Senior Controls Engineer, Machines
Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education. For over 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it matters most. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services, and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance and help move society forward.
About the Role
Thermal constraints limit AI infrastructure, semiconductor equipment, power electronics, and defense systems. Johnson Controls removes those constraints through the Stack Forging™ process, producing high-performance thermal components and cooling loop solutions purpose-built for direct integration into AI, HPC, and mission-critical systems. As a Builder on the Stack Forging Thermal Solutions team, you'll join a collaborative, high-bar team where everyone is encouraged to think out loud and solve tough engineering challenges.
As a Senior Controls Engineer, you will design and implement industrial control systems for Stack Forging machines, working with an interdisciplinary team from concept to execution. Strong communication, flexibility, and the ability to "wear many hats" are essential. You will take full ownership of projects, driving them forward independently while adapting to shifting demands.
Responsibilities
- Own cutting-edge control systems covering the entire Stack Forging process, including high-speed laser cutting, precision hydraulic, and temperature control.
- Specify and select hardware such as real-time motion controllers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor drivers, AC power system components, and safety interlocks.
- Work cross-functionally to gather input from stakeholders across multiple systems.
- Write and maintain IO lists, state diagrams, and specifications for all machines.
- Design control and power cabling, generate run lists, and select components.
- Collaborate with 3rd party vendors to design, build, and troubleshoot systems.
- Contribute to failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and risk assessments.
- Push the envelope of what is possible through innovative engineering solutions.
- Maintain a safety-first mindset in all control schema designs.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of industry experience with industrial automation and controls.
- Design and specification of servo control systems.
- Experience designing panel schematics, panel layouts, IO lists, and state flows.
- Experience in robotics, industrial machinery, or automation.
- Experience working with a range of automation vendors, systems, and components.
- Experience using industrial communication protocols such as Ethercat, OPC UA, CANOpen, or ModbusTCP.
- Proficiency in programming languages like Python, C/C++, C#, Java, and PLC-based controls.
- Familiarity with relay logic for equipment and personnel safety interlocks.
- Experience with machine safety concepts and components.
- Comfortable making alterations and modifications to wiring in machines and control panels.
- Understanding of PID and other closed-loop control theories for mechanical and thermal systems.
- Practical understanding of P&ID drawings.
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiency with Solidworks Electrical.
- Experience with vacuum systems.
- Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic control systems.
- Demonstrated proficiency in machine troubleshooting and repair.
This position may require access to information, technology, or technical data subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations. Employment may be contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required export authorization or eligibility.
Pay
Hiring salary range: $90,000 - $130,000. Compensation will be determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills, internal equity, and market alignment.
Benefits
This position includes a competitive benefits package.