Job at a glance
Job Title: Controls Engineer Job Description This hands-on Data & Control Systems Engineer role supports the integration, commissioning, activation, and operation of advanced industrial control and fluid process systems that enable critical launch infrastructure. The position focuses on bringing PLC-based systems online, validating performance, troubleshooting issues in the field, and ensuring that installed automation, instrumentation, and control systems operate as intended.
You will collaborate closely with controls engineers, technicians, operations teams, and vendors to deploy and support PLC-based control systems, SCADA platforms, instrumentation networks, and remote I/O architectures. This opportunity is well suited for an early-career engineer with 6–18 months of relevant experience who enjoys working directly with hardware and field operations in a highly technical, fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities Deploy, configure, activate, and commission PLC-based automation systems for advanced industrial and fluid process applications. Commission and validate PLC-to-SCADA communications and control functionality to ensure reliable system operation. Verify remote I/O networks, instrumentation channels, and system communications for accuracy and completeness. Perform startup, checkout, and troubleshooting activities for newly installed control and automation systems.
Support activation and operational readiness of critical infrastructure equipment associated with launch and process systems. Conduct field walkdowns to confirm that installations match engineering drawings, P&IDs, and design intent. Validate instrumentation readings, sensor signals, valve control functionality, and I/O channel assignments in the field. Troubleshoot field issues involving instrumentation, controls, automation, and electrical systems to restore proper operation.
Ensure systems are fully functional and meet performance requirements before turnover to operations teams. Support highly automated fluid handling and process control systems during commissioning and operation. Collaborate with vendors and installation teams during fabrication and construction activities to ensure proper integration of control systems. Answer technical questions and resolve integration issues throughout project execution and commissioning phases.
Review and verify incoming equipment, panels, instrumentation, and controls packages for compliance with specifications. Assist with technical acceptance testing and commissioning activities for industrial control and automation systems. Update and modify electrical drawings, control schematics, and system documentation to reflect as-built conditions. Interpret and review P&IDs, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and system layouts to support installation and troubleshooting.
Ensure documentation accurately reflects field installations, system changes, and continuous improvement efforts. Support continuous improvement of automation, controls, and data acquisition systems through feedback from field performance. Analyze system performance and operational data to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for optimization. Identify and resolve reliability, instrumentation, and controls issues to improve system uptime and performance.
Support a fast-paced manufacturing and operational environment where priorities can shift quickly and require flexible response. Essential Skills 6–18 months of relevant experience gained through internships, co-ops, research projects, engineering projects, or industry roles involving controls, automation, or industrial systems. Exposure to industrial automation, controls, or PLC-based systems in a commissioning, operations, or support capacity.
Strong electrical engineering fundamentals, including understanding of Ohm’s Law, power distribution basics, conductor sizing, breakers and fuses, and electrical troubleshooting principles. Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring dia