Role: Controls Engineer

Location: Orlando, FL (On-Site)
Experience Level: Mid–Senior
Experience Required: 5–10+ Years
Education: Bachelor’s Degree (Electrical Engineering preferred)
Relocation Assistance: Limited
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
Industry: Industrial Automation

Overview

An established engineering and system integration firm is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to lead electrical and control system design on large-scale automation projects.

This role involves full lifecycle control system development — from concept design and hardware selection through programming, commissioning, and client handover. The successful candidate will act as a technical lead on projects and support integrated automation systems across manufacturing and entertainment environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead electrical and control system design from concept through commissioning

• Design control systems (hardware, software, and networks) based on project requirements

• Develop electrical panel layouts, power calculations, and system architecture

• Perform hazard analysis and design safety-critical control systems (SIL/PL knowledge preferred)

• Design redundant system mitigations to improve safety and reliability

• Program and implement DCS/PLC control systems to meet process requirements

• Develop system documentation including:

  • Description of operation

  • Control system design descriptions

  • Panel drawings and schematics

  • Network layouts

  • Test and commissioning plans

• Perform system calculations including short circuit protection, load flow, harmonics, noise mitigation, and ground fault monitoring

• Conduct processor loading calculations, scan time analysis, and I/O timing evaluations

• Troubleshoot control systems and perform root cause analysis

• Support installation, start-up, and commissioning activities (including off-shift work when required)

• Interface with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, designers, contractors, and clients

• Provide technical leadership to junior engineers and technicians

Technical Requirements

Core Skills

• PLC programming (Ladder Logic required; Structured Text required)

• Experience with major industrial platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)

• Electrical design experience including panel design and power calculations

• Experience using drafting software (AutoCAD preferred)

• Experience with Ethernet-based distributed remote I/O systems

Programming & Analysis

• Ladder Logic (required)

• Structured Text (required)

• C++ (preferred)

• Visual Basic (preferred)

• Ability to design efficient, resource-optimised PLC code

• Experience performing system timing, processor loading, and network delay analysis

Preferred Experience

• Attractions or ride system design (guest-facing systems)

• ASTM standards knowledge

• Safety engineering and instrumentation experience

• Experience in manufacturing and industrial automation environments

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or related discipline with directly relevant controls experience)

• 5+ years of relevant controls engineering experience

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Experience reviewing and interpreting contract documents and specifications

• Proficient in Microsoft Windows and Office applications

Travel & Work Environment

• Travel up to 30% (typically closer to 10%)

• On-site presence required

• Work environments include office, industrial, and construction settings

• Physical requirements include climbing, lifting, equipment access, and prolonged computer use