Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

CONA Services • Fox Chapel, PA

3d

About The Position

The Senior Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and support of industrial control systems for beverage manufacturing facilities and automated warehouse operations. This role provides technical leadership for PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial network systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operation of high-speed production and material handling systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in industrial automation, preferably within beverage, food & beverage, or high-speed consumer goods manufacturing.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PLC5, SLC500) PLCs, PanelView/PanelviewPlus HMIs, Industrial Communication Networks (Ethernet, Ethernet I/P, DeviceNet, DH+)
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming (Rockwell Automation ControlLogix / CompactLogix).
• Hands-on experience with HMI and SCADA platforms (e.g., Ignition).
• Demonstrated experience supporting automated warehouse and material handling systems. (e.g., Vertique automated case-picking systems).
• Strong troubleshooting skills in live production environments.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control system documentation.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% for project support and commissioning.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with beverage filling, labeling, packaging, and palletizing systems.
• Knowledge of functional safety standards (e.g., ANSI, NFPA, IEC) and safety PLCs.
• Experience with robotics.
• Familiarity with batch control (ISA-88) and manufacturing data systems.
• Experience leading automation projects from concept through commissioning.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for beverage production lines, packaging equipment, and warehouse automation systems.
• Develop and maintain control architectures for conveyors, sortation systems, palletizers, depalletizers, and robotic systems.
• Program, test, and commission PLCs (e.g., Rockwell Automation, Siemens) and HMIs to meet functional, safety, and performance requirements.
• Integrate controls with MES, WMS, ERP, and data historians to support production reporting, traceability, and OEE initiatives.
• Provide technical leadership during system commissioning, site acceptance testing (SAT), and start-up activities.
• Troubleshoot complex control system issues to minimize downtime and improve system reliability.
• Develop and enforce controls standards, best practices, and documentation including functional specifications, I/O lists, cabinet schematics and network diagrams.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, IT, operations, and maintenance teams to deliver integrated automation solutions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, throughput, and energy efficiency.
• Provide oversight and technical guidance to third party controls engineers and technicians.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level