Senior Controls Engineer

About the Role

IES is seeking a senior controls engineer to join our industrial controls and systems integration team. You will independently lead control system projects from scope development through installation and startup, manage customer relationships, and serve as a technical resource for the engineering team. Our projects include PLC and HMI systems, motor controls, industrial networks, robotics, and automated equipment across industries including manufacturing, automotive, pulp and paper ,chemical, food and beverage, and wood products. We are looking for someone who takes pride in reliable, well-documented work, solves problems methodically, and communicates clearly with customers and coworkers.

Responsibilities

• Project Leadership
• Lead control system projects, including scope, technical approach, budget, schedule, customer communication, installation coordination, and startup.
• Develop estimates, define hardware and software requirements, and identify project risks and scope changes.
• Design and review electrical control panels, schematics, PLC programs, HMI applications, and industrial networks.
• Technical Delivery and Team Development
• Lead commissioning and troubleshoot complex PLC, network, VFD, motor control, and servo system issues.
• Apply appropriate machine safety practices and coordinate safety requirements with the project team.
• Review engineering work, mentor less experienced engineers, and improve reusable programming and documentation standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, mechatronics, automation, or a related engineering discipline, with professional experience in controls engineering.
• 10 years of controls engineering experience with demonstrated independent delivery of industrialautomation projects.
• Experience developing and troubleshooting PLC programs, HMI applications, and control systemhardware.
• Working knowledge of industrial Ethernet networks, motor controls, variable frequency drives, andelectrical components.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical drawings and troubleshoot systems using 480 VACthree-phase, 120 VAC, and 24 VDC power.
• Demonstrated project leadership, estimating, customer communication, and mentoring skills.

Preferred Skills

• Preferred experience
• Rockwell Automation PLC and HMI platforms; GE/Emerson controls; EtherNet/IP and PROFINET; servo motion; machine safety; FANUC robotics; and systems integration across multiple customers or industries.

Required Skills

• Schedule and Travel
• Based at our Montgomery office and shop, with work at customer facilities as projects require.
• Approximately 25% travel. Installation and startup schedules may require overnight travel,extended hours, and weekend work.

Pay range and compensation package

• $120,000-$150,000 annual base salary, based on relevant experience and demonstrated capabilities.
• Additional pay at time and a half for designated project-related installation and startup overtime hours included in project budgets. Routine extended weekday hours are covered by the base salary.
• Medical and dental: IES pays 100% of employee-only premiums and 60% of premiums forspouse/dependent coverage. Coverage is available immediately for eligible employees.
• 401(k) with company match: 100% match on the first 3% contributed and 50% match on the next2%, for a maximum company match of 4%. Eligibility begins after six months.
• Paid time off: Two weeks initially, with additional time based on length of service.
• 10 paid holidays annually.
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance: Employee coverage equal to twice annual salary.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Life, AD&D, and disability benefits are available after 90 days of continuous employment.Benefits are subject to applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Why Join IES?

Work alongside experienced engineers on a variety of industrial automation projects, with involvement from design through startup. Use your technical judgment to lead projects, mentor engineers, and help improve how our team delivers control systems.