Freelance Access Control Engineer Jobs in New York

About the Role

Vision and Control Systems (VCS) is a growing Automation Systems Integrator specializing in custom machine building and systems integration. We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to anchor the engineering team in Springfield, NJ. This is a technical leadership role for a seasoned professional who can own complex projects end to end — driving system architecture, programming, and commissioning while mentoring junior engineers, and serving as a trusted technical advisor to customers. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on expertise, sound judgment under ambiguity, and the maturity to lead through influence in a lean, fast-moving environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Serve as the lead engineer on complex, multi-disciplinary projects — owning architecture decisions, guiding the technical approach, and providing direction to engineers and technicians from concept through commissioning.

• Advanced Programming: Architect and develop PLC, HMI, motion control, robotics and vision system applications using industry-standard platforms including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, FANUC, UR, Cognex, Keyence, and Beckhoff.

• Standards & Best Practices: Develop and maintain engineering standards, reusable code libraries, and documentation templates that raise quality and consistency across all projects.

• System Integration: Lead the integration of control systems with existing manufacturing processes, coordinating across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines to ensure efficiency, reliability, and maintainability.

• Commissioning & Troubleshooting: Direct on-site startup, system analysis, and advanced troubleshooting, resolving the toughest integration and performance issues to guarantee optimal operation.

• Mentorship & Technical Support: Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, conduct design and code reviews, and provide expert technical support and training to internal teams, technicians, and customers.

• Project Execution: Own project schedules, budgets, and vendor relationships, managing scope and change orders to deliver on time and within budget.

• Compliance & Safety: Ensure all projects meet regulatory standards and adhere to strict safety requirements, including applicable UL 508A and industrial electrical safety practices.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or an equivalent technical discipline required.

• Experience: Minimum 5 years of controls experience, ideally in an industrial, manufacturing, system integration, or custom machine-building environment, with a demonstrated history of leading projects independently from concept through commissioning.

• Technical Proficiency: Deep, hands-on PLC programming and configuration expertise. Experience with Rockwell platforms required; proficiency across Siemens and/or Beckhoff is also valued. Strong background in robotics, motion control, vision systems, sensor integration, and data acquisition.

• BOM & Documentation: Expert-level management of structured BOMs and complete electrical drawing packages across the full project lifecycle.

• Project Execution: Strong track record delivering on time and within budget in a project-based or job-shop environment, including ownership of change order processes.

• Small-Shop Mindset: Thrives in a lean, self-directed environment, wears multiple hats, and takes full ownership of outcomes. Prior experience at an integrator or custom machine builder is strongly preferred.

• Communication: Clear, direct communication with internal teams, customers, and vendors, including the ability to translate complex technical concepts for varied audiences.

Our Partnership with ONDEX Automation

VCS is proud to be part of ONDEX Automation, a Shore Capital Partners platform company built to serve North American manufacturers with advanced automation and integration solutions. As part of the ONDEX platform, we have access to expanded resources and sister-company capabilities in panel fabrication, SCADA/MES, machine vision, and robotics — giving our engineers the tools and partnerships to take on the most technically demanding projects in food & beverage, life sciences, aerospace & defense, and beyond.

Why Join Us?

At VCS, senior engineers are trusted to own their work and shape how we engineer. You will design systems that solve real problems for real customers, mentor the next generation of engineers, and see those machines from concept through completion.

We offer:

•    Competitive salary with annual bonus potential and clear opportunities for career growth and technical leadership

•    A collaborative, low-bureaucracy environment where your decisions matter

•    Exposure to diverse industries and machine types — no two projects are the same

•    A team that values craftsmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement

Core Values

• Champion the Customer: Build partnerships, do what’s right, win together.

• Own It: Take accountability, figure it out, and drive results.

• Deliver Excellence: Take pride in our work, bring expertise, and attention to detail.

• Spark Innovation: Stay curious, embrace challenges, and never stop growing.

• Stronger Together: Respect, support, and care for your teammates.