Summary/objective: Specialty Tooling Systems is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced automation systems and custom machinery. This role is responsible for driving technical excellence across projects, from concept through commissioning, while mentoring team members and serving as a key technical resource for both internal teams and customers. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in controls systems and thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment focused on delivering high-precision, state-of-the-art equipment.
Essential functions:
Lead controls engineering efforts across the full project lifecycle: concept development, design, build, validation, customer acceptance, and onsite commissioning
Serve as a technical lead on projects, guiding architecture decisions, standards, and best practices
Define controls architecture and make key technical decisions for assigned projects
Lead the design and development of complex control systems including PLCs, motion control, robotics, vision systems, and HMI/SCADA platforms
Program, integrate, and troubleshoot systems involving Rockwell Automation platforms, robotics, and advanced automation technologies
Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical engineering, project management, and manufacturing teams to deliver integrated solutions
Serve as primary technical point of contact for customers on controls-related topics
Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for system performance, reliability, and quality issues
Identify project risks early and drive mitigation strategies in collaboration with project managers
Contribute to project estimating, concept development, and system architecture definition
Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to controls standards, documentation, and development processes
Establish and enforce controls standards and best practices
Mentor and develop junior engineers through technical guidance, code reviews, and best practice sharing
Stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices; apply knowledge to improve solutions and processes
Required competency, education, and experience:
7+ years of controls engineering experience in automation or custom machinery
Demonstrated ability to lead technical aspects of projects independently
Robotic Simulation: Roboguide, Robot Studio, MotoSim, and Process Simulate
Experience with additional platforms (Siemens, Omron)
Other Supporting experience with:
Artificial Intelligence tools (ChatGPT, Claude, local LLMs)
Custom (Python, VBA)
Experience developing controls standards or leading continuous improvement initiatives
Prior experience mentoring or providing technical leadership to engineering teams
Work environment: Office setting within a manufacturing environment, with regular interaction on the production floor. Physical demands:
Ability to sit for extended periods
Ability to view detailed work at close range
Manual dexterity to work with small components
Ability to lift 20 pounds
Position type and expected hours of work: Full time Travel: 0-30% potential travel associated with role as needed.
Travel may require:
Domestic and international travel
Air travel
Overnight stays (typically up to 2-week intervals for large projects)
Compensation/Benefits:
Competitive salary
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Short-term and long-term disability
Company-paid and voluntary life insurance
401(k) with company match
Education reimbursement
Paid vacation and holidays
Flexible spending accounts
Other duties: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.
STS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. STS does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need