Senior Controls Engineer

Woodward L'Orange•Fort Collins, CO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Woodward's Aerospace Division is seeking a Controls Engineer for our Fort Collins, Colorado Aerospace facility. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Controls Engineer to design, implement, and optimize medium to high complexity control systems. The ideal candidate will lead projects, provide production support, and drive process improvements, while ensuring alignment with industry standards, safety regulations, and best practices. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities to deliver innovative and efficient automation solutions. This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee). Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.

Requirements

Problem Solving, Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Solve complex production challenges by applying advanced problem-solving methods, such as DOE or Six Sigma tools.
Communication and Collaboration Skills: Present ideas and recommendations to leadership, facilitating collaboration across departments.
Mentorship: Provide guidance to entry-level engineers and interns on projects and problem-solving approaches. Offer constructive feedback to help them grow and develop their skills.
Mechatronics Knowledge: Advanced understanding of mechatronics theory, including the interaction between mechanical components, electrical systems, and control logic with the ability to analyze and apply these concepts to moderately complex systems.
Programming & Data Management: Develops and optimizes complex programs for tasks such as advanced system automation, data processing, or analytics. Implements robust practices to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and security in all applications.
Process Improvement/ Optimization: Leverages advancements in control technologies and automation to identify and implement process improvements. Analyzes system data to drive measurable gains in productivity, cycle time, and equipment utilization.
New Technology Development: Independently evaluates and integrates emerging technologies into moderately complex or small-scale projects. Evaluates and optimizes new technologies, assessing their applicability to controls systems.
Communication Protocols and Networking: Proficient in implementing industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP) and configuring network components like switches and VLANs. Ensures reliable data exchange between devices by optimizing network setups.
Data Analysis: Advanced understanding of data analysis methods, including statistical analysis, correlation, and trend identification. Capable of using data to inform decisions and optimize moderately complex control systems.
Control Systems Tools & Hardware: Advanced proficiency in controls engineering tools and hardware, including PLC programming, HMI/SCADA, motion controllers, torque drivers, vision systems, and edge devices, with the ability to apply them to moderately complex systems.
4 Year Bachelors BS degree AND 4+ years equivalent experience

Nice To Haves

Ability to create electrical schematics and 3D models
Solid understanding of PLCs and automation.
Implements system automation solutions.
Solid understanding of IEC-61131 languages, arrays, tags, and programming.
Solid understanding of SCADA

Responsibilities

Develops and implements medium to high complexity control systems, ensuring they meet industry standards and best practices.
Participates in system commissioning and ensures designs meet project requirements.
Lead medium-sized controls projects, including risk assessments, process improvements, and resource coordination.
Analyzes and solves moderately complex control system issues in production and development by evaluating multiple factors and applying technical expertise.
Create and refine complex controls system documentation, including diagrams, manuals, and reports to ensure alignment with best practices and compliance requirements.
Design and implement moderately complex automation and safety systems.
Ensures safety standards are met and integrates them into control systems.

Benefits

Relocation assistance provided to relocate to Fort Collins, CO if required.
All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity.
401(k) match (4.5%)
Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members
12 paid holidays
Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave.
Paid parental leave.
Adoption Assistance
Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
Member referral bonus
Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
Voluntary benefits, including: Home / Auto Insurance discounts
Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave