Senior Controls Engineer

About ATSI

Advanced Telemetry Systems International, Inc. (ATSI) has been building the control systems that keep communities running since 1991. We are a certified small business and a systems integrator, and for more than three decades we have delivered SCADA, industrial automation, and process control solutions across the Southwestern United States and Hawaii. When a water district needs clean water to keep flowing, a food and beverage plant needs production to stay on schedule, or an energy facility needs reliable data, they call us.

Our clients trust us because we get it right the first time and stand behind our work. We are a long-standing Rockwell Automation partner, and our engineers work across Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider, and Ignition platforms on projects that matter to the communities around us.

ATSI is a small, close-knit team, so your work is seen here. You will work directly with clients, project managers, and fellow engineers, follow your projects from design through commissioning, and have a real voice in how we build. Training and mentorship are part of how we operate, and our core values guide everything we do: Innovate Continuously, Prioritize Quality, Foster Relationships, and Promote Trust.

About the Role

Job Title: Senior Controls Engineer (Level 1 – Level 2)
Department: Industrial Automation Group – Engineering
Location: Temecula, CA

Position Overview

The Senior Controls Engineer (SCE) is responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of advanced industrial automation SCADA systems. This role serves as the technical authority across all project phases, including requirements analysis, control system architecture, engineering documentation, and site commissioning. The SCE mentors junior and mid-level engineers, leading project engineering deliverables, ensures technical compliance, and actively engages with clients and stakeholders. This role is key to driving innovation, maintaining quality standards, and supporting the successful deployment and lifecycle of automated control systems.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems across multiple platforms including Rockwell, Siemens, and Schneider.
• Develop and review technical documentation such as Process Control Narratives (PCNs), System commissioning Plans (SCPs), I/O lists, network architectures, and control panel designs, including preparation of project submittals and Requests for Information (RFIs).
• Oversee and execute control system software development, including advanced logic, interlocks, alarms, and sequencing.
• Oversee and conduct system testing phases: Internal Quality Control (IQC), Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Lead on-site startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting for new installations and upgrades.
• Interface with clients, project managers, and cross-disciplinary teams to align engineering deliverables with scope, budget, and timelines.
• Supervise and mentor junior and mid-level Controls Engineers (CEs), Application Engineers (AEs), and Support Engineers (SEs) providing technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Ensure system designs meet industry standards, client specifications, and safety regulations.
• Support change control, revision tracking, and lifecycle maintenance for deployed systems.
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering workflows, templates, and design practices.
• Coordinate with Project Stakeholders weekly to ensure the project team’s overall performance and provide solutions for any issues.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7 – 10+ years of progressive experience in control system design, programming, and commissioning.
• Expertise in PLC platforms such as Rockwell Automation (PlantPAx), Siemens TIA Portal, and Schneider Unity Pro.
• Proficiency in SCADA platforms including Ignition, FactoryTalk View SE/ME, and AVEVA/Wonderware.
• Strong knowledge of communication protocols (Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profibus).
• Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale commissioning efforts and technical documentation control.
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to perform engineering tasks effectively across multiple projects independently.
• Experience with industrial control panel design in accordance with UL 508A.

Compliance:

• Ability to pass DoD background checks and drug screening.
• Valid California driver’s license with clean driving and criminal record.
• Willingness to travel and work on-call shifts as required.

Certifications (Preferred, but not required)

• Rockwell Automation System Integrator Program credential: Control.
• Rockwell Automation System Integrator Program credential: Visualization.
• Rockwell Automation System Integrator Program credential: PlantPAx.
• Siemens or Schneider Electric platform training.
• OSHA 30 and/or EM385-1 safety certificate.

Key Industries

ATSI’s Senior Controls Engineers primarily perform system integration services in the following industries:

Water/Wastewater

This role supports automation solutions in water treatment, distribution, and wastewater facilities. Familiarity with municipal infrastructure, SCADA telemetry systems, pump control, and regulatory reporting is essential. Engineers must understand EPA compliance standards and work frequently with city agencies, utility operators, and contractors.

Food & Beverage

This role supports automation systems in food and beverage processing plants. Emphasis is placed on sanitary design, CIP/SIP operations, batch processing, traceability, and integration with MES/ERP systems. Knowledge of FDA, USDA, and FSMA regulations is highly desirable, along with experience in maintaining production continuity and system validation practices.

Compensation

• Salary: $140,000 to $180,000 per year, exempt salaried. The range covers both levels, and where you land in it depends on your experience and qualifications.
• Annual performance bonus of up to 10%.
• Qualified employees may also be eligible for a cell phone stipend, an on-call rotation stipend, and after-hours dispatch pay.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, partially employer paid for you and your family
• Voluntary supplemental insurance, including life, accident, and disability
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid vacation
• Separate paid sick time