Senior Controls Engineer

Description Position Summary As a Senior Controls Engineer at Alkar, you’ll design the latest automation control systems while collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and field service. We’re looking for someone who has a strong technical background and versatility who can shift gears when priorities change, help others, and grow alongside a company that’s still innovating after 60+ years.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the controls scope for complex equipment projects from initial requirements and system architecture through programming, testing, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
• Design and program PLC and HMI applications using Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View.
• Define control strategies, documentation, and project deliverables.
• Serve as a senior technical resource for difficult troubleshooting, root-cause investigation, and resolution of controls issues in the factory, remotely, and at customer sites.
• Review electrical schematics, panel designs, controls documentation, and code for safety, accuracy, maintainability, and compliance with project requirements.
• Improve programming standards, reusable code, system architecture, version control, documentation, and commissioning practices across the Controls team.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to controls engineers, electrical designers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and field-service personnel.
• Support customer startups and commissioning, with travel generally limited to up to 10%.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Strong solving problems and hands-on troubleshooting.
• Adaptable and dependable.
• Collaborative—able to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams.
• Organized with attention to detail
• Effective communicator—clear and professional verbal and written skills.
• Committed to safety and operational excellence.
• Priority on quality, support, and doing things the right way.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience designing and programming industrial control systems for automated machinery, OEM equipment, or systems-integration projects. Exceptional demonstrated capability may substitute for years of experience.
• Proficiency with Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLC and HMI platforms; Siemens experience is a plus.
• Experience with process control, VFDs, servo motion, safety PLCs, instrumentation, and multi-system integration.
• Ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics and technical controls documentation.
• Ability to manage several active projects while communicating priorities, risks, and technical decisions clearly.
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in an engineering-related discipline, or equivalent technical training and experience.