Job Description
Apex Controls is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Controls Engineer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will lead the development, implementation, and optimization of automated control systems for customer’s manufacturing processes. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure efficient, reliable, and safe operations. Your expertise will help drive improvements in productivity, quality, and process controls, while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
This role is a full-time salaried-exempt role, the salary ranges listed below include total rewards.
Responsibilities:
Lead the design, configuration, and maintenance of control systems (PLC, SCADA, HMI) across customers facility.Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve issues related to control systems, instrumentation, and automation.Implement process optimization strategies to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and minimize waste.Optimize control system process loops.Collaborate with customers to ensure smooth integration of control systems.Develop and manage process control documentation, including control system functional specifications documents, P&IDs, and system architecture diagrams.Provide technical leadership for capital projects, including scope development, commissioning, and validation.Lead control system upgrades, migrations, and expansions to support future process enhancements.Mentor and train junior engineers and technical staff in process control best practices.Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.Understand and comply with internal standards, customer-specific standards recognized national/international standards and safety standards.Work with both Apex and customer staff to evaluate future projects.Work with internal and external electricians and electrical technicians in the review of control system construction and wiring, including troubleshooting assistance of both Apex Controls’ design and interfaces to systems provided by others.Provide timely and accurate feedback regarding project status.Participate in, and lead, training of customers, both technical and non-technical.Willing to participate/lead internal training activities.Actively share knowledge with peers.Willing and able to travel when needed.Always act with honesty and integrity.Education, Work Experience, and Skill Set Expectations:
BS degree in engineering or related discipline is preferred. Five plus years of controls systems automation work experience may be acceptable.Proficient with 2-D CAD software.Proficiency in DCS, Plant PAX, PLC, SCADA, HMI programming and troubleshooting (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens).Experience in process optimization and advanced control strategies (e.g., PID tuning).Familiar with National Electric Code and other common electrical standards, including safety standards.Experience with control system hardware and software.Proven ability to lead projects and cross-functional teams.Highly organized and able to multitaskStrong problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.Strong communicator, both internally and with customers or suppliersExperience in a regulated industry (e.g., pharmaceuticals, chemicals, oil & gas, food & beverage, wastewater).Certification in process control systems (e.g., ISA, TUV) is a plus but not required. Read LessResponsibilities:
Licensed journeyman electrician preferred; however, will accept fourth year electrical apprentice with the proper experience Ability to read and interrupt electrical schematics for controls automation is required. Well versed in the National Electric Code is highly preferred. Experienced in wiring of machinery and electrical control panels is preferred. Capable of using meters and test equipment for troubleshooting of electrical circuits is highly preferred. Understands appropriate safety requirements, including, lockout/tag-out, arc flash practices, etc. is highly preferred. Experienced in general industrial electrical construction, including installation of rigid metal conduit is preferred. Able to perform tasks with minimal supervision and direction is highly preferred. Dependable attendance habits and strong work ethic. Willing to occasionally work weekends is required. Works well in a team setting with other electricians and engineers is required. Customer service oriented is required.Physical Requirements:
Lift 50 lbs. frequently, 100 lbs. occasionally, and 100+ lbs. with assistance Climbing (ladders, stairs, etc.) Bending, stooping, twisting, and squatting Extended periods of walking Occasional exposure to weather conditions Operating a motor vehicle, Hi-low, forklifts, etc. Operating power or hand tools-from floor to above head (drilling often over your head and/or awkward positions)Apex Controls is a leading automation, controls engineering, electrical, and panel building firm with a proven track record helping companies improve their manufacturing and warehousing processes. Our home office, located in Grand Rapids, MI houses our team of nearly seventy, including thirty engineers and twenty-five electricians.
We are excited to announce the launch of a satellite office, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. This expansion is intended to expand our reach and improve our service to existing and new customers within the Indianapolis area. This new branch will operate with a lean, agile mentality while having the backing and resources of an established company.
We’re looking for a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial engineer to join this exciting new venture. If you thrive on creating something from the ground up, love tackling complex engineering challenges, and want to shape the future of our industry, this is your opportunity.
This position would require travel between customer sites on a weekly basis.
We provide a comprehensive benefit package, including fully funded health insurance, disability insurance, and a 401(k)-profit sharing administered plan.
Responsibilities:
Provide preventative and on-demand maintenance services to customersTroubleshoot systems and help restore them to working conditionsAssist with start-up services on new projects, working closely with Apex and end-customer engineering and electrical teamsDevelop electrical and pneumatic designs using 2-D cad softwareDevelop and support control systems software, including PLC, motion control, programmable safety, robot visions systems, ect.Develop and support HMI and SCADA systems, including graphics, macros, scripting, ect.Develop networking architectures common to industry, such as industrial Ethernet, IO-Link, etc. Develop electrical and pneumatic bills of materialsDesign and evaluate safety control circuitry and systemsReview customer requirements and specifications to ensure compliance with electrical design and softwareCheck peer designs for accuracy and consistency with standardsWork with internal staff to evaluate future projectsParticipate in and lead technical and non-technical training of customersWork with electricians and technicians to review control system construction and wiringInterpret mechanical and process flow drawings to determine control system requirementsPower up and commission control systemsCommunicate and share information with Apex sales, management, and admin teamsProvide timely and accurate feedback regarding project statusWillingly participant in internal training activities Always act with honesty and integrityActively share knowledge with peersTravel when neededQualifications and Skills Expectations:
Entrepreneurial approach to working in a new remote officeBachelor’s degree in engineering or related fieldMinimum of 2 yrs of experience in installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automation projects Experienced with PLC Software DevelopmentExperienced with HMI Software DevelopmentExperience in Automated Material Handling Systems (conveyors, ASRS, lifts, robots, barcode scanners, barcode print & apply, etc.)Troubleshooting, technical support, and maintenance & repairs skillsExposure to Kepware and other OPC server - preferredFamiliar with 2-D CAD to read drawings (EPLAN, AutoCAD) and understandFamiliar with National Electric Code and other common electrical standards, including safety standards.Strong professional verbal and written communication skills in EnglishStrong problem-solving and analytical skillsAttention to detail, organization, time management, responsiveness, and accessibilityExcellent interpersonal and teamwork skillsComfortable being self-directed with minimal supervisionProficient in Microsoft Excel and WordWillingness to be flexible with work locationAuthorized to work in the USA without any Visa sponsorship requirementsAbility and willingness to lift / lower / and carry objects up to 25 pounds, work from heights, climb ladders, and work in confined spacesA valid driver’s license is requiredPreferred but not required: Experienced with motion control system hardware and software, robotic systems, and vision systems Read Less