Technical Lead - Controls Engineering

AAON, Inc.•Redmond, OR

2d•$111,348 - $167,023•Hybrid

About The Position

The Controls Engineer IV provides technical leadership for the design, development, and implementation and continuous improvement of electrical and HVAC control systems, controls architectures, PLC programming, DDC systems, and engineering standards. This role drives engineering excellence by establishing technical direction, engineering best practices, and controls design standards ensuring system performance and reliability, and aligning solutions with organizational objectives and customer requirements. The Controls Engineer IV works collaboratively across engineering disciplines and business functions to lead complex projects, influence engineering standards, and advance continuous improvement efforts. The position champions engineering governance, design excellence innovation, and continuous improvement while serving as a subject matter expert for controls-related technologies and methodologies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
Minimum 6 years of experience in electrical controls engineering or a related field
Advanced system design and leadership experience preferred
Advanced knowledge of electrical controls architecture, sequences of operation, and controls integration
Expertise in PLC and DDC programming
Demonstrated ability to support technical standards and influence engineering decisions.
Ability to design, interpret, and review complex technical drawings and schematics.
Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for complex systems.
Strong leadership, mentoring, and decision-making abilities.
Effective communication and collaboration skills across all organizational levels.
Thorough understanding of NEC, UL, NFPA, ASHRAE, and other applicable standards.
Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats.
Strong analytical thinking and advanced problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities.
Ability to work independently and lead technical efforts.
Ability to sit for extended periods while performing design and programming work.
Ability to lift up to 10 lbs. occasionally.
Visual acuity, including close vision and color differentiation, for detailed system design and troubleshooting.
Ability to travel occasionally to support commissioning, testing, and field support activities.

Nice To Haves

Carel platform knowledge

Responsibilities

Serve as a senior technical resource for HVAC control systems, PLC programming, DDC controls, and automation systems.
Contribute to the technical vision and roadmap for controls engineering technologies, platforms, and standards.
Develop, maintain, and improve company-wide controls engineering standards, design practices, documentation requirements, and reusable technical assets.
Review controls architectures, sequences of operation, control strategies, and electrical control system designs for complex applications.
Evaluate and recommend deviations from established standards when technically justified.
Develop, maintain, and continuously improve engineering standards, design guides, libraries, templates, and best practices. Establish standards for PLC, HMI, DDC, networking, and system integration applications.
Lead and support root-cause analysis efforts for significant technical issues and help drive implementation of corrective actions.
Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and safety regulations across all systems.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to less experienced engineers and team members.
Develop continuous improvement initiatives related to control systems and automation processes.
Research, evaluate and implement new technologies to enhance system capabilities and efficiency.
Mentor controls engineers through technical coaching, design feedback, and knowledge sharing.
Identify emerging technologies and recommend adoption where they improve reliability, efficiency, manufacturability, serviceability, or product performance.
Performs other duties as assigned.