Automation Architecture

Senior Controls Systems Engineer – PLC, Robotics & Industrial Automation | Wisconsin

Senior Controls Systems Engineer

📍 Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin
🏢 Work Model: Primarily Onsite (flexible when needed for appointments, illness, or extreme weather)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
💰 Base Salary: $105,000 – $120,000
✈️ Travel: Occasional (primarily day trips to nearby facilities)
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field preferred

Role Overview

A leading advanced manufacturing organization is seeking a Senior Controls Systems Engineer to join its Advanced Manufacturing team.

This role focuses on designing, implementing, and scaling automation and controls systems across manufacturing operations. The engineer will develop PLC programs that interact with robotics, conveyors, machine vision, MES systems, and other automated equipment.

This position plays a critical role in improving automation capability, production quality, and operational efficiency across manufacturing sites.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Controls Development

  • Design and implement automated and semi-automated control systems

  • Develop PLC code interacting with:

    • Conveyors

    • Industrial robots

    • Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

    • Machine vision systems

    • Third-party equipment

  • Build scalable and maintainable control architectures

Controls Engineering Leadership

  • Act as a subject matter expert for plant control systems

  • Mentor machine builders, automation vendors, and internal engineering teams

  • Lead technical direction for automation projects

Industrial Automation Programming

  • Architect, write, and debug PLC ladder logic and IPC software

  • Develop well-structured, documented, reusable code

  • Create intuitive HMI interfaces for complex manufacturing equipment

Manufacturing Automation Integration

  • Integrate controls with:

    • Robotics

    • Machine vision

    • Part tracking systems

    • MES platforms

  • Work with IT teams to connect manufacturing assets to enterprise networks

Machine Safety & Compliance

  • Implement safety systems compliant with:

    • ANSI

    • RIA

    • OSHA

  • Design and program safety PLC systems protecting robotics and automated equipment

Capital Equipment Development

  • Create RFQs/RFPs for automated equipment

  • Lead equipment design reviews and technical evaluations

  • Travel to supplier sites for:

    • Equipment validation

    • Factory acceptance testing

    • Build event support

Legacy System Modernization

  • Identify legacy control systems via risk assessment

  • Develop remediation strategies

  • Execute system upgrades and modernization initiatives

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline

  • 7+ years of experience with Rockwell Logix PLC platforms

  • Strong experience developing controls for automated manufacturing systems

  • Experience programming PLCs interacting with robotics, conveyors, and automated systems

  • Strong troubleshooting and debugging capability

Preferred Experience

  • Expert experience with:

    • Rockwell Logix platforms

    • GE RXi control systems

  • Experience designing controls hardware and OT infrastructure

  • Knowledge of industrial communication protocols

  • Experience designing automated manufacturing equipment specifications

  • Experience with:

    • OPC servers

    • Industrial historians

    • SCADA platforms

    • Industry 4.0 manufacturing systems

  • Experience integrating IoT platforms with factory equipment

  • Experience with SQL, Python, or Java

  • Familiarity with ERP platforms such as SAP

  • Experience with Fanuc robotics

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a hands-on automation expert who:

  • Has deep experience programming Rockwell / Allen-Bradley controls

  • Has led automation implementations in high-volume manufacturing

  • Can integrate robotics, MES, vision systems, and automated equipment

  • Is comfortable mentoring vendors and internal engineers

  • Can troubleshoot complex manufacturing systems under real production conditions

  • Has strong problem-solving, leadership, and technical communication skills

Key Skills

  • PLC Programming (Rockwell Logix)

  • Industrial Automation

  • Robotics Integration

  • Machine Safety Systems

  • SCADA / Industry 4.0

  • Industrial Networking

  • MES Integration

  • Controls Architecture

  • HMI Development

  • Automation Project Leadership

Benefits Overview

  • Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)

  • Retirement savings plan (401k)

  • Modern facility with onsite amenities

  • Employee engagement programs and events

  • Product discount programs

  • Strong culture focused on innovation and teamwork

 

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Senior DeltaV Controls Engineer | Life Sciences Automation | Raleigh, NC | $141K–$170K

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Senior DeltaV Controls Engineer

📍 Location: Raleigh, NC (Onsite)
💼 Employment Type: Full-time | Mid-Senior Level
💵 Compensation: $141,000 – $170,000 (based on experience)
🛂 Visa Sponsorship: Not available
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Not available
👤 Openings: 1

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior DeltaV Controls Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and management of large-scale automation projects within the Life Sciences industry. This position requires deep technical expertise in Emerson DeltaV systems, strong knowledge of cGMP-compliant solutions, and the ability to deliver projects through their full lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on technical leader with extensive experience in automation, industrial networking, and regulatory compliance, while also mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and implementation of DeltaV control systems for complex Life Sciences projects.

  • Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and resources to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

  • Design batch sequencing, phase logic, and recipe structures to optimize efficiency and compliance.

  • Develop DeltaV graphics using DeltaV Live and DeltaV Operate in alignment with ISA-101 guidelines.

  • Drive standardization with a class-based design approach across projects.

  • Specify, procure, and integrate instrumentation, hardware, and industrial networking solutions (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus, OPC UA).

  • Define and plan DeltaV licensing requirements for cost-effective, scalable system deployment.

  • Ensure compliance with GAMP5, cGMP, and 21 CFR Part 11 regulatory standards.

  • Manage Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).

  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and teams.

  • Collaborate with stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and clients to ensure project success.

  • Troubleshoot complex automation issues and implement continuous improvements.

  • Travel up to 25% for commissioning and on-site client engagement.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

  • 8–15 years of automation and control systems engineering experience, specifically in Life Sciences.

  • Extensive hands-on experience with Emerson DeltaV systems (DeltaV Live, DeltaV Operate).

  • Expertise in ISA-101 HMI design principles and ISA-88 batch processing.

  • Strong knowledge of industrial networking protocols (HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA, IO-Link).

  • Experience with cGMP, GAMP5, and regulatory compliance for Life Sciences manufacturing.

  • Familiarity with Rockwell Automation, Siemens PCS7, Ignition, or other DCS/SCADA systems (plus).

  • Strong leadership and communication skills, with experience leading multi-disciplinary teams.

Why Join

  • Work on mission-critical Life Sciences automation projects that directly impact biopharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.

  • Opportunity to lead full project lifecycles with ownership and accountability.

  • Be part of a collaborative, expert-driven team with continuous professional growth and development.

Key Skills

DeltaV | DeltaV Live | DeltaV Operate | ISA-101 | ISA-88 | Life Sciences | cGMP | GAMP5 | SCADA | DCS | OPC UA | Modbus | Profibus | Ethernet/IP | Batch Processing | Industrial Networking | Automation Engineering

 

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