Controls Engineer Jobs in Schenectady, NY (NOW HIRING)

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Location: Albany, GA and Mehoopany, PA (near client sites)

Job Summary: The candidate will manage engineering scope, cost and schedule to deliver efficient, high quality projects in a timely fashion. They will have experience managing project teams including themselves and three or more other engineering resources. They will have the ability to manage multiple projects totaling more than $600K in engineering services annually.

Responsibilities:

• Project Support: Assist our engineering teams in various phases of project development, from concept design to implementation and testing. Ensure project team members create deliverables that meet or exceed the customer’s expectations and standards. Own issues and drive them to resolution with internal and external customers.
• Collaboration: Work independently but be quick to ask questions and draw upon the best internal, customer, and industry resources to meet customer requirements accurately and efficiently. Build and maintain healthy, long term, professional relationships with coworkers, customers, suppliers, and industry partners. Maintain excellent composure, especially under pressure.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and comprehensive project documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and progress reports.
• Communication: Communicate effectively in person and in writing to keep customers, contractors, and ZSI project team well informed of pertinent information in a timely manner. Assumes responsibility for filling in gaps in customer communication.
• Innovation: Foster an environment where new ideas are discussed and developed collaboratively. They will help others overcome resistance to change. The candidate will be dedicated to creating solutions to customers' problems.

The Desired Candidate will have the following Knowledge/Experience:

• Minimum five years of machine controls or packaging experience in the pulp and paper industries.
• Proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLC programming software (RS Logix, Studio 5000).
• Ability to develop a PLC program from scratch or customize a program based on customer specific templates. Must have flexibility in programming style to adapt to customer standards
• Proficiency in FactoryTalk HMI development.
• Experience designing controls system networks using Ethernet, ControlNet, and DeviceNet
• Experience designing, programming, and configuring Variable Frequency Drive systems, specifically Rockwell hardware.
• Minimum Two-Year Degree in an electrical technology field, Four-Year Degree in Electrical Engineering is preferred.
• Experience designing, programming, and configuring servo systems, specifically Rockwell hardware.
• Experience in configuring and programming Fanuc robotic systems is a plus but is not required.
• Knowledge of Safety Control Systems.
• Experience as a control engineering lead for large capital projects.
• Some travel is required, typically less than 25%.

The Desired Candidate will have the following Core Characteristics:

• As part of their job duties, a Controls Engineer at Salas O’Brien supports projects from conception to commissioning. The goal of this resource is to develop a site-presence for local clients and to build a team of local support which will foster client relationships.
• The candidate will have the ability to act as the single point contact for projects. They will manage engineering scope, cost and schedule to deliver efficient, high quality projects in a timely fashion. They will proactively identify issues or risk items and work with customer and Salas O’Brien resources to resolve in a timely manner. They will have experience managing project teams including themselves and one or two other engineering resources. Typical project size will be $50K to $100K in engineering services.
• The candidate will communicate in person and in writing to keep customers, contractors, and Salas O’Brien project team well informed of pertinent information in a timely manner.
• The candidate will be able to work independently, but be quick to ask questions and draw upon the best Salas O’Brien, customer, and industry resources to complete work accurately and efficiently.
• The candidate will actively expand knowledge and abilities to address challenges. They will dynamically pursue the proper training and other tools as necessary. They will set aggressive goals and makes every effort to succeed.
• The candidate will have a strong willingness and ability to communicate, cooperate, and work with co-workers, supervisors, and customers. They will have the ability to build and maintain healthy, long term, professional relationships with coworkers and customers. They will maintain excellent composure, especially under pressure.
• The candidate will contribute to a positive, dynamic workplace that is energizing and enjoyable to work in. They place high priority on helping others resolve issues that inevitably arise in the business environment.
• The candidate will propose new ideas when there is a need for better methods and alternatives. They will contribute to an environment where new ideas are discussed and developed collaboratively.

Focus on Quality and Continuous Improvement:

• The candidate will consistently work in a safe manner at Salas O’Brien and customer sites.
• The candidate will maintain a high level of technical expertise in the “Knowledge / Experience” areas listed above.
• The candidate will have a thorough understanding of how to execute projects quickly and efficiently. They will identify barriers and request necessary resources to work efficiently.
• The candidate will develop high quality, accurate deliverables. They will own issues and drive them to resolution with internal and external customers.
• The candidate will have a strong desire to work and keep very well informed on project status. They will seek to understand at a higher level.
• The candidate will have an understanding of an engineering work process and history of developing solutions with a documented mathematical basis during the concept phase.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in an Engineering field.
• Experience: Five years’ experience as a Project Lead in the Good and Dairy Industries working for a manufacturer or an engineering consultant.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using engineering tools and software to:
  • Develop project schedules and track progress against milestones and deadlines.
  • Develop project budgets and track status.
  • Manage project meeting notes and follow-up lists.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and willingness to work on various projects and tasks, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.
• Initiative: Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to drive projects forward.

Travel: Up to 25%

Salas O’Brien offers a generous benefit package including health, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), paid vacation, and holidays. Employee development is supported and encouraged. Our staff and their families are important to us, as are sound ethics, high standards and teamwork. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at salasobrien.com.

Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.