Senior Controls Engineer

Base Pay Range

$/yr - $/yr

• Approx base salary range $100,000 - $150,000
• Performance Bonus & Profit‑Sharing Bonus
• 401k + Company Match
• Open Vacation Policy
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Employee Licensing

As a design‑build engineering firm and general contractor that designs and builds food and beverage processing facilities, Dennis Group’s automation & controls engineers work closely with process, packaging, and building engineers to meet clients’ expectations in startup, commissioning, and qualification of food and beverage production facilities. The role requires regular onsite presence to diagnose, troubleshoot, and operationally start up client production lines, equipment, and facilities.

Automation & controls engineers frequently face challenges in applying standard engineering techniques to design, develop, and maintain instrumentation or control systems. Both software and hardware design and troubleshooting skills are required.

• Handle complex issues, escalating to higher‑level engineers or managers when necessary.
• Design and troubleshoot software and hardware for control systems utilizing PLCs.
• Automate manufacturing processes via instrumentation or control systems.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot network infrastructures (Ethernet, Device Net, AS‑i, Profibus, etc.).
• Develop new PLC applications, interfaces, or embedded controls.
• Commission new facilities or upgrade existing facilities.
• Specify, wire, and procure control panel equipment (safety circuits, I/O, networks).
• Specify, procure, and configure electrical equipment (MCCs, panel boards, transformers).
• Create design basis documents and scope of work.
• Develop functional descriptions and analysis documents for devices.
• Understand size and placement of control/electrical panels.
• Specify, procure, configure, and troubleshoot controls hardware and field instrumentation.
• Coordinate with other engineering disciplines.
• Diagnose malfunctions and recommend improvements to efficiency or quality.
• Create commissioning and startup checklists.
• Observe rough‑in construction for compliance.
• Serve as primary client technical contact.
• Develop bid documentation for electrical, automation, and low‑voltage vendors.
• Document specifications and operating procedures.
• Interface and manage installation contractors during construction.
• Research automation & controls materials and best practices.
• Support talent growth within the organization.
• Coach and mentor subordinate team members.

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 8‑11 years of experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, GE Fanuc, Honeywell systems.
• 8‑11 years of experience with Visual Basic, SQL, MS Access database programming.
• 8‑11 years of experience designing and implementing industrial network infrastructure (Ethernet, Device Net, Control Net, Profibus, etc.).
• 8‑11 years of experience in an industrial manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency with MS Office and AutoCAD.
• Professional, self‑motivated, energetic individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to travel 35‑50% of the time to client facilities for installation, startup, commissioning, and qualification phases.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods standing and walking during installation, commissioning, and startup.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

• Up to 50% travel required to visit project sites and other offices.

We plan, design, engineer, and build food plants for major brands across the country and the world. For the past three decades, we have focused exclusively on the food and beverage industry, helping your favorite brands put their favorite foods in the grocery store.

Dennis Group offers competitive compensation packages commensurate with experience and provides comprehensive employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off, an open vacation policy, bonus, profit‑sharing, and retirement plans.

Dennis Group is proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.