Controls Engineer

About Our Client

Our Client is a leading engineering and automation solutions provider specializing in industrial control systems, electrical engineering, process automation, and system integration. They deliver innovative solutions through design-build services, engineering consulting, and custom automation projects for industrial, municipal, and water/wastewater facilities. Their team is committed to providing high-quality engineering solutions while fostering a collaborative and customer-focused work environment.

Position Overview

Our Client is seeking a Project Engineer / Control Systems Programmer with 5+ years of experience to join their team in Buffalo, NY. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing PLC and SCADA control systems, including control panel design, PLC and HMI programming, and system integration to meet client requirements.

This position requires strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects while ensuring work is completed on schedule and within budget. The successful candidate will work closely with clients, contractors, and internal engineering teams throughout all phases of project execution, from design through commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Design PLC, HMI, and SCADA control systems based on project specifications and client requirements.

• Develop control panel layouts and electrical system designs.

• Program PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems for industrial and municipal automation projects.

• Configure PC-based software applications and prepare engineering documentation.

• Ensure engineering assignments remain within budget and project schedules.

• Maintain engineering hour forecasts and effectively utilize engineering tools and standards.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams and provide technical guidance throughout project execution.

• Communicate project status with clients through meetings, conference calls, written correspondence, and on-site visits.

• Conduct site visits to evaluate existing plant conditions and gather project requirements.

• Review engineering specifications, drawings, and contract documents to ensure project compliance.

• Perform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), startup support, and system commissioning.

• Troubleshoot and modify PLC, HMI, and SCADA programs during startup and field service activities.

• Perform testing, calibration, and repair of:

  • Motor Control Centers (MCCs)

  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

  • Instrumentation & Controls (I&C)

  • Analog, digital, pneumatic, and electrical control systems

• Read and interpret:

  • PLC wiring diagrams

  • Control narratives

  • P&ID drawings

  • Electrical and mechanical schematics

• Supervise junior engineers or technical support personnel as assigned.

• Provide emergency troubleshooting and technical support when required.

• Participate in technical training, conferences, and continuing education opportunities.

• Provide occasional after-hours or weekend support to restore client process operations when necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent technical education.

• Minimum 5 years of engineering experience in industrial automation or controls engineering.

• Strong knowledge of PLC, HMI, and SCADA system development.

• Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics, control narratives, and P&ID drawings.

• Working knowledge of NEC Code and UL508A standards.

• Excellent troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Valid U.S. Driver's License.

• U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within the water/wastewater or industrial process industries.

• Prior experience in electrical engineering or industrial controls.

• Familiarity with design-build project delivery methods.

• Experience leading projects or mentoring junior engineers.

Preferred Technical SkillsPLC Platforms

• Rockwell Automation Logix 500

• Rockwell Automation Logix 5000

• Siemens TIA Portal

• CodeSys

• Modicon

SCADA Platforms

• Ignition

• Wonderware / AVEVA InTouch

• AVEVA InduSoft

• FactoryTalk View

• GE Proficy iFIX

• ICONICS

Engineering Software

• AutoCAD

• WSCAD

• EPLAN

• Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in the following areas are highly preferred:

• Industrial Automation

• Process Control Systems

• PLC Programming

• SCADA Development

• HMI Programming

• Control Panel Design

• Electrical Design

• Instrumentation & Controls (I&C)

• Motor Control Centers (MCCs)

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

• Water & Wastewater Treatment Facilities

• Industrial Manufacturing

• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)

• Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)

• Startup & Commissioning

• System Integration

• Troubleshooting & Field Service

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to lift materials from floor level and above shoulder height.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Ability to travel to customer sites as required.

What Our Client Offers

• Competitive salary

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Paid time off and company holidays

• Professional development and technical training opportunities

• Collaborative team environment

• Opportunity to work on innovative industrial automation and infrastructure projects

• Long-term career growth with a respected engineering organization

W3Global was established in 2006 in Fremont, CA with a vision: simplify the recruiting process and develop an industry-disrupting platform to connect candidates with clients. Our cutting-edge Applicant Tracking System enables us to find the right person for the right job, creating value for job seekers and employers. While W3Global initially focused on IT staffing, we have expanded the business to serve many other industries, including accounting and finance, legal, engineering, human resources, government and more.

We’re proud of the investments we’ve made in our team, having grown from four to 1000 employees and evolving into one of the leading recruitment and staffing solution providers in the industry. Our recruiters and account managers are passionate about connecting qualified professionals with the right positions in small, medium, and large companies.

Our Services
W3Global understands the natural ups and downs of an organization’s staffing needs. We are continuously adapting to industry and economic changes to find the right candidates.

We specialize in placing permanent, direct, contract, and temporary positions for companies of any size. Our recruiting services include sourcing, recruiting, screening, interview management, salary negotiations, training, and onboarding.

We are committed to helping organizations redefine their recruitment process by delivering our SaaS-based proprietary application tracking system software.

Our Expertise
W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs.

As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.