Controls Engineer II - Senior Level

Howell Laboratories Inc•Bridgton, ME

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Howell Laboratories, Inc. is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to fill an established senior-level role on our Engineering team. The successful candidate will bring 5 or more years of hands-on controls engineering experience and step in ready to independently lead controls system design, development, testing, and customer support across our packaged system product lines for the U.S. Navy — including seawater chlorination systems, potable water disinfectant generators, and air dehydrator systems. The Controls Engineer will serve as the technical lead for controls within a collaborative engineering team that includes an Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineers, a CAD Designer, and an Engineering Manager. This role requires proven proficiency across the full controls engineering lifecycle — from system architecture and programming through testing, commissioning, and ongoing customer support — with the confidence to operate as the primary controls resource from day one. Howell Laboratories, Inc. has delivered mission-critical marine solutions for over six decades. Since becoming employee-owned in 1995, we have leveraged a culture of high productivity to develop cutting-edge air and water treatment systems for the US Navy and Coast Guard. From desiccant dehydrators to electrolytic disinfectant generators, we specialize in solving complex problems with custom-engineered technology built for the sea. Howell Laboratories and its divisions: ODAT Machine and GDL Powder Coating, is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) engineering and manufacturing company based in Bridgton and Gorham, ME. We are committed to providing our knowledge, expertise, and integrity to partners who require solutions on which they can stake their lives and livelihoods. We turn innovation into creation. Our Values: Ownership, Accountability, Integrity, Feedback, Empathy, Openness

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field
5 or more years of professional controls engineering experience, including PLC programming, HMI development, and control panel design
Proven hands-on experience with industrial control systems, process instrumentation, and automation in a professional engineering environment
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a systematic approach to problem-solving
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to document technical work clearly
Demonstrated ability to lead controls engineering projects independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results with minimal supervision
Excellent communication skills.
Proficiency in MS Office
Proficiency in CAD software
Excellent multitasking skills
Ability to work well in a team environment
Must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance

Nice To Haves

Direct programming experience with Red Lion, Schneider Electric, or Siemens PLC and HMI platforms in a production or defense environment
Proficiency with Red Lion HMI/SCADA tools, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure/Unity Pro, or Siemens TIA Portal
Experience with electrochemical systems, water treatment processes, or fluid handling systems
Experience with Navy or defense contracting environments, MIL-STD documentation, or NAVSEA standards
Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, EtherNet/IP, CANbus)
Active NICET, ISA (CCST or CAP), or equivalent professional certification
Experience with CAD tools for electrical schematic development (AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar)

Responsibilities

Independently lead the design, specification, development, and implementation of controls systems for Howell’s Navy product lines, drawing on established expertise to deliver results with limited direction.
Design, program, and commission PLC-based control systems for new and existing product lines.
Develop HMI screens and operator interface programs that meet Navy usability and documentation standards.
Own the creation and maintenance of electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and I/O documentation to Howell and Navy standards.
Specify and select instrumentation, sensors, actuators, and control hardware appropriate to marine environments.
Collaborate with mechanical and systems engineers to integrate controls with overall packaged system designs.
Develop and execute test plans and procedures for controls systems during factory acceptance testing (FAT).
Troubleshoot system faults and anomalies during testing; document findings and implement corrective actions.
Support site acceptance testing (SAT) aboard naval vessels or at shore-based facilities as required.
Maintain test records, data logs, and calibration documentation in compliance with Navy requirements.
Participate in design reviews and contribute controls engineering perspectives to product improvement efforts.
Provide technical support to Navy customers and field personnel for installed equipment.
Diagnose and resolve controls-related issues remotely via phone and email.
Prepare and deliver technical documentation, including troubleshooting guides and operator manuals.
Travel periodically to Navy bases, shipyards, and customer sites to support commissioning, training, or repair activities.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with Navy engineering and maintenance personnel.
Serve as the primary controls engineering resource for the company, applying established expertise to drive technical decisions independently.
Develop and maintain internal controls standards, best practices, and documentation to establish a sustainable engineering knowledge base.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineering staff and cross-functional team members on controls-related topics.
Evaluate emerging controls technologies, platforms, and standards and recommend improvements to Howell’s product designs and engineering processes.
Stay current on applicable Navy standards, MIL-SPEC documentation, and cybersecurity requirements for industrial control systems in defense applications.