Controls & Automation Engineer

Controls & Automation Engineer

Fairbanks Morse Technology | Beloit, WI | Hybrid

Build the Technology That Powers Critical Naval Missions

At Fairbanks Morse Defense, our work goes beyond engineering. We develop and deliver the advanced technologies and mission-critical systems that help protect the people and equipment serving our nation.

Fairbanks Morse Technology is driving the future of defense technology through intelligent engineering, automation, artificial intelligence, digital solutions, and advanced industrial systems. We are looking for a Controls & Automation Engineer to join our growing technology team and help design, develop, and implement innovative control systems supporting U.S. Navy and other defense applications.

This is an opportunity to work on a diverse range of engineering projects, from engine and davit control systems to test stands and integrated naval shipboard systems. You'll have the opportunity to take projects from concept and design through testing, commissioning, and implementation while collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, program management, and customers.

If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, developing practical engineering solutions, and seeing your designs come to life, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

What You'll Do

As a Controls & Automation Engineer, you'll play an important role in advancing our control system capabilities and supporting the development of next-generation defense technologies.

Controls Engineering & System Development

• Design, develop, program, and troubleshoot industrial control and automation systems supporting engines, davits, test stands, and other naval shipboard applications.
• Develop and implement PLC and HMI solutions using platforms such as Rockwell Automation, AutomationDirect, and Siemens.
• Design and integrate industrial communication networks, including Modbus TCP/RTU, CANbus, and Industrial Ethernet.
• Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, interconnect drawings, and Bills of Material (BOMs).
• Support electrical system design, power distribution, equipment integration, and system troubleshooting.

Project Execution & Innovation

• Participate in the full product development lifecycle, including requirements definition, design, development, testing, qualification, and implementation.
• Support new product development, existing product improvements, upgrades, and retrofit projects through established engineering phase-gate processes.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate and implement emerging technologies in controls, automation, autonomy, and artificial intelligence.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret system performance and historical operating data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Contribute to MIL-SPEC qualification activities and ensure designs meet applicable defense, customer, and cybersecurity requirements.

Testing, Commissioning & Customer Collaboration

• Participate in hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning of electrical control systems at Fairbanks Morse facilities and customer locations.
• Support system acceptance testing at land-based facilities and aboard naval vessels, both in port and at sea.
• Work directly with customers to understand technical requirements, communicate project progress, and resolve engineering challenges.
• Partner with sales and proposal teams to develop technical scopes of work, estimates, proposals, presentations, and supporting documentation.
• Prepare engineering reports, technical submittals, and commissioning documentation.

What We're Looking For

We're interested in engineers who combine strong technical fundamentals with a hands-on approach to problem-solving. You don't need to have experience in every area listed below. We value practical engineering experience, curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to develop solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
• Approximately 3–5 years of experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, electrical system design, or a related engineering environment.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and HMI development, preferably with Rockwell Automation, AutomationDirect, or Siemens platforms.
• Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, CANbus, and Ethernet.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics and engineering drawings.
• Experience with electrical control system design, troubleshooting, equipment integration, or installation.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical design software.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify problems, develop practical solutions, and see them through implementation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to customers and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a collaborative engineering environment.
• Willingness to travel approximately 30%, including occasional customer-site and shipboard visits.

Additional Experience That Will Set You Apart

Experience in every area below is not required. We'd love to hear from candidates who bring expertise in any of these areas:

• Maritime, naval, defense, aerospace, industrial manufacturing, or heavy equipment applications.
• Shipboard systems, marine electrical systems, or naval vessel design.
• MATLAB, Simulink, or other engineering simulation tools.
• SCADA systems, advanced HMI development, or industrial automation platforms.
• Government cybersecurity requirements and secure system design.
• MIL-SPEC testing, qualification, or defense industry engineering standards.
• Commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting of energized electrical control systems.
• Mechanical drawings, P&IDs, and hydraulic, pneumatic, water, or air systems.
• AI, autonomy, machine learning, or advanced industrial technology applications.
• Programming experience with Python, JavaScript, C, C++, or similar languages.
• Oracle, Microsoft Project, or other project management and ERP tools.

Why Join Fairbanks Morse Defense?

At Fairbanks Morse Defense, you'll have the opportunity to work on technology that matters. Our engineering teams solve complex challenges supporting the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other critical defense customers.

What makes this opportunity different?

• Mission-Driven Engineering: Contribute to technologies that support national defense and protect those who serve.
• Hands-On Innovation: Work with real-world control systems and equipment, from initial design through testing and implementation.
• Variety of Projects: Gain exposure to diverse applications, products, and engineering challenges.
• Professional Growth: Expand your expertise in automation, controls, networking, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work alongside experienced engineers, technical specialists, manufacturing teams, and defense customers.
• A Growing Technology Environment: Be part of a team investing in advanced engineering, digital transformation, AI, and intelligent systems.

Important Employment Requirement

This position requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (UNNPI), which is designated Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals (NOFORN).

To meet this requirement, candidates must:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Not hold dual citizenship.
• Provide acceptable documentation of U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization.

Travel: Approximately 30%.

Location: Beloit, Wisconsin.

Reports To: Electrical and Controls Engineering Manager.

Fairbanks Morse Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.