Controls Engineer

Fairbanks Morse Defense•Beloit, WI

10d

About The Position

Fairbanks Morse Technology is seeking an Automation Engineer for its Technology team to support control systems across the FMD product family. The position designs and develops control systems for applications including engine controls, davit controls, test stand controls, and other naval ship systems. The work also includes MIL-SPEC qualification processes, historical data collection and analysis, networking implementation across various protocols, detailed documentation such as electrical schematics, and compliance with cybersecurity guidelines. The engineer participates in product development from scope definition through design, testing, and commissioning, supporting new products, upgrades, and retrofits. The role collaborates with customers and internal sales and proposal teams, prepares technical and engineering documentation, and may require testing and acceptance activities at FMD facilities and customer sites, including land-based locations and ships at sea or in port. The position requires an estimated 30% travel. Access to certain Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information requires proof of US citizenship and an attestation of no dual citizenship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
3–5 years of experience in electrical control system programming, electrical system design, power distribution, project or task management, and equipment installations.
At least 1 year of experience with networks such as CANBUS, Modbus, and Ethernet.
Strong knowledge of PLC programming and HMI development, primarily Rockwell and Automation Direct, with some Siemens.
Ability to identify issues, develop practical solutions, and implement them through completion.
Proficiency in reading and understanding electrical drawings.
Experience creating electrical schematics using AutoCAD or similar software.
Experience designing and troubleshooting industrial controls and power systems.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to discuss technical issues effectively in a business environment.
Ability to work effectively on a cross-functional team.
Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and related tools.
Experience working on multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to travel an estimated 30% per year.
Must provide proof of US citizenship and attest to having no dual citizenship to meet the NOFORN requirement for access to certain information; acceptable proof includes a US Passport, US Birth Certificate, or Naturalization Certificate.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the maritime defense industry, ship design, or ship systems design.
Experience simulating with MATLAB, Simulink, or similar tools.
Experience creating controls documentation, including commissioning documentation.
Experience with Oracle.
Working knowledge of MS Project.
Experience with SCADA or HMI software development.
Cybersecurity experience, specifically as it relates to government.
Proficiency in reading and understanding mechanical drawings, P&IDs, and water, air, and hydraulic system drawings.
Familiarity with implementing and deploying AI solutions.
Application development experience using languages such as Python, JavaScript, C, or C++.
Demonstrated capability in testing and troubleshooting energized electrical control systems; applicants with this capability are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and develop controls and automation solutions.
Work within the FMD product development phase gate process to develop new products, product upgrades, and retrofits.
Support sales and proposal teams through technical writing and support for quotes, proposals, and presentations.
Define the scope of work and level of effort for development of new products, upgrades, and retrofits.
Communicate professionally with customers about requirements, status updates, and issues.
Prepare engineering submittals, reports, design drawings, and Bills of Material (BOMs).
Design and implement industrial networks, including Modbus TCP/RTU and Industrial Ethernet.
Support design, development, testing, and commissioning of new products at FMD facilities, as well as testing and acceptance at customer sites on land and aboard ships at sea or in port.
Prepare and design cable and wire interconnect schedules for integrated systems.
Take on additional tasks that support team and organizational goals and relate to the primary function of the role.
Stay current on methods, techniques, and capabilities in autonomy, AI, and control systems automation.
Assist with testing and troubleshooting energized electrical control systems.