Senior Controls Engineer

Overview

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to support our growing Client base. Our Manufacturing business is expanding more than ever and there are many opportunities to grow and work with mature and newer manufacturing processes.  SSOE’s manufacturing experience spans decades and more than 10 countries, working in almost every major industry on quite literally every aspect of plant and process development. 

Why Join SSOE?

At SSOE, you'll work with amazing colleagues and be part of something big! We've consistently been named a “Great Place to Work” and are experiencing the most successful years in our history. Along with industry-leading salary compensation, you'll be eligible to purchase shares in the company — shares that have significantly outperformed both the S&P and Dow averages.

AI and Innovation

At SSOE, we don’t just talk about the future, we build it. As a leader in industry AI adoption, we empower our team to work smarter by providing responsible access to the industry leading AI Large Language Models, vibe-coding platforms, and securely integrating advanced tools into every role. From day one, you’ll receive the training and support needed to leverage AI as a core tool for enhancing productivity, sparking creativity, and streamlining complex workflows.

Responsibilities

A Typical Day Might Include: 

• Applies intensive and diversified knowledge of engineering principles and practices in broad areas of assignments.
• Makes decisions independently on engineering problems, practices, and methods and may create and refine unique design solutions. In the case of a licensed staff member acting as a lead project engineer, this includes but is not limited to the stamping/sealing of one's drawings/documents as well as drawings/documents done as the professional in "responsible charge" as defined by the applicable statute of jurisdiction.
• Takes an active part in client contact and business development activities; provides technical support to business development efforts, meets with clients to define project scope, presents project progress, and assures client satisfaction.
• Participates in the provision of high-level consulting services to clients; may serve in chosen discipline as a staff advisor or consultant in the role of technical specialist requiring highly specialized knowledge and skills, and the use of advanced techniques.
• Acts as an owner's representative to define new control system requirements and project responsibilities.
• Becomes a trusted partner for stakeholders making critical design decisions.
• Represents the firm in meetings and conferences to resolve important questions and to plan and coordinate a project.
• Plans, develops, coordinates, and directs a medium to large engineering project or a number of smaller complex projects with overall responsibility for budget adherence, schedule adherence, quality control, and inter-discipline coordination.
• Prepares or supervises preparation of contract proposals by defining scope and providing estimates for engineering work; defines project scope of work and organizes into manageable tasks; provides supervisor and project manager with scope of work change warnings.
• Coordinates areas of responsibility to SSOE teams, owner teams, vendors, and subconsultants.
• Delegates project work to appropriate departments and discipline leads; oversees multiple project teams while acting as a subject matter expert; provides supervision and guidance related largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, policy matters, and/or unusual problems and developments.
• Plans, organizes, supervises, coordinates, and reviews the work of a team of engineers and designers working on the same assigned project.
• Responsible for acceptance or rejection of major items involving materials, equipment, manufacturer's quality, and field construction.
• Anticipates process and design roadblocks and proactively addresses issues prior to negative impact on business operations.
• Navigates the risk and hazard assessment process, hierarchy of protective measures, proper selection of mitigation techniques including mechanical safeguarding and electrical control system performance requirements for severity, frequency / exposure, and possibility / avoidance.
• Evaluates and advances machine / system / automation safety issues into the engineering phase and through to construction and operational phases.
• Recognizes common failure modes and fail-safe concepts for mechanical and electrical control systems.
• Participates in company safety programs.
• Acts as a mentor, coach, tutor, and resource for less experienced staff.
• Maintains continuing professional education in discipline.
• Receives instructions on specific assignment objectives, complex features, and assistance in deriving possible solutions to unusual problems.
• Exercises limited judgment in making adaptations or modifications to design concepts.
• Reviews work with supervisor to ensure the application of sound engineering practices and professional judgment.
• May supervise, coordinate, and direct the work effort of designers on the same project with some responsibility for checking his/her portion of the completed drawings.
• May write portions of specifications and assist in preparing cost estimates.
• Job may require use of AI or similar digital technology to perform the job function.
• Travel required.
• Valid driver's license required. May be waived for international assignments.

Qualifications

Qualifications You’ll Need on Day One:

• Engineering experience in manufacturing environments required – multiple industry experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering and 10 or more years of related practical experience is required.
• P.E. license preferred.
• Knowledge of project planning, cost estimating, and scheduling. 
• Ability to understand the organization's goals and objectives as well as detailed functional objectives as they apply to their work assignments.
• Experience with various DCS, PLC, HMI, MES, and SCADA systems from a business perspective.  Ability to advise on costs, contribute to specifications, and assist with platform and vendor selections.
• Strong communication skills.  Able to speak and write clearly and in a way that all stakeholders will understand.
• Ability to work and communicate remotely in an independent and team-oriented environment.  Must be able to travel to client sites.
• Familiarity with standards (ANSI, CSA, IEC, ISA, ISO, NEC, NFPA, RIA) and OSHA regulations.
• Familiarity with processes and procedures for CAPA, HAZOP, LOPA, PHA, SIL, and SIS assessments.
• Leadership skills and ability to lead and influence others.
• Critical thinking and analysis skills.
• Valid driver's license required. May be waived for international assignments.
• Travel usually varies from 20% to 40% and may include international travel to Latin America or Canada.
• Salary Range: $110,000-$135,000/year depending on location, education, experience, and any certifications that are directly related to the position. 
• Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K, PTO & paid holidays.

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