Job Title: Control Systems Engineer

Job Description

The Control Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and governing standardized, configurable control system software for industrial automation systems. Working as part of a product development team, this role focuses on creating scalable PLC and HMI software baselines that support multiple projects, product variants, and customer configurations. The engineer establishes and enforces software standards and modular architectures using Beckhoff TwinCAT and Ignition platforms, ensuring that control systems align with overall product strategy, enable efficient project execution, and comply with applicable electrical and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain standardized PLC and HMI software architectures using Beckhoff TwinCAT and Ignition platforms.
• Define and implement modular, configurable software frameworks that support multiple product variants and customer-specific configurations.
• Establish and maintain software development standards, including naming conventions, code structure, version control practices, and documentation requirements.
• Develop reusable function blocks, libraries, and templates to improve consistency, scalability, and efficiency across projects.
• Define system architectures, including communication protocols, data models, and integration strategies between subsystems and higher-level systems.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and other engineering teams to align control system design with overall system architecture and product requirements.
• Provide technical oversight and conduct design reviews for PLC and HMI software developed by other engineers to ensure adherence to standards.
• Support integration of third-party and customer-supplied systems into the overall automation solution.
• Drive continuous improvement of control system standards, software platforms, and development practices.
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), system validation, and commissioning activities with a focus on validating core software functionality and adherence to standards.
• Participate in troubleshooting complex system issues and lead root cause investigations to ensure robust and reliable operation.
• Ensure control system designs meet applicable NEC and NFPA standards, including NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, and NFPA 79, as well as other relevant safety requirements.
• Contribute to the development of long-term technology roadmaps related to automation, controls, and digital systems.
• Provide guidance and oversight on electrical schematics and system designs developed in AutoCAD Electrical.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to balance standardization with project-specific requirements and customer needs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support product development and project execution.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or a related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution, or a degree in electrical engineering or computer science.
• 7+ years of experience in industrial control systems design and development.
• Demonstrated experience developing PLC software in Structured Text, preferably using Beckhoff TwinCAT.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on Structured Text PLC development experience, with openness to various PLC platforms.
• Experience developing scalable HMI and SCADA systems using the Ignition platform.
• Strong experience with modular software design, reusable libraries, and configurable control system architectures.
• Proven ability to define, implement, and enforce software standards and best practices across projects and teams.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, TCP/IP, and OPC UA.
• Experience integrating complex automation systems, including third-party equipment and customer-supplied systems.
• Working knowledge of NEC and NFPA safety standards and related compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting system commissioning, FAT, and troubleshooting in industrial environments.
• Strong system-level thinking with the ability to design scalable, maintainable, and robust control system architectures.
• Ability to lead technical direction and influence cross-functional engineering teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills for complex automation and controls issues.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly convey technical standards, design intent, and architectural decisions.
• High attention to detail with a focus on long-term maintainability, reliability, and quality of control sof