Senior Controls Engineer

Designed Conveyor Systems•Franklin, TN

10h•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Senior Controls Engineer, you’ll lead end-to-end controls delivery for complex material handling systems, from early concept and component selection through programming, commissioning, and customer handoff. You’ll be a key contributor on high-profile projects, trusted to design reliable, scalable automation solutions and solve problems in real time, both on the floor and in the field. Beyond project execution, you’ll help shape the future of DCS’s controls capabilities by influencing standards, reusable tools, and how the team works together. If you enjoy owning technical outcomes, mentoring others, and pushing controls design forward, this role is built for you.

Requirements

10+ years of relevant experience (or 14+ years without a degree), ideally within material handling or industrial automation
Advanced PLC programming skills and strong HMI/SCADA development experience
Understanding of industrial networking architectures and communication protocols
Confidence designing control panels and selecting electrical components
Mechanically inclined and comfortable moving between design work and field environments
Resourceful, self-directed, and enjoy tackling complex technical challenges
Ability to collaborate well, communicate clearly, and take ownership of outcomes
Ability to manage multiple fast-moving projects without losing attention to detail
Willing and able to travel up to 50%, depending on project needs

Responsibilities

Lead controls design and execution across multiple material handling projects
Develop electrical designs including field device layouts, control panel designs, and electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN
Select components, design control networks, develop BOMs, and validate equipment selections
Program PLCs and develop HMI/SCADA solutions
Commission and debug systems on-site; support testing, startup, and validation activities
Provide technical support during installation and perform field troubleshooting as needed
Deliver projects on time, within scope, and to customer expectations
Contribute to the development and maintenance of controls standards, templates, and reusable code libraries
Lead or support R&D efforts and internal initiatives to expand controls capabilities
Partner with vendors to evaluate and implement new technologies
Identify value-engineering opportunities without compromising system performance
Serve as a senior technical contributor on cross-functional project teams (Project Management, Mechanical, Field, etc.)
Mentor junior engineers and actively share knowledge across the Controls team
Participate in controls team initiatives, process improvements, and tool development
Support recruiting efforts and provide feedback on technology and software vendors
Communicate clearly and proactively with project teams and leadership
Represent DCS professionally during site visits, customer meetings, and supplier interactions
Contribute to a collaborative, accountable team culture
Participate in weekly controls meetings and internal training sessions