Senior Electrical & Controls Engineer – PLC, Automation, Capital Projects | Hybrid USA (Travel Required)

Senior Electrical & Controls Engineer

📍 Location: Multiple U.S. Locations (must be near a manufacturing site)
🏠 Work Model: Hybrid (flexibility when not traveling)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering required
📈 Experience Level: Mid-Senior
🕒 Experience Required: 5–7+ years
✈️ Travel: 50–75% (North America)
🌎 Visa Sponsorship: Not available
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Possible

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Electrical & Controls Engineer to lead and support capital projects across multiple manufacturing facilities.

This role is responsible for delivering end-to-end electrical and control systems engineering, from concept and design through installation, commissioning, and handover. You will play a key role in executing large-scale industrial projects and ensuring systems are safe, efficient, and aligned with operational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Capital Project Delivery

• Lead electrical and controls engineering for capital projects ($1M–$15M range)

• Develop:

• Scope documents

• Engineering designs and calculations

• Cost estimates and schedules

• Technical specifications

• Manage projects from concept through execution, commissioning, and handover

Electrical & Controls Engineering

• Design and implement:

• Power distribution systems

• Control systems and automation solutions

• Specify and source equipment such as:

• Switchgear, transformers, MCCs

• Drives, PLCs, HMIs, relays, circuit breakers

• Perform electrical system analysis and calculations

• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety requirements

Project & Contractor Management

• Lead and coordinate:

• External engineering consultants

• Vendors and suppliers

• Installation contractors

• Manage procurement lifecycle from RFQs to installation and warranty support

• Oversee commissioning, startup, and training for plant teams

• Manage change control (MOC) processes

Safety & Compliance

• Apply and promote NFPA 70E electrical safety standards

• Lead safety initiatives related to electrical and control systems

• Ensure all systems meet required regulatory and operational standards

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with:

• Operations

• Maintenance

• Engineering teams

• Procurement and project management

• Provide subject matter expertise (SME) on electrical and controls systems

• Support both plant-level projects and enterprise initiatives

Project Ownership (Controls-Focused Projects)

• Take full ownership of smaller projects (typically <$5M)

• Act as Electrical & Controls Lead on larger initiatives

• Manage:

• Budgets and forecasts

• Schedules and deliverables

• Stakeholder communication

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

• 5+ years of experience in controls/electrical engineering within manufacturing

• Strong experience with:

• Control systems and automation technologies

• Electrical system design

• Hands-on expertise with:

• Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs (including programming)

• Proficiency in AutoCAD

• Demonstrated experience managing capital projects ($500K–$2M+)

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with:

• 480V and 4160V power distribution systems

• MCCs, switchgear, and industrial power systems

• Background in continuous and/or discrete manufacturing environments

• Experience managing multi-site or large-scale industrial projects

Key Competencies

• Strong project management and execution skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams

• High level of initiative and ownership

• Strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will:

• Have strong experience delivering electrical and controls projects in manufacturing environments

• Be comfortable acting as both:

• Technical expert (E&C lead)

• Project owner (for smaller projects)

• Thrive in a hands-on, plant-facing role

• Be capable of managing complex, multi-site capital projects

• Be open to frequent travel (50–75%)

Screening Questions

• Do you hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering?

• Do you have project engineering or project management experience?

• Are you open to travel (40–60%+)?

Additional Information

• This role supports a high volume of active and upcoming capital projects

• Acts as a critical technical resource across multiple manufacturing facilities

• Opportunity to lead impactful projects driving operational performance and growth

Senior Automation Engineer – Robotics & Control Systems | Buffalo, NY

Job Title: Senior Automation Engineer
Location: Buffalo, New York, United States
Work Schedule: Onsite
Salary Range: $125,000 - $165,000 annually
Employment Type: Full-time
Relocation Assistance: Yes
Travel Requirement: Occasionally

Job Summary:

The Senior Automation Engineer will be responsible for scoping, designing, developing, and supporting cost-effective automated manufacturing cells and other automation systems. These systems may include robotics, machine tending, material handling, RFID systems, automated assembly, and other automation technologies to enhance manufacturing operations.

This role requires expertise in industrial robotics programming and integration, CNC machine tool tending, control system software, and PLC programming. Experience with SCADA, enterprise system interfaces, and platforms such as Ignition, Fanuc, and Rockwell Automation is highly desired. The selected candidate will lead and manage a team of 3-8 engineers and collaborate across engineering and operations teams.

Responsibilities:

• Identify, develop, and implement automation solutions to optimize efficiency and increase production throughput.

• Oversee automation capital equipment specification and procurement, balancing technological capabilities and return on investment.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external automation integrators to address project requirements.

• Standardize automated systems and equipment, including hardware/software specifications and safety standards.

• Lead manufacturing improvement initiatives involving automation components such as RFID systems, vision systems, and robotics.

• Provide support and ongoing development for existing automation projects.

• Diagnose and troubleshoot automation-related software and hardware issues.

• Implement automation solutions while minimizing disruption to production operations.

• Provide leadership and technical guidance to a team of automation engineers.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field with a focus on control engineering.

• 10+ years of experience in automation and control systems. Aerospace and lean manufacturing experience is a plus.

• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, software, electronics, and electromechanical automation technologies.

• Solid understanding of computer programming and software development for control systems.

• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex equipment issues.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work with cross-functional teams.

• Ability to work under pressure and deliver results within deadlines.

• Adaptability to manage change in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

Additional Information:

• This position requires access to U.S. export-controlled information.

• U.S. work authorization required; visa sponsorship is not available.

• Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.