Senior Controls Engineer
About The Position
GrayMatter is seeking a Senior Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of complex industrial automation solutions. The role applies advanced technical expertise across SCADA, HMI, PLC, and MES technologies to optimize client operations and deliver successful project outcomes. The Senior Engineer works with customers, project teams, and business partners; provides technical leadership; mentors engineers; and drives continuous improvement. The position is based in Ashland, Virginia, and requires approximately 30% travel, including occasional overnight stays. The engineer independently manages engineering assignments and delivers services within project scopes, budgets, timelines, and utilization expectations while maintaining customer satisfaction. The role also supports customer operations through onsite engagements, remote support, training, troubleshooting, and application-specific guidance.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or an associate degree with four additional years of relevant experience.
- 7–10 years of relevant industrial automation engineering experience in addition to applicable degree requirements.
- Advanced experience designing, programming, configuring, and troubleshooting SCADA, HMI, PLC, and/or MES systems.
- Experience with industrial software platforms such as GE iFIX, Historian, or comparable industrial automation technologies.
- Strong technical expertise in system architecture, industrial software and hardware integration, networking, and TCP/IP configurations.
- Ability to independently lead complex engineering projects while meeting technical requirements, project timelines, and professional services performance expectations.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and build strong customer relationships.
- Ability to provide technical leadership, mentor engineers, collaborate across teams, and deliver customer-focused engineering solutions.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience delivering engineering solutions in a system integration or professional services environment.
- Advanced technical certifications or specialized training in industrial automation software, hardware, or related technologies.
- Experience supporting technical proposals, solution demonstrations, commissioning, and customer-facing engineering engagements.
- Expert-level implementation knowledge on two or more industrial platforms, such as Rockwell, Siemens, Modicon, GE iFix, Ignition, or Wonderware.
- Solid understanding of electrical schematics and hands-on electrical installation experience.
- Advanced knowledge of virtualization, server management, databases, networking, and IT/OT/Cyber topics.
Responsibilities
- Lead technical design, system architecture, development, and implementation of complex industrial automation solutions while independently managing engineering assignments.
- Design, program, configure, test, document, and troubleshoot industrial software and hardware systems to meet customer requirements and engineering standards.
- Deliver engineering services within project scopes, budgets, and timelines, meeting utilization expectations and ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Work with customers and internal stakeholders to assess operational needs, define technical requirements, and develop solutions that improve system performance and efficiency.
- Lead technical project activities, including design reviews, system testing, onsite pilots, commissioning, troubleshooting, and solution demonstrations.
- Collaborate with Project Managers and Engineering Team Leads to coordinate resources, monitor deliverables, manage technical risks, and identify potential scope changes.
- Provide customers with technical support, training, and troubleshooting through onsite engagements, remote support, and application-specific guidance.
- Mentor less experienced engineers, share technical expertise, and promote engineering best practices.
- Support Sales and Commercial Operations with technical consultations, solution development, proposals, bills of materials, customer presentations, and workshops.
- Develop reusable code, engineering templates, and standardized processes to improve solution quality, project efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance starting day one.
- Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
- 401(k) with up to 4% company match.
- Paid holidays and time off.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
