Machining Controls Engineer - Senior

Job Summary:

We are looking for a talented Controls Engineer Senior to join our team in Jamestown, NY. In this role, you will lead the design, development, integration, and optimization of advanced manufacturing control systems that improve equipment reliability, automation, safety, and operational performance. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA integration, industrial networking, controls hardware design, and commissioning of automated manufacturing equipment.

This position is well suited for a hands-on engineering professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and has experience integrating sensors, drives, robots, machine controls, and safety systems into production equipment. You will partner closely with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot complex issues, support new equipment installations, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and mentor developing engineers while driving uptime, quality, and process optimization across the facility.

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:

• Design and implement control systems that improve manufacturing performance, reliability, and equipment utilization.
• Lead PLC, HMI, and automation projects from concept through commissioning and production support.
• Troubleshoot complex controls and electrical system issues to minimize downtime and restore operations quickly.
• Integrate sensors, drives, robotics, and machine controls to enhance automation capabilities and product quality.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Ensure controls architectures comply with safety, cybersecurity, and operational standards.
• Support capital projects by developing technical requirements, equipment specifications, and cost estimates.
• Mentor and coach less experienced engineers while fostering collaboration and technical excellence across teams.

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

• Strong experience designing, programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning industrial automation and manufacturing control systems.
• Advanced knowledge of PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, or similar automation technologies, along with HMI/SCADA integration.
• Proven ability to lead equipment upgrades, automation projects, and machine installations while managing technical and operational priorities.
• Demonstrated expertise in root-cause analysis, electrical troubleshooting, controls hardware design, and reading electrical schematics.
• Effective collaboration and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive sustainable improvements.

Key Competencies:

• Technical Leadership & Mentorship
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Automation & Controls Engineering Excellence
• Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Education, Licenses, Certifications:

College, university, or degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or related field, or equivalent experience required.

This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Experience:

Intermediate level of relevant work experience required. This role requires a 2 year commitment.

5+ Years of Manufacturing controls experience designing, programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning industrial automation systems.

This role requires a 2 year commitment.

5+ Years of Manufacturing controls experience designing, programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning industrial automation systems. Ideal candidates will have strong expertise in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, or similar platforms), HMI/SCADA integration, industrial networking, and controls hardware design. The individual should demonstrate hands-on experience integrating sensors, drives, robots, safety systems, and machine controls into manufacturing equipment while ensuring reliability, quality, and safety compliance.

Key traits include strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills, the ability to lead equipment upgrades and new machine installations, proficiency with electrical schematics and control panels, and experience supporting production in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Candidates should be proactive, data-driven, collaborative with cross-functional teams, and capable of managing projects from concept through commissioning while driving continuous improvement, uptime, and process optimization.

Preferred degrees: Elecrto-Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Automation, etc