Controls Engineer

Senior Controls Engineer

Location: Arlington, TX

Compensation: Up to $175,000 Bonus

Industry: Custom Automation | Defense & Energetics

A leading custom automation manufacturer supporting the defense and energetics industries is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, programming, integration, and commissioning of complex turnkey production systems.

This is a high-impact role for a technical leader who can take ownership from concept through commissioning and client handoff.

Key Responsibilities

• Program and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix) using Studio 5000
• Develop ladder logic, structured text, and function block programs
• Design electrical control panels (schematics, layouts, BOMs) using AutoCAD Electrical
• Size/spec motors, drives, sensors, safety components, and motion systems
• Develop HMIs (PanelView or similar) and integrate SCADA systems (Ignition, FactoryTalk, etc.)
• Program and optimize industrial robots (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, etc.)
• Integrate PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and third-party equipment
• Implement industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, DeviceNet)
• Lead onsite commissioning, validation, and system troubleshooting
• Ensure compliance with UL 508A, NFPA 79, ISO 13849, ANSI/RIA, and DoD requirements
  
  

Travel: ~10% during design phases; up to 50% during commissioning.

Qualifications

• 10 years of industrial automation experience
• 5 years in large-scale custom automation projects
• Strong Allen-Bradley PLC programming expertise
• Hands-on robot programming experience
• HMI and SCADA development experience preferred
• Strong understanding of control panel design and machine safety standards
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field
  
  

What’s Offered

• Base salary up to $175,000 (DOE)
• Performance-based incentives
• 75% employer-paid medical coverage
• Dental, vision, life, and short-term disability
• 401(k) with immediate vesting
• Generous PTO
  
  

If you’re a senior-level controls engineer looking to lead complex, mission-critical automation builds, this is an opportunity to step into a true technical ownership role.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.