Senior Electrical Controls Engineer

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior or Principal Electrical Controls Engineer to join our Orlando-based team. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the growth of our Florida office while leading the execution of highly complex, one-off engineered systems across sports architecture, themed entertainment, and other industries requiring innovative mechanization solutions. This is not a traditional plant or manufacturing controls role. This position focuses on custom, non-repetitive systems where standard solutions do not exist. Engineers are expected to take ownership from early concept through field commissioning, ensuring systems perform as intended in real-world environments. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in hands-on, dynamic environments, enjoys solving ambiguous problems, and is motivated by seeing complex systems come to life. You will lead the design, integration, and field execution of advanced control systems that are tightly integrated with mechanical equipment and moving structures.

This position requires a strong field presence, including significant travel to support commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer-facing activities. You will work directly on-site to resolve issues, support installations, and ensure successful system performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the concept, design, and implementation of advanced control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and network architecture

• Own system performance end-to-end from initial design through commissioning, troubleshooting, and final turnover

• Develop control strategies for custom, project-specific systems where no predefined templates exist

• Lead and participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR, FDR), ensuring technical rigor and alignment across disciplines

• Develop and execute test plans, commissioning procedures, and system validation activities for complex, integrated systems

• Provide hands-on field support, including installation oversight, system debugging, and real-time problem resolution under schedule and performance constraints

• Serve as a technical lead in customer-facing situations, including commissioning, warranty support, and sustaining engineering efforts

• Conduct inspections and acceptance testing at vendor facilities and support system integration in the field

• Collaborate closely with mechanical, structural, and project teams to ensure fully integrated system behavior

• Prepare and review design documentation, including schematics, control narratives, and functional descriptions

• Support proposal development, including technical scope definition, concept development, and risk identification

• Stay current with advancements in controls technologies and apply them to improve system performance and reliability

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field from an ABET-accredited institution

• 5+ years of experience (B.S.) or 3+ years (M.S.) in controls engineering or a related field

• Proven experience with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and motor control

• Strong proficiency with Rockwell Studio 5000 (or equivalent PLC platforms)

• Experience developing and integrating control system architectures for custom equipment or systems

• Demonstrated experience in system commissioning, troubleshooting, and field support

• Ability to read and develop electrical schematics and technical documentation

• Familiarity with the National Electrical Code (NEC)

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work through complex, undefined technical challenges

• Excellent communication and ability to collaborate across disciplines

• Willingness and ability to travel significantly to support field activities and project execution

• Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR due to access to export-controlled technical data

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in a related field

• Florida E.I.T. or P.E. license (or ability to obtain)

• Experience with custom machinery, automation systems, robotics, or motion control-heavy applications

• Background in industries such as aerospace test systems, themed entertainment, custom equipment, cranes, or complex industrial automation

• Proficiency with AutoCAD, EPLAN, or similar electrical design tools

• Experience with three-phase power systems and industrial electrical infrastructure

• Experience managing technical risk in complex, one-off engineered systems

• Familiarity with industry standards such as ASTM F2291

• Demonstrated ability to lead field activities and coordinate with clients, contractors, and vendors

• Strong preference for individuals who enjoy hands-on, field-based engineering work