Controls Engineer

  • Orlando, FL, USA, Florida, United States
  • Full-Time
  • On-Site
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Job Description:

Role: Controls Engineer

Location: Orlando, FL (On-Site)
Experience Level: Mid–Senior
Experience Required: 5–10+ Years
Education: Bachelor’s Degree (Electrical Engineering preferred)
Relocation Assistance: Limited
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
Industry: Industrial Automation

Overview

An established engineering and system integration firm is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to lead electrical and control system design on large-scale automation projects.

This role involves full lifecycle control system development — from concept design and hardware selection through programming, commissioning, and client handover. The successful candidate will act as a technical lead on projects and support integrated automation systems across manufacturing and entertainment environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead electrical and control system design from concept through commissioning

  • Design control systems (hardware, software, and networks) based on project requirements

  • Develop electrical panel layouts, power calculations, and system architecture

  • Perform hazard analysis and design safety-critical control systems (SIL/PL knowledge preferred)

  • Design redundant system mitigations to improve safety and reliability

  • Program and implement DCS/PLC control systems to meet process requirements

  • Develop system documentation including:

    • Description of operation

    • Control system design descriptions

    • Panel drawings and schematics

    • Network layouts

    • Test and commissioning plans

  • Perform system calculations including short circuit protection, load flow, harmonics, noise mitigation, and ground fault monitoring

  • Conduct processor loading calculations, scan time analysis, and I/O timing evaluations

  • Troubleshoot control systems and perform root cause analysis

  • Support installation, start-up, and commissioning activities (including off-shift work when required)

  • Interface with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, designers, contractors, and clients

  • Provide technical leadership to junior engineers and technicians

Technical Requirements

Core Skills

  • PLC programming (Ladder Logic required; Structured Text required)

  • Experience with major industrial platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)

  • Electrical design experience including panel design and power calculations

  • Experience using drafting software (AutoCAD preferred)

  • Experience with Ethernet-based distributed remote I/O systems

Programming & Analysis

  • Ladder Logic (required)

  • Structured Text (required)

  • C++ (preferred)

  • Visual Basic (preferred)

  • Ability to design efficient, resource-optimised PLC code

  • Experience performing system timing, processor loading, and network delay analysis

Preferred Experience

  • Attractions or ride system design (guest-facing systems)

  • ASTM standards knowledge

  • Safety engineering and instrumentation experience

  • Experience in manufacturing and industrial automation environments

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or related discipline with directly relevant controls experience)

  • 5+ years of relevant controls engineering experience

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

  • Experience reviewing and interpreting contract documents and specifications

  • Proficient in Microsoft Windows and Office applications

Travel & Work Environment

  • Travel up to 30% (typically closer to 10%)

  • On-site presence required

  • Work environments include office, industrial, and construction settings

  • Physical requirements include climbing, lifting, equipment access, and prolonged computer use