Controls Engineer - All Levels

About the role

ALTEN Technology links controls engineers to aerospace, medical, automotive, and robotic programs across the full product lifecycle. The role advances PLC logic, automation, and motion systems from concept to delivery. You will translate concepts into reliable control solutions together with manufacturing and systems engineering teams.

Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.

Key facts

What you'll do

PLC programming and controls system design build the logic that automates critical equipment and processes. HMI/SCADA development and integration create operator interfaces that simplify monitoring and control. Automation system commissioning and troubleshooting fix field issues to minimize production downtime.

Requirements

The posting states a pay range of $60000 to $150000.

The posting states a minimum of 6 years of experience.

A Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Controls, or Mechatronics Engineering is mandatory for every level. A Master's degree is preferred for senior-level roles to handle complex program demands. Experience with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens, along with HMI/SCADA tools, is required across the range from junior to principal. Familiarity with industrial automation and safety standards ensures solutions meet regulatory and operational expectations. Recent graduates and engineers with 10+ years leading controls programs are all evaluated within the defined level bands.

Practical notes

Drug screening is required for all selected candidates under federal contractor obligations. Submit materials now to stay on the radar when roles open. Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Good to know

Controls engineering manages machinery, processes, and safety in demanding industrial environments. Programmable logic controllers translate requirements into logic sequences that automate equipment behavior. Human machine interfaces turn complex data into actionable visuals for operators. Supervisory control and data acquisition systems centralize monitoring and control across large facilities. Motion control integrates drives, motors, and sensors to achieve precise positioning and throughput. Cross functional collaboration aligns technical designs with production goals and regulatory constraints.

Questions to ask

Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.

Career growth

Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.