Senior/Principal Controls Engineer

Senior/Principal Controls Engineer - Springfield, NJ

A growing automation systems integrator specialising in custom machine building and full systems integration is looking for a Senior/Principal Controls Engineer to anchor its engineering team in Springfield, NJ. This is a hands-on technical leadership position suited to an experienced professional who can take complex projects from concept to completion, shaping system architecture, leading the programming effort, and running commissioning, all while coaching less-experienced engineers and acting as a go-to technical advisor for customers. The successful candidate will bring deep practical expertise, sound decision-making when requirements are unclear, and the confidence to lead through influence within a lean, fast-paced team.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Act as lead engineer on complex, multi-disciplinary builds, owning key architecture decisions, setting the technical direction, and guiding engineers and technicians from initial concept through to commissioning.
• Advanced Programming: Design and build PLC, HMI, motion control, robotics, and vision applications across leading platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, FANUC, UR, Cognex, Keyence, and Beckhoff.
• Standards & Best Practice: Create and maintain engineering standards, reusable code libraries, and documentation templates that lift quality and consistency across the project portfolio.
• System Integration: Oversee the integration of control systems into existing manufacturing lines, coordinating mechanical, electrical, and software workstreams to deliver efficient, reliable, and maintainable solutions.
• Commissioning & Troubleshooting: Lead on-site start-up, system analysis, and advanced fault-finding, resolving the most difficult integration and performance challenges to keep equipment running at its best.
• Mentorship & Support: Guide junior and mid-level engineers, run design and code reviews, and provide expert support and training to internal teams, technicians, and customers.
• Project Execution: Manage project schedules, budgets, and vendor relationships, controlling scope and change orders to deliver on time and on budget.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure every project meets regulatory requirements and follows strict safety practices, including applicable UL 508A and industrial electrical safety standards.

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline is required.
• Experience: At least 8 years in controls engineering, ideally within industrial, manufacturing, systems integration, or custom machine-building settings, with a proven record of running projects independently from concept to commissioning.
• Technical Proficiency: Extensive, hands-on PLC programming and configuration skills. Rockwell platform experience is strongly preferred, with Siemens and/or Beckhoff proficiency also valued. A solid grounding in robotics, motion control, vision systems, sensor integration, and data acquisition is essential.
• BOM & Documentation: Expert-level handling of structured BOMs and full electrical drawing packages across the complete project lifecycle.
• Delivery Track Record: Consistent success delivering on time and on budget in a project-based or job-shop setting, including ownership of change-order processes.
• Small-Shop Mindset: Comfortable in a lean, self-directed environment, happy to wear multiple hats and take full ownership of outcomes. Previous experience with an integrator or custom machine builder is a strong advantage.
• Communication: Clear, direct communicator with internal teams, customers, and vendors, able to translate complex technical detail for different audiences.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary with annual bonus potential and a clear path toward career growth and technical leadership.
• A collaborative, low-bureaucracy culture where individual decisions carry real weight.
• Exposure to a wide range of industries and machine types, no two projects are alike.
• A team that takes pride in craftsmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Core Values

• Champion the Customer: Build genuine partnerships, do the right thing, and win as a team.
• Own It: Take accountability, work the problem, and drive results.
• Deliver Excellence: Take pride in the work, bring expertise, and sweat the details.
• Spark Innovation: Stay curious, embrace challenges, and keep growing.
• Stronger Together: Respect, support, and look out for one another.