Senior Controls Engineer- Siemens PLCs
About The Position
Siemens is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to join its automation engineering team supporting major automotive customers. The role follows a hybrid work model, with time split between a home office and the Vance, Alabama facility. The engineer designs, programs, tests, and commissions automation systems built on Siemens SIMATIC platforms, supporting system performance, reliability, and safety from initial concept through customer startup and final handover. The position involves programming assembly systems, integrating controls with electrical and mechanical equipment, troubleshooting and optimizing system operation, and commissioning systems at customer sites. It also includes preparing technical documentation, participating in acceptance testing, training customer personnel, and supporting or leading on-site commissioning teams. The role requires up to 50% domestic and international travel.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- At least 5 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and controls engineering.
- Demonstrated expertise programming Siemens SIMATIC PLC and HMI platforms, including STEP 7, TIA Portal, and WinCC.
- Advanced experience programming assembly systems, including conveyor systems and process equipment.
- Working knowledge of industrial safety systems, such as SICK PLS or an equivalent platform.
- Experience with industrial drives and motion-control systems, including Siemens, SEW, Lenze, or comparable technologies.
- Working knowledge of industrial communication networks, including PROFINET.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 50% domestically and internationally.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States on a continual and permanent basis without company sponsorship.
Nice To Haves
- Industrial automation or controls engineering experience in the automotive industry.
- Certified Machinery Safety Expert certification from Pilz, or an equivalent machinery-safety certification.
- Knowledge of Mercedes-Benz WAVE, Volkswagen VASS, or BMW TMO standards.
- German-language proficiency.
Responsibilities
- Develop, test, and commission PLC and HMI software for Siemens automation systems using STEP 7, TIA Portal, and WinCC.
- Integrate control software with electrical and mechanical systems used in automotive production equipment.
- Plan and execute commissioning of individual components and complete automation systems at customer locations.
- Program assembly systems, including conveyor systems and process equipment.
- Troubleshoot and optimize system performance to support the integration and reliable operation of automation components.
- Integrate industrial safety systems, drives, motion-control equipment, and industrial networks.
- Prepare commissioning documentation, system records, and test reports.
- Participate in system acceptance testing and performance verification.
- Train customer personnel and complete technical handover of commissioned systems.
- Support or lead on-site commissioning teams, depending on project requirements.
Benefits
- Health and wellness benefits.
- Target incentive of 10% of base salary.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
