Controls Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec's Pleasanton, CA engineer group has a Controls Engineering opportunity available. This position is responsible for the independent design, development, implementation, and support of automation and control system solutions for a variety of industrial applications. The Staff Engineer applies technical expertise in control systems, networking, and instrumentation to deliver high-quality solutions while collaborating with clients and multidisciplinary project teams. Success in this role is demonstrated through technical execution, problem solving, project ownership, and contributions to team and client success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities The following responsibilities are essential to the satisfactory performance of this role. Reasonable accommodation may be made as needed.

Technology

• Design, develop, configure, and implement Rockwell, Emerson DeltaV, or similar control systems, ensuring alignment with client requirements, Wunderlich-Malec standards, and industry best practices
• Develop control system architecture, select components, and detail electrical schematics and control panel layouts
• Program controllers (PLC, DCS, RTU) and develop HMI/SCADA systems using languages such as Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Sequential Function Charts, VBA, .NET, Python, and SQL
• Provide field support during construction, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities
• Design and implement industrial networking solutions using protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus across fiber, wired, and wireless systems
• Conduct Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) to validate system performance and client requirements
• Provide on-site startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting support for deployed systems
• Specify, integrate, and troubleshoot instrumentation and control devices
• Develop and redline control drawings and electrical schematics detailing system configuration and hardware design
• Develop and maintain control drawings, electrical schematics, and system documentation
• Validate execution of control sequences, alert activation, trend displays, trend configurations, control system failures, and overall verification of the system graphics

Projects

• Collaborate with internal and external multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects on time and within budget
• Provide technical guidance for junior engineers and technicians, fostering technical growth and knowledge sharing
• Review and validate engineering deliverables, including personal work products and those of associate engineers within areas of technical expertise
• Provide support in developing estimates for project proposals
• Facilitate client meetings, design reviews, and technical discussions as required
• Identify potential client needs and contribute to scope development and business growth opportunities
• Proactively identify project risks, constraints, and roadblocks, and recommend solutions
• Independently execute medium-to-large tasks from technical design through completion
• Demonstrate adherence to quality standards, project procedures, and engineering best practices

Field Work & Travel

• Willingness to travel based on project and business needs. Travel may range up to 25%, including on-site support and commissioning activities
• Comply with safety protocols and client-specific requirements
• Valid driver’s license and international passport (or ability to obtain quickly)
• Assist with on-site installation, testing, and startup of engineering systems
• Ensure devices and/or equipment, associated with the control system, have been installed and wired per the manufacturer’s requirements as well as the submitted and approved package shop drawings and documentation

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Chemical, or related field) preferred
• Associate degree in Engineering Technology with relevant experience may be considered
• 2 to 8+ years of experience in automation and control system engineering

Core Competencies

• Demonstrates perseverance in overcoming challenges and achieving goals
• Passion for quality, craftsmanship, innovation, and problem-solving
• Communicates ideas and perspectives clearly while promoting alignment through active listening, collaboration, and constructive feedback
• Actively seeks, accepts, and integrates feedback for continuous improvement
• Demonstrates troubleshooting skills and the ability to diagnose and resolve automation system issues
• Proficient in Rockwell Automation, Siemens PCS7, Emerson DeltaV, or other PLC/DCS systems
• Proficient in HMI/SCADA hardware/software platforms such as Inductive Automation Ignition, ICONICS Genesis64, Wonderware ArchestrA System Platform, GE CIMPLICITY, GE iFIX, Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View, Schneider, Siemens, or other SCADA systems
• Proficient in industrial network design standards (Ethernet and Serial)
• Proficient in industrial network communication protocols (HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, OPC)
• Functional understanding of historian systems, alarm management, and advanced control strategies
• Experience in translating high-level functional requirements into detailed software design
• Ability to read, understand, and apply instrumentation and design specifications (Division 25)
• Functional understanding of process control strategies, loop tuning, and system integration
• Functional understanding of electrical design principles
• Functional understanding of Piping & Instrumentation Drawings (P&IDs)
• Working knowledge of controller programming languages such as Ladder, Sequential Function Chart, Structured Text, and others to achieve the desired results is required
• Working knowledge of standard programming languages such as VBA, .NET and SQL for the development of HMI/SCADA systems is preferred
• Recognizes how assigned work contributes to overall project goals and proactively identifies gaps or issues in requirements
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and environments
• Demonstrates ownership and accountability in executing assigned work and delivering results
• Collaborates effectively across multidisciplinary teams through open communication, constructive problem solving, and shared accountability

Work Conditions The physical demands and work-environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

Office Environment

• Ability to sit or stand for long periods while working at a computer or attending meetings
• Manual dexterity sufficient for typing and using standard office tools
• Visual acuity for reading technical drawings, documents, and computer screens

The following requirements apply to implementing automation solutions at the client location:

• Ability to stand and move around job sites for up to 8-12 hours per shift
• Ability to frequently climb up and down stairs and ladders
• Ability to maintain balance and stability while performing tasks at heights
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, and move objects up to 40 pounds as required
• Ability to distinguish colors for tasks involving color-coded materials, labels, or signals
• Ability to hear and communicate with clear speech in industrial environments
• Ability to drive vehicles and operate simple machinery, with proper training, such as lifts
• Frequent reaching, bending, stooping, crouching, or crawling in and around machinery and production equipment as required during project commissioning and startup activities
• Manual dexterity is sufficient to operate tools, instruments, or computer equipment
• The ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, and steel-toed boots
• Visual acuity and hand-eye coordination required for inspection, troubleshooting, and detailed technical work
• Adhere to all client and Wunderlich-Malec safety standards

Working Environment

Office Environment

• Regular use of computers, phones and standard office equipment
• May involve extended periods of sitting or attending meetings

Work may be performed in construction, industrial, and/or chemical processing environments

• Work around construction and industrial production equipment and personnel
• Exposure to manufacturing environments with moderate to high noise levels, temperature fluctuations, moving mechanical parts, and industrial chemicals
• Electrical/Instrumentation, device checkout and troubleshooting, including voltage testing, troubleshooting equipment on a ladder, and some electrical assembly (e.g., signal wiring in control panels/instruments)
• Construction trailer and new building construction environment
• Frequent PC and cell phone usage

Typical Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) Required

• Safety glasses
• Steel-toed shoes
• Hearing protection
• Electrical safety PPE

Employees must comply with client specific requirements and PPE.

Our People

• Empowered Employee-Owners – As owners of Wunderlich-Malec, we are invested in its success. We hire top talent and empower them to take initiative, drive innovation, and deliver impactful solutions
• Motivated & Rewarded – We invest in continuing education and offer world-class benefits, ensuring our employee-owners stay motivated, fulfilled, and future-ready
• Positive & Committed – Our experts bring long-term dedication and a positive, can-do attitude to every project
• Industry-Smart – Recognized as leaders in their fields, our employee-owners stay sharp through ongoing training and deep knowledge of evolving industry trends

*Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job.  They reflect principal job elements essential for performance

Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance

Salary Range The expected salary range is $85,000 to $115,000 base per year depending on qualifications plus a discretionary bonus and employee stock program.

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