Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

BEPC Inc. - Business Excellence Professional Consulting · El paso, United States

BEPC Inc. provides Specialized Engineering Solutions and IT Project Management services to Fortune 500 companies in the Life Science and Technology industries. BEPC Mexico, a division of BEPC Incorporated, provides and manages consulting services for Automotive and Medical device companies throughout Mexico and around the globe.

The Senior Automation & Controls Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, implementation, validation, and continuous improvement of automated equipment and control systems. This role combines strong technical expertise in PLC-based automation, electrical and pneumatic systems, equipment validation, and project leadership within regulated manufacturing environments, preferably in the medical device industry.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage electrical and control system projects, ensuring alignment with scope, budget, and schedule.
• Design, develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Keyence, Beckhoff, Schneider).
• Develop and implement HMI/SCADA applications (FactoryTalk View, Aveva Edge, Ignition, TIA Portal, etc.).
• Integrate VFDs, servo systems, motion control, robots (e.g., Mitsubishi), and machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, DataMan).
• Participate in the design and implementation of new automated equipment and capacity expansion projects.
• Execute and oversee Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), User Acceptance Tests (UAT/BUAT), and internal testing activities.
• Lead and support equipment validation activities (IQ, OQ, PQ) in compliance with FDA and ISO 13485 standards.
• Ensure proper integration with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Warehouse Control Systems (WCS), when applicable.
• Generate and maintain technical documentation, including BOMs, electrical schematics, panel layouts, validation protocols, and reports.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting of electrical, pneumatic, mechanical, and control systems.
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance strategies to improve equipment reliability and efficiency.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Maintenance, and external stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership, delegate tasks effectively, and mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, safety, and process optimization.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements in regulated manufacturing environments.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in industrial automation and controls engineering.
• Strong expertise in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens; others desirable).
• Advanced knowledge of electrical controls, schematics, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience with servo systems, VFDs, motion control, and robotics integration.
• Experience in executing FAT, UAT, and equipment validation (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Proficiency in AutoCAD / AutoCAD Electrical.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in automation and manufacturing systems.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Upper-intermediate to advanced English proficiency (written and spoken).
• Availability to work on a 2–3 month fixed-term contract.
• Authorized to work in the location where the position is posted. Be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold a valid TN Visa.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong project planning, budgeting, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Experience in warehouse automation, material handling, or the post/parcel sector.
• Knowledge of networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Serial).
• 3+ years of experience in regulated environments (medical device preferred).
• Experience with MES/WCS integration.
• Familiarity with FDA regulations and ISO 13485.