What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Controls Engineer position at Vacuum Technology?
Senior Controls Engineer
Dynavac—a leader in high‑vacuum process equipment— is in search of a highly skilled Senior Electrical Controls Engineer to join our team in Hingham, MA (south of Boston). The right candidate will have an integral role in the design, test and installation of High Vacuum Chambers. You will have proven programming skills with PLC controllers; demonstrable HMI programming experience; extensive knowledge of the National Electrical Code; excellent project management and trouble shooting skills; a relevant bachelor's degree and at least seven years of experience. While some work may be done remotely there are on-site duties that require attendance at our Massachusetts location and at customer sites. Up to 25% travel is required.
Salary range: $120,000 to $135,000, based on experience.
About Dynavac:
Dynavac is a leading engineering and manufacturing company with headquarters in Hingham MA. We specialize in custom high‑vacuum process equipment for applications including space simulation testing, thin‑film coatings, and other precision processes. Our systems combine advanced technologies in pressure vessel design, material handling, automation, and integrated control systems.
Position Overview:
The Senior Controls Engineer will lead the design, implementation, and testing of advanced control systems for high‑value thin film deposition, vacuum process, and thermal vacuum equipment. This role develops detailed functional specifications, oversees system integration and acceptance testing, and produces comprehensive engineering documentation and user manuals. The position requires strong PLC and HMI programming expertise, hands‑on troubleshooting skills, and the ability to support customers both on‑site and remotely. Regular domestic and international travel is expected, along with the capability to manage complex projects, maintain software archives, and contribute technical insight to system upgrades and performance improvements.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Develop process functional design specifications that detail control strategy and sequence of operations.
- Taking lead on projects where the engineer has designed, implemented and testing code on systems in excess of $5 million.
- Regular travel, both in the United States and abroad, is required.
- Document engineering design by recording electric controls engineering design features, functions, operational requirements, and warnings; specifying operational training; detailing safety and support requirements and operating procedures.
- Preform system integration (I/O checkout, testing performance, meeting customer expectations).
- Produce documentation of user manuals based on control concepts of the system.
- Maintain and organize software backups from systems either in production or at customer facilities.
- Preform Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT) with customers to meet their expectations.
- Preform on-site upgrades to existing systems at customer facilities.
- Produce redlines of system fault and flaws.
- Support customer problems remotely (diagnostics and upgrade implementation)
- Knowledge of Thin Film Deposition practices and techniques
COMPETENCIES
- Proven understanding of common vacuum techniques and practices
- Proficient programming skills with PLC controllers (Allen Bradley)
- Proficient HMI programming experience with Labview and one other HMI software (Wonderware, FactoryTalk SE/ME, Advantech etc.)
- Excellent project management skills and ability to multi-task
- Excellent troubleshooting skills with software and hardware
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with customers and co-workers
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION & SKILLS
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of related experience.
- Proficiency in MS Office products.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
None
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Standard office environment with occasional travel to customer sites for evaluations
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $120,000 to $135,000, based on experience
- Excellent benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, retirement plan, paid time off, and more
- Opportunities to work on innovative, custom-engineered equipment used by leading aerospace and technology organizations
- Collaborative culture with a focus on professional growth and technical excellence
This position involves work in a professional office environment, active manufacturing areas, and customer facilities.
External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act must be able to perform the essential job functions/key responsibilities either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.
Dynavac is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.
On-site 7am-4pm or 8am-5pm
Salary : $120,000 - $135,000