Senior Controls Engineer

Ready to own the project, not just your piece of it?

At VCS, the Senior Controls Engineer owns automation projects end to end — from electrical design and drawing packages through PLC, HMI, and SCADA development, factory testing, and on-site startup. You are the technical lead on your jobs, the engineer other people bring their hard problems to, and a big part of how the next group of Controls Engineers learns to do the work right.

What You’ll Do:

· Own controls projects end to end — electrical designs, drawing packages, PLC and HMI programs, SCADA systems, and network/server configurations for industrial manufacturing applications

· Serve as technical lead on assigned projects, setting the design approach and making the engineering calls the rest of the team builds against

· Develop functional specifications, test plans, checklists, and user manuals, and lead FAT and SAT execution

· Review drawing packages and code produced by Controls Engineers before they reach the shop floor or a customer site

· Mentor Controls Engineers and Student Engineers — coaching them through their first projects rather than taking the work back

· Lead installation, startup, and commissioning on-site, working alone or directing a field team

· Troubleshoot complex electrical and programmatic issues during commissioning and post-installation support, including escalations from other engineers

· Track project progress against schedule and profitability targets, and raise risks to the Project Manager early

· Support Sales and Applications Engineering with scoping, estimating, and technical input on proposals

· Contribute to VCS design standards, templates, and reusable code libraries

· Maintain and expand your Rockwell SI capabilities, and pursue TÜV FS Technician certification, FE/PE licensure, or other approved programs

· Promote a safe working environment, following VCS and customer safety policies

· Engage with customers professionally to deliver a great experience and help grow the VCS relationship

What You Bring

· 5–10 years of controls engineering, industrial automation, or similar experience, including full ownership of projects from design through startup

· Deep proficiency with Rockwell Automation platforms — Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View, PowerFlex drives, and Stratix networks

· Advanced AutoCAD Electrical skills, including working to and maintaining design standards and templates

· Demonstrated ability to lead a project technically and bring less-experienced engineers along with you

· Working knowledge of UL508A, NEC, and EN/ISO 13849 as they apply to panel design and machine safety

· Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including in front of customers

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

· Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience

· Strong Microsoft 365 skills

Nice to Have

· Multiple Rockwell SI capabilities already held

· TÜV FS Technician or similar functional safety certification

· FE/PE licensure

· Experience with SCADA/MES platforms (FactoryTalk, Ignition, or similar)

· Industrial networking, server, and virtualization experience

· Experience with estimating, scoping, or project management

What You’ll Get

Pay: [$90,000 – $115,000] DOE

Benefits:

· 401(k) with company match

· Paid time off and holidays

· Parental leave

· Ongoing training and certifications

· A small team environment with a clear path to grow into principal-level engineering or project leadership

Why VCS?

We are a small team with a big opportunity. As a Senior Controls Engineer, you own real projects from concept through startup, have direct influence on how VCS designs and builds systems, and a clear path toward Principal Controls Engineer as you build your track record.

If you are ready to lead the work — and the engineers doing it — with a team that does things right, we want to talk.

Location: Hybrid, based in Clarksville, AR (72830)

This role requires occasional travel to job sites, along with the ability to sit or stand for extended periods and work on your feet throughout the day. Occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs may be required.

Vire Control Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Employment with VCS is contingent on successfully passing a pre-employment drug screen and background check.