Senior Controls & Manufacturing Systems Engineer (SCADA / OT)Compensation: $150,000–$160,000OverviewWe are seeking a Senior Controls & Manufacturing Systems Engineer to support the continued expansion of our advanced medical device manufacturing operations. Reporting to the Director of Operations Engineering, this role will serve as the technical lead for both industrial automation and plant-wide manufacturing systems integration.Unlike a traditional controls engineering role focused primarily on machine-level PLC programming, this position requires an engineer who understands how production equipment connects across the manufacturing enterprise. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience integrating PLC-controlled equipment into SCADA, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Industrial Networks, Operational Technology (OT), and connected manufacturing environments.This individual will lead automation architecture, improve manufacturing visibility through data acquisition and SCADA platforms, support digital manufacturing initiatives, and ensure reliable communication between production equipment, plant systems, and enterprise applications.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, program, commission, and support PLC-based automation systems for highly automated manufacturing equipment.Develop and maintain PLC logic, HMI applications, motion control, robotics, and machine safety systems.Support new equipment installations, upgrades, commissioning, and validation activities.Troubleshoot complex automation issues affecting production equipment and manufacturing throughput.Develop electrical schematics, control panel designs, and automation standards.Manufacturing Systems / OT IntegrationDesign and maintain plant-wide SCADA infrastructure supporting automated manufacturing operations.Integrate manufacturing equipment with SCADA, MES, Historian, and enterprise manufacturing systems.Develop communication architectures connecting PLCs, HMIs, industrial PCs, servers, databases, and manufacturing applications.Support Industrial IoT (IIoT) initiatives and connected factory technologies.Implement data collection strategies to improve manufacturing visibility, OEE reporting, downtime tracking, and production analytics.Support Manufacturing IT initiatives involving Operational Technology (OT), industrial networking, and secure manufacturing infrastructure.Partner with Manufacturing IT teams to deploy new automation technologies and improve plant connectivity.Manufacturing EngineeringImprove equipment reliability, uptime, and manufacturing efficiency.Support continuous improvement projects using production data and automation technologies.Work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Validation, Quality, and Manufacturing Engineering teams.Coordinate with external system integrators and automation vendors.Develop automation standards, documentation, SOPs, and engineering specifications.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related discipline.10+ years of experience supporting automated manufacturing environments.Strong experience integrating PLC-controlled equipment into plant-wide manufacturing systems.Demonstrated experience supporting SCADA platforms within manufacturing environments.Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) integration.Strong understanding of Operational Technology (OT) architecture.Experience with Industrial Ethernet networks and industrial communication protocols.Hands‑on experience with Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Beckhoff, Omron, or similar PLC platforms.Experience programming HMIs using FactoryTalk View, WinCC, Ignition, or similar software.Experience supporting industrial databases, historians, or manufacturing data collection systems.Strong troubleshooting skills involving controls, networking, communications, and manufacturing systems integration.Experience leading automation projects from concept through commissioning.Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.Preferred QualificationsMedical device, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or regulated manufacturing experience.Experience with Ignition SCADA, FactoryTalk, Wonderware, WinCC, AVEVA, or similar SCADA platforms.Experience with OSI PI, Canary, Ignition Historian, or other historian platforms.Knowledge of ISA‑95 manufacturing architecture.Experience integrating PLCs with SQL databases.Familiarity with OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, or EtherCAT.Experience supporting manufacturing cybersecurity and industrial network segmentation.Python, C#, SQL, or scripting experience.Experience with Industrial IoT (IIoT), Edge devices, or smart manufacturing initiatives.Knowledge of FDA, cGMP, GAMP 5, or 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.#J-18808-Ljbffr
| Location | Buffalo Grove, IL |
| Industry | Staffing/Employment Agencies |
| Salary | $150,000–$160,000 Per Year |
| Company Size | 500 to 999 employees |
| Year Founded | 1969 |
| Website | http://www.sterling-engineering.com |
Sterling Engineering has been a trusted partner for engineering, project management, and staffing solutions for over five decades. We provide exceptional engineering/technical recruitment and engineering project services to clients nationwide:
Sterling offers a unique combination of engineering solutions and Best of Staffing level service to help our clients and talent achieve their goals.