Senior Controls Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to join the team at our Culpeper, VA site.

Reporting directly to the Manager, Manufacturing Engineering, this position will work with the manufacturing and facility teams to develop, mature, and transition automation and PLC solutions to improve operations’ capabilities, effectiveness, and employee safety. This role will support developmental and production programs; and requires a motivated, self-starting individual with a passion for technical creativity and the ability to work with others to achieve results. The Controls Engineer will lead solutions through project management activities, requirement development, testing the automation, and transitioning the solution to the production team. This position would be 1st shift. 7:30 am to 5:00 pm 9/80 schedule.

This opening may be filled at this level as posted or at one level higher.

L3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor for the global aerospace and defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our more than 50,000 employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains.

Our site near Culpeper, VA, in beautiful, rural Orange County (1.5 hours from Washington, DC) is growing! This site is our center of excellence for Solid Rocket Motor Propulsion and Energetics development as well as high-complexity production programs.

Youre not just "doing a job" at Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies Company. The work you perform makes significant contributions to national security and space exploration.

• Inspiring Company Culture - Our people support each other and work together to leave an indelible impact on our nation’s aerospace and defense legacy. Read more about our culture: Careers L3Harris
• Rest and Relaxation- Accrue 3 weeks of vacation to start plus separate sick allowance. 9/80 schedule providing longer weekends. Plus 90 hours of paid holidays on average throughout the year.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts, and Wellness programs. Want to know more? Check out: Benefits L3Harris
• Prepare for the Future - 401(k) with company match
• Professional Development - Tuition assistance, free professional development training through Rocket University and Energetics University, employee recognition, and leadership development programs
• Employee Resource Groups – Local and Enterprise employee-led volunteer groups to create community, awareness, impact, and to support a culture where everyone belongs

This position will specialize in developing controls solutions:

40 - Provides Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) support to lead processes controlled by PLC systems and to include trouble-shooting problems/issues and programming new applications for the control of manufacturing processes with PLC software using applicable language. Ability to read and generate PLC ladder logic diagrams (input modules, central processing unit, and output modules).

35 - Conceives and plans projects involving the development and application of controls/automation with input from Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, and Safety, Health & Environment (SH&E) representatives. Prepares and maintains detailed safe process instructions/planning by following established manufacturing and SH&E procedures. Participates in proposal and pre-contract activities.

25 - Interface with internal/external suppliers and customers. Participate in preliminary and critical design reviews. Assist in preparing for and participate in process and manufacturing reviews. Troubleshoot existing systems to resolve issues and recommend updates. Accurately report problems, solutions and results in concise written and oral communications.

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical (preferred), Aerospace, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering plus (five) 5 years of industrial work experience as a manufacturing engineer and/or as a PLC programmer (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

The preferred candidate will be comfortable working with limited instruction, collaborating with a variety of internal stakeholders to gather inputs and design solutions to achieve desired goals and objectives. Must thrive on taking initiative. Works tactically while also steering projects and initiatives.

• Programming Control systems (PLC, HMI’s) is required
• Successful implementation of automation, robotics, or other operations/testing solutions required
• Demonstrated ability in manufacturing required
• Ability to interpret end item drawings, specifications, and requirements required
• Project management desired
• Working with 3rd party integrators desired
• Programming robotics is desired
• Developing statements of work and requirements definition is desired
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and statistical process control tools desired

Travel and Schedule:

Travel will be required to support suppliers or other manufacturing sites (up to 25).

Occasional off-shift and weekend work may be required to support schedules.

May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level. Requires U.S. Citizenship. Must also be able to satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information, and having dual citizenship may preclude you from being able to meet this requirement.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

The work environment may require a combination of indoor and outdoor activity (hot, cold, wet, humid conditions) with a varied amount of walking, standing, sitting, climbing (i.e. ladders, stair, scaffolding, ramps), balance (maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces), bending, reaching, handling/fingering (seizing, holding, grasping, turning picking, pinching), stooping, kneeling, crouching and ability to lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, employees may work around variable noise levels. May require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coat. May also be required to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer. Ability to distinguish colors may also be necessary. Some employees may be required to drive between various locations within the Company facility.