What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Automation/Controls Engineer position at Control Systems Design?
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Automation / Controls Engineer responsible for developing, integrating, and commissioning PLC/HMI control systems. This role involves working from project drawings, schematics, and standards to ensure full system functionality across instrumentation, industrial networks, and third-party equipment. The position also supports field installation, startup, and ongoing system performance. The ideal candidate is an independent contractor with qualified company in Florida, general and auto liability insurance.
Hourly rate will be based on experience.
Work Location: Onsite in the south central Florida area, with future remote work upon qualification
Duties
- Interpret schematics, electrical drawings, and P&IDs for control system design
- Develop PLC programs across major platforms based on project requirements
- Design and configure HMI/SCADA systems aligned with PLC logic
- Contribute to the development and enforcement of automation standards
- Review vendor and subcontractor submittals for compatibility and accuracy
- Integrate control systems with instrumentation (hardwired and Ethernet-based)
- Configure and troubleshoot industrial Ethernet networks and communication systems
- Perform instrument setup, calibration, loop checks, and diagnostics
- Support onsite startup, commissioning, and system troubleshooting
- Resolve issues related to system design, logic flow, communications, and field devices
- Provide technical guidance and support to team members
Qualifications
- Engineering degree with 10 years of experience in automation, or non-degreed professional with 20 years of relevant experience
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation
- Proficiency in PLC programming and HMI/SCADA configuration
- Strong knowledge of industrial instrumentation and device integration
- Experience reviewing submittals and integrating third-party equipment
- Working knowledge of industrial Ethernet configuration and troubleshooting
- Field experience in commissioning, testing, and problem resolution
- Competency in instrument calibration and diagnosing control system issues
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP)
- Background in system startup, field service, and commissioning roles
- Ability to develop and maintain automation/control standards
- Familiarity with instrument diagnostics tools and calibration software
- Understanding of industrial cybersecurity and OT environments
- Experience with historians, data trending, and reporting systems
Skills
- Siemens/CTI PLCs
- Rockwell PLCs
- Proficy IFIX HMI
- VTScada HMI
Work Location: On the road