Senior Controls Engineer

Howmet Aerospace • Niles, OH

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Controls Engineer owns the facility's automation control systems to maximize reliability, safety, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). This role balances advanced hands-on troubleshooting of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and robotic systems with end-to-end capital project management. The incumbent collaborates across all business functions and external vendors to deliver engineering solutions with minimal production downtime.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in programming and maintaining PLCs, HMIs, and Databases.
• Strong working knowledge of control and automation programs, including robotics and automation in industrial manufacturing.
• U.S. person status (as defined by ITAR: U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee).

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Allen Bradley PLCs and HMIs.
• Experience with ABB Robots, Robot Studio and vision systems.
• Experience with Ignition, SCADA.
• Familiarity with programming VB.Net, Python, Java, Java Script, Microsoft SQL Server, Windows Administration, and Network Management.
• Device integration experience via serial, TCP/IP, OPC-UA and proprietary protocols.
• Experience working within a heavy manufacturing environment.
• The ability to effectively communicate (verbally and written) and delegate while maintaining forward motion on key deliverables.
• A high degree of interpersonal skills to motivate and influence others, including those not under their direct supervision.
• Demonstrated abilities of problem solving, systems thinking, project management, and team building.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the sole authority for plant control networks (Level 0–2), PLC/SCADA programming, and process control IT policies.
• Diagnose complex system faults, perform root cause analyses, and implement rapid repair solutions to maximize OEE.
• Maintain master backups and rigorous change-management records for all automation programs and hardware configurations.
• Lead engineering projects from inception to completion, managing scopes, RFAs, technical specs, vendor quotes, timelines, and budgets.
• Evaluate new technologies and implement process upgrades to eliminate waste, improve safety, and reduce downtime.
• Enforce company, state, and federal EHS policies, including authorizing emergency equipment shutdowns when necessary.
• Train and mentor junior engineers, maintenance supervisors, and craft technicians on automated systems.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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