Senior Controls Engineer - S88

A well-established, 100% employee-owned engineering firm is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer for its Wilmington, MA office. This role requires demonstrated technical proficiency in implementing automation solutions with PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA platforms.

Primary Purpose:

The Senior Automation Engineer will interact directly with customers and lead a team of engineers in identifying requirements, developing specifications, and implementing, testing, commissioning, and qualifying automation solutions. This leadership position requires strong problem-solving abilities, methodical project management skills, well-balanced people skills, an aptitude for business efficiency, and an interest in fostering client partnerships. Success in this role is demonstrated by securing repeat work with both new and existing customers.

Major Responsibilities:

• Deliver innovative automation solutions and design standards, either independently or as a team leader.

• Conceptualize, detail, and implement control systems for industrial processes and machinery based on customer requirements.

• Develop control system architecture, select appropriate components, and create detailed schematic diagrams and system documentation.

• Program controllers (PLC, DCS, RTU) and process visualization (HMI/SCADA) while developing databases for archiving and displaying historical system data.

• Utilize controller programming languages such as Ladder, Sequential Function Chart, and Structured Text.

• Apply standard programming languages such as VBA, .NET, and SQL for HMI/SCADA development.

• Design, detail, and implement industrial networking solutions using fiber, wired, and wireless systems with industrial protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.).

• Oversee project management tasks, including project execution planning, budgeting, task prioritization, scheduling, financial tracking, conflict resolution, and team leadership.

• Manage projects up to $1M, ensuring overall profitability and operational success.

• Act as a technical lead on projects, guiding junior engineers and technicians, and serving as a project manager for smaller-scale initiatives.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Computer Science required.

Experience: (15+ years preferred)

• Extensive experience with PLC hardware/software platforms such as Rockwell Automation, Siemens, and Modicon.

• Strong understanding of HMI/SCADA platforms, including GE iFIX, Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View, Inductive Automation's Ignition, and Siemens.

• In-depth knowledge of DCS platforms such as Emerson DeltaV, Rockwell PlantPAx, or similar.

• Familiarity with electrical schematics, power distribution (under 480VAC), control panels, and NEC references.

• Experience with AutoCAD preferred.

• Proven ability to lead a team of engineers/technicians in delivering control system solutions.

• Experience mentoring and training less experienced engineers.

• Demonstrated success in managing automation design and implementation projects, particularly in the Life Sciences industry.

• Expertise in all phases of automation projects, including conceptual design, basis of design, implementation, testing, start-up, and commissioning of PCS, SCADA, and DCS systems in Life Sciences.

• Strong knowledge of S88 Batch standards.

• Familiarity with life science regulatory requirements such as cGMP and 21 CFR Part 11.

• Experience with GAMP5, System and Software Development Life Cycles, and validation processes.

• Strong knowledge of IT/OT networking and automation protocols (HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, OPC, Modbus TCP/IP, etc.).

• Experience with relational databases such as SQL and Oracle.

• Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to provide professional references from a subordinate, peer, and manager.

• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

This role offers the opportunity to work in a highly respected firm with a long-standing industry presence and recognition as a top systems integrator.