Sr. Controls Engineer

About the role

Shoals Technologies Group (NASDAQ: SHLS) is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design, program, and support the control systems behind our manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations to improve equipment reliability and throughput through strong controls and automation practices, and serves as a technical resource and mentor for controls-related work across the facility.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission control systems for new and existing manufacturing equipment, including PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networks.
• Lead controls engineering for new equipment installations and process automation projects from concept through startup.
• Develop and maintain PLC programs, HMI screens, and SCADA systems to support production and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex controls, automation, and electrical issues to minimize equipment downtime.
• Design and specify electrical control panels, wiring diagrams, and I/O architecture for new and upgraded equipment.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Maintenance to improve equipment reliability, throughput, and OEE through controls and automation improvements.
• Support integration of robotics, vision systems, and other advanced automation technologies into production lines.
• Develop and maintain controls standards, documentation, and best practices across the facility.
• Ensure controls designs meet applicable electrical and safety codes and standards (e.g., NEC, NFPA 70E, UL).
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action for recurring controls-related downtime and equipment issues.
• Support capital project planning and execution, including scoping, budgeting, and vendor coordination for controls and automation equipment.
• Provide technical mentorship and training to maintenance technicians and other engineers on controls systems.
• Maintain up-to-date electrical schematics, PLC backups, and controls documentation for all supported equipment.
• Participate in the specification and evaluation of new equipment, ensuring controls compatibility and standardization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical field required; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Strong hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs (Allen Bradley/Rockwell required; Siemens a plus).
• Experience developing and modifying HMI and SCADA applications.
• Strong knowledge of industrial electrical systems, including motor controls, VFDs, sensors, and industrial networks (e.g., Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet).
• Experience with robotics and vision system integration preferred.
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts.
• Knowledge of applicable electrical and safety codes and standards (NEC, NFPA 70E, UL) preferred.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to lead root cause investigations on complex equipment issues.
• Experience supporting capital projects, including scoping, vendor management, and startup/commissioning.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to train and mentor technicians and engineers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and CAD/electrical design software.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional second/third shift, weekends, or holidays, to support production needs.