daily operations and activities of projects up to $200k.
• Act as technical lead on projects, guiding lower-level engineers and technicians.
• Act as Project Manager on smaller projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical/Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Computer Science.
• Six to 15+ years of experience in the following areas:
  • Life Sciences industry experience.
  • In-depth understanding of PLC hardware/software platforms (e.g., Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Modicon).
  • In-depth understanding of HMI/SCADA hardware/software platforms (e.g., Iconics Genesis64, Wonderware System Platform, GE Cimplicity, GE iFIX, Rockwell Automation, Siemens).
  • Experience mentoring less experienced engineers.
  • Professional references, preferably one from each: a subordinate, a peer, and a manager.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Skills

• Technical proficiency in implementing automation solutions with PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA platforms.
• Problem-solving ability and well-balanced people skills.
• Interest in creating partnerships and improving business efficiency.
• Diverse engineering skillset with the ability to work independently.

Physical Demands

• Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear speech, and manual dexterity.
• Driving, lifting, ability to mount/dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.
• On-site office environment and diverse industrial environments.
• Frequent use of personal computers, fax/copy machines, and phones.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Basic and supplemental life and AD&D insurance.
• Long-term disability and voluntary short-term disability.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Health savings account.
• Paid time off (PTO) and 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.

Pay

The expected pay range is $115,000 - $160,000 based on experience and qualifications, plus a discretionary bonus and employee stock program.