Senior Controls Engineer

Howmet Aerospace

Niles, OH

Who this role is best for

Aimed at mid-to-senior level automation professionals who balance hands-on technical work with project leadership in heavy manufacturing.

Best fit for

Candidates with 5+ years of PLC/SCADA experience and project management skills in industrial automation
— “Minimum five (5) years of experience in programming and maintaining PLCs, HMIs, and Databases.”
Professionals adept at mentoring others and influencing non-direct reports
— “The ability to effectively communicate (verbally and written) and delegate while maintaining forward motion on key deliverables.”

Things to consider

The role requires U.S. person status due to ITAR regulations, which may limit candidate eligibility
— “This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which requires U.S. person status.”
Candidates must be physically capable of inspecting equipment in and out of confined spaces
— “moderate physical activity, such as all motions necessary to inspect production equipment in and out of confined spaces.”
The position involves regular on-site work with plant equipment and requires full PPE
— “Work is normally performed in an interior work environment, while regularly accessing plant equipment for assessment.”

How to stand out

Highlight experience with Allen Bradley PLCs and ABB robots in your resume and interview responses
— “Experience with Allen Bradley PLCs and HMIs.”
Emphasize your ability to manage cross-functional teams and deliver automation solutions with minimal downtime
— “Collaborates across all business functions and external vendors to deliver engineering solutions with minimal production downtime.”
Demonstrate your track record in leading capital projects from start to finish
— “Lead engineering projects from inception to completion, managing scopes, RFAs, technical specs, vendor quotes, timelines, and budgets.”
Showcase your knowledge of system integrity practices like master backups and change management
— “Maintain master backups and rigorous change-management records for all automation programs and hardware configurations.”
Include examples of implementing new technologies to improve safety and reduce downtime
— “Evaluate new technologies and implement process upgrades to eliminate waste, improve safety, and reduce downtime.”

Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

successful automation projects
reduced downtime

Typical background

electrical engineeringautomation engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

PLC ProgrammingScada SystemsRoboticsProject ManagementTroubleshootingSafety Compliance

Preferred

Allen Bradley PlcsABB RobotsIgnitionVb.netPythonJavaJavaScriptMicrosoft SQL ServerWindows AdministrationNetwork Management

Stack & domain

PLC ProgrammingHMI ProgrammingScada ProgrammingRoboticsAutomationProgramming Vb.netPythonJavaJava ScriptMicrosoft SQL ServerWindows AdministrationNetwork ManagementDevice Integration Via Serial, Tcp/ip, Opc-ua And Proprietary ProtocolsAbility To Effectively Communicate (verbally And Written)Ability To Delegate While Maintaining Forward Motion On Key DeliverablesHigh Degree Of Interpersonal Skills To Motivate And Influence OthersIndustrial Manufacturing

About the role

Original posting from Howmet Aerospace

The Senior Controls Engineer owns the facility's automation control systems to maximize reliability, safety, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). This role balances advanced hands-on troubleshooting of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and robotic systems with end-to-end capital project management. The incumbent collaborates across all business functions and external vendors to deliver engineering solutions with minimal production downtime.
Core Responsibilities:
Automation Ownership: Serve as the sole authority for plant control networks (Level 0–2), PLC/SCADA programming, and process control IT policies.
Troubleshooting & Support: Diagnose complex system faults, perform root cause analyses, and implement rapid repair solutions to maximize OEE.
System Integrity: Maintain master backups and rigorous change-management records for all automation programs and hardware configurations.
Capital Projects: Lead engineering projects from inception to completion, managing scopes, RFAs, technical specs, vendor quotes, timelines, and budgets.\
Continuous Improvement: Evaluate new technologies and implement process upgrades to eliminate waste, improve safety, and reduce downtime.
Safety & Compliance: Enforce company, state, and federal EHS policies, including authorizing emergency equipment shutdowns when necessary.
Mentorship: Train and mentor junior engineers, maintenance supervisors, and craft technicians on automated systems.
Performing other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology. Minimum five (5) years of experience in programming and maintaining PLCs, HMIs, and Databases.Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of control and automation programs, including robotics and automation in industrial manufacturing.This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. ‘Green Card Holder’), Political Asylee, or RefugeePreferred Qualifications:
Experience with Allen Bradley PLCs and HMIs.Experience with ABB Robots, Robot Studio and vision systems a plus.Experience with Ignition, SCADAFamiliarity with programming VB.Net, Python, Java, Java Script, Microsoft SQL Server, Windows Administration, and Network Management.Device integration experience via serial, TCP/IP, OPC-UA and proprietary protocols.Experience working within a heavy manufacturing environment.The ability to effectively communicate (verbally and written) and delegate while maintaining forward motion on key deliverables.A high degree of interpersonal skills to motivate and influence others, including those not under their direct supervision.Demonstrated abilities of problem solving, systems thinking, project management, and team building.
Working Conditions
This position involves moderate exposure to risk of accident and requires following basic safety precautions. Work is normally performed in an interior work environment, while regularly accessing plant equipment for assessment. While not exposed to hazardous materials, this position requires wearing full PPE to protect from mobile equipment and hot materials when on the shop floor.
This position requires moderate physical activity, such as all motions necessary to inspect production equipment in and out of confined spaces.
This position also requires a willingness to maintain a flexible work schedule and travel (typically 10% or less) both domestically and internationally, as requested.
Compensation and Benefits:
If a pay range is identified for this job, it is based on a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as education, experience, skillset, market/business considerations, and/or location.
Howmet Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package to support the health, financial well-being, and professional growth of our employees. Benefits include:
Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits coverage, including FSA and HSA account options
Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans offering employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution
Paid holidays and vacation time (eligibility, accrual, and usage are discretionary and governed by applicable policies)
Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs
Life insurance and disability coverage plans
Optional coverage plans for auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance
Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Our Story:
Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email: TalentAcquisitionCoE_Howmet@howmet.com

Source: Howmet Aerospace careers