The Controls Engineer delivers accurate, practical, and high-quality controls engineering for industrial and manufacturing facilities. This role is responsible for control system design, programming, field support, troubleshooting, and cross-discipline coordination. EAD expects strong performance at every level: Associate Controls Engineer is expected to perform well in front of clients, work effectively in demanding on-site environments, and take ownership of their work.
This role requires sound judgment in active industrial facilities where field conditions, client operations, and project timelines demand a composed, adaptable, and resourceful engineer.
What Success Looks LikeIn this role, success means:
- Delivering controls engineering work that is accurate, on time, on budget, and meets client and project requirements.
- Producing functional, buildable, and well-documented control system solutions.
- Coordinating effectively with project teams, other disciplines, and clients.
- Performing confidently and professionally in field environments, including commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting.
- Continuously building technical skills and discipline versatility.
- Owning your role in the success of the project by asking questions, closing loops, and learning fast.
Level ExpectationsAssociate Controls Engineer (3-6 years of experience)
- Delivers quality controls engineering work with growing independence under the guidance of a Discipline Lead or senior team member.
- Performs well in front of clients and in demanding on-site situations.
- Supports proposals and estimates by contributing technical input and hours estimates.
- Actively builds skills across control system platforms, field environments, and project types.
- Participates in design reviews and contributes to quality assurance.
Key Responsibilities- Design, program, and commission PLC and DCS-based control systems for industrial and manufacturing facilities.
- Develop and configure HMI and SCADA applications to meet client and project requirements.
- Perform field activities including existing-condition verification, construction support, system checkout, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting.
- Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, process, and other project team members to ensure controls scope aligns with overall project design and intent.
- Prepare clear engineering deliverables including control system design documentation, specifications, instrument lists, and panel design input.
- Support proposals and estimates with technical input, hours estimates, and scope definition appropriate to level.
- Participate in and contribute to design reviews, quality checks, and lessons learned.
- Interface with clients, vendors, contractors, and construction teams professionally and effectively.
- Maintain knowledge of applicable codes and standards such as National Electrical Code (NEC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and International Society of Automation (ISA).
- Communicate proactively with the project team and Discipline Lead regarding progress, issues, risks, and decisions.
- Contribute to a safe working environment and follow EAD safety standards and practices.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent combination of education, military service, training, and experience may also be considered.
- Associate: 3-6 years of controls engineering experience in industrial or manufacturing environments.
- Experience with PLC and/or DCS-based control system design, programming, and troubleshooting.
- Experience with HMI or SCADA programming and configuration.
- Experience performing field work including commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting in active industrial facilities.
- Experience working with multi-discipline project teams.
- Strong written and verbal communication, including the ability to interact effectively with clients, project teams, and field personnel.
- Ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, and deliver results within cost and schedule constraints.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience in food and beverage, life sciences, pharmaceutical, parcel, or other industrial manufacturing environments.
- Experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley platforms including ControlLogix and CompactLogix.
- CAP, CCST, PE, or similar relevant credential, or commitment to pursuing one.
- Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL, and ISA codes and standards.
- Experience supporting or leading controls input to proposals and cost estimates.
- Professional Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Automation Professional (CAP), or similar relevant credential.
- Established industry relationships and a demonstrated ability to build client trust, support repeat business, and contribute to growth are strongly preferred.
Behavioral Expectations- Acts with integrity, sound judgment, and professionalism.
- Owns commitments, follows through, and closes loops.
- Communicates early and clearly when risks, questions, or changes arise.
- Works in a way that helps the broader project team succeed.
- Brings a practical, solution-oriented mindset to complex field and project challenges.
- Seeks to understand field conditions, client needs, and cross-discipline impacts before acting.
Working Conditions- Office, plant, or client site environment*
- Ability to perform field and client-site work.
- Ability to sit and work at computer for extended periods of time
- Ability to walk up numerous flights of stairs or ladders multiple times a day and/or work in tight spaces in extreme conditions
- May work near moving mechanical parts and equipment*
- Office, commercial and/or industrial setting with the potential of exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals*
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.*
- Travel required, with periods of significant travel depending on project needs.
- Occasional night shift work may be required based on client operations and project schedules, though this is infrequent.
- Periodic weekend, holiday or evening work as needed
- Maintain a valid driver's license.
*EAD will provide training, administrative/engineering controls, and personal protective equipment as necessary.
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
